Stevens Model 87
Savage Arms (J. Stevens Arms Company) · Rifle · Discontinued · 1938
Also known as: Stevens Model 87A, Springfield Model 87, Savage Model 6, Gill Gun, Click Clack
Overview
The Stevens Model 87 is an American .22 rimfire semi-automatic rifle produced by the J. Stevens Arms Company, a division of Savage Arms, from 1938 to 1982. A simple blowback-operated rifle fed from a tubular magazine under the barrel, it chambers .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges (holding 15 rounds of .22 LR). It is widely known as the 'Gill Gun' for the row of vented ribs on the left side of the receiver that bleed off fouling gas, and as the 'Click Clack' for its action noise. A selector allows the bolt to be locked for single-shot fire or released for semi-automatic operation. Marketed under the Stevens, Springfield, and Savage (Model 6) names, it was the most popular rimfire rifle of its type until the arrival of the Marlin Model 60.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2270 g (80.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1067 mm (42.01") |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Blowback |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Action |
| Magazine Capacity | 15 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tubular |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Manual Safety, Bolt Lock
- Features: Gill Vented Receiver, Selectable Single Shot Semi Auto, Iron Sights, Sling Swivels
Variants
- Stevens Model 87A - Revised Model
- Stevens Model 87B - Revised Model
- Springfield Model 87 - Rebrand
- Savage Model 6 - Rebrand
Service history
Operators
- Civilian sport and small-game shooters
Production
Production years: 1938-1982
Built in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts (1938-1960) and later Westfield, Massachusetts (1960-1982); one of the best-selling .22 rimfire rifles of its era.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: J. Stevens Arms Company
Discontinued: 1982
Notes
Sold under multiple brand names across its run: Stevens Model 87/87A/87B, Springfield Model 87, and Savage Model 6. The bolt handle can be pushed in to lock the breech, converting the rifle to manually cycled single-shot operation.
Background
Nicknamed the 'Gill Gun' for the eight vented 'gill' slots on the receiver that vented powder fouling to keep the action running cleaner, and the 'Click Clack' for the distinctive sound of its blowback action.