Value on Stevens favorite

[akluvr]

Just picked up a Stevens Favorite .22. I have no idea what the gun is worth. The stock is missing the bottom screw, so it is loose. The trigger guard/breech release is a little loose but overall not too bad. Also, is it meant to shoot shorts or L.R.? This is the rolling block style, with the octagon chamber changing to tapered barrel. Any help on this will be very appreciated.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

Stevens Favorites were made over a long time span, in many different variations. You might have a .22 Long Rifle (the .22 LR was developed by Stevens), a .25 RF or a .32 RF. www.wisnersinc.com will have a lot of information, as well as spare parts for your rifle.

The Favorite is not a highly-valued collector's piece and in the condition you describe, would probably bring about $100 or so.

 

[akluvr]

Thank you Mr. Humphrey, all the info is much appreciated.

 

[Jim K]

Because they have little value and usually are pretty well worn out, most gunsmiths won't touch them. The same is true for many old guns, like cheap old solid frame and top-break revolvers, cheap old shotguns, and the like.

The problem is that if a smith spends hours, even days, fixing one of those old guns, and presents a bill accoringly, the customer's response often is, "It ain't worth that, keep the &%$^ thing!"

Jim

 

[Khornet]

Back in '83

I bought an old 1984 Favorite which worked fine but had a shot-out/cleaned-out barrel. My intent was to give it to my firstborn, whenever that happened.

Took it to a smith who sleeved the bore. Never had to fix anything else. Refinished the stock which was nearly black and had many dings which I raised with steam. Put a tang sight on.

It became my daughter's rifle and she shoots it well. It has accounted for quite a few squirrels as well. My four sons have all learned to shoot with it.

It is far, far better made and finished than any of the recently-made versions. And it still has the original hard-rubber buttplate. A great little gun.

 

[Vern Humphrey]

I bought an old 1984 Favorite which worked fine but had a shot-out/cleaned-out barrel. My intent was to give it to my firstborn, whenever that happened.

Took it to a smith who sleeved the bore. Never had to fix anything else. Refinished the stock which was nearly black and had many dings which I raised with steam. Put a tang sight on.

Mine is an 1894 as well, and like yours has a sleeved barrel. I'm trying to locate one of those Taurus tang sights for it right now.