Stevens Arms Rifle

Question
Springfield model 86--patent pending--says RANGER at end of bolt housing--.22 cal.--no.18 or 1B stamped at rear sight.  When was it made?  Any other info. would be great.

Answer
Robert,

The Stevens-Springfield Model 86 was a follow on model similar to the Model 82 which was introduced in 1935.  It was a simple single shot with a hardwood pistol grip half stock.  The Model 86 was manufactured between 1935 and 1941 and again between 1945 and 1965.  The Model 86 shared the same action as the Model 82, but the Model 86 used a tube type magazine under the barrel that would hold between 15 and 21 rounds depending on the type of .22 caliber ammo used.  .22 short, .22 long and .22 long rifle could all be fired in this gun.

The use of the Stevens-Springfield designation was discontinued in 1948.  Your gun was manufactured before then, but since I don't have access to good serial number data for that period, I can't get any closer than that.

The "Ranger" designation tells me that it was a store branded rifle, mostly sold by Sears.

Hope this helps you out...

Doug