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Stevens Crack Shot
The original Crack Shot debuted around 1890 as one of the first "Boys Rifles." The Model 26 version with its updated under-lever came in 1913.
The Model 26 ran from 1913 until 1939, though a brief modified run occurred in 1943.
Crack Shot (1890-1900)
In 1890, Stevens Arms released its first "Boys Rifle" (a term referring to an inexpensive rifle marketed towards children) known as the Crack Shot. This rifle would undergo at least two major revisions during its 50 year production lifespan. At its introduction, the breechblock was actuated with a lever found on the side of the rifle, a system that would remain on the Crack Shot until 1913.
Crack Shot No. 16 (1900-1913)
The Stevens Crack Shot Model 16 was a popular, affordable single-shot falling block rifle made by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company from 1900 to 1913, known for its simple rolling block action, side loading lever.
Crack Shot No. 26 (1913-1939, 1943)
In 1913, a new version of the Crack Shot (designated the No. 26) was produced, featuring both a redesigned action and the familiar under-lever. The Crack Shot would remain unchanged until produced ceased in 1939, with the exception of a brief production run of a modified Crack Shot in 1943
Crack Shot No. 26 1⁄2 (1913-1939?)
Same as Crack Shot No. 26 but with a smoothbore barrel. Intended for shotshell cartridges.
Crack Shot 72 - (1972-1989)
A much later "nostalgia" firearm manufactured by Savage and sold under the Stevens name as the “Crackshot."
DO NOT use high-velocity ammunition
Because the Stevens Boys Rifles predate modern high-velocity ammunition, the actions were not designed or intended to be used with any high velocity ammunition. Using modern HV ammunition could lead to damage to the firearm, or even a dangerous and catastrophic failure of the action. It is recommended to stick with standard velocity or subsonic ammunition
This Crack Shot 26 was manufactured between 1920 and 1939, as evidenced by the Savage (SVG) cartouche on the side of the receiver.
The Crack Shot is a take-down rifle with a single thumbscrew for disassembly.
While these do not have date codes or serial numbers a date range can be established by using the markings.
First determine what company name it is marked with:
-- J. Stevens & Co. (1864–1886)
-- J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company (1886–1916)
-- J. Stevens Arms Company (1915–1945)
-- Stevens Arms (1945–1991; 1999–present)
If it is "J. Stevens Arms Company" then see if it has the SVG (Savage) mark on it.
Savage Arms bought the J. Stevens Arms Company on April 1, 1920
They started using the SVG logo on Stevens branded firearms in 1928.
A couple of closeups.
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Stevens Crack Shot
The original Crack Shot debuted around 1890 as one of the first "Boys Rifles." The Model 26 version with its updated under-lever came in 1913.
The Model 26 ran from 1913 until 1939, though a brief modified run occurred in 1943.
Crack Shot (1890-1900)
In 1890, Stevens Arms released its first "Boys Rifle" (a term referring to an inexpensive rifle marketed towards children) known as the Crack Shot. This rifle would undergo at least two major revisions during its 50 year production lifespan. At its introduction, the breechblock was actuated with a lever found on the side of the rifle, a system that would remain on the Crack Shot until 1913.
Crack Shot No. 16 (1900-1913)
The Stevens Crack Shot Model 16 was a popular, affordable single-shot falling block rifle made by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company from 1900 to 1913, known for its simple rolling block action, side loading lever.
Crack Shot No. 26 (1913-1939, 1943)
In 1913, a new version of the Crack Shot (designated the No. 26) was produced, featuring both a redesigned action and the familiar under-lever. The Crack Shot would remain unchanged until produced ceased in 1939, with the exception of a brief production run of a modified Crack Shot in 1943
Crack Shot No. 26 1⁄2 (1913-1939?)
Same as Crack Shot No. 26 but with a smoothbore barrel. Intended for shotshell cartridges.
Crack Shot 72 - (1972-1989)
A much later "nostalgia" firearm manufactured by Savage and sold under the Stevens name as the “Crackshot."
DO NOT use high-velocity ammunition
Because the Stevens Boys Rifles predate modern high-velocity ammunition, the actions were not designed or intended to be used with any high velocity ammunition. Using modern HV ammunition could lead to damage to the firearm, or even a dangerous and catastrophic failure of the action. It is recommended to stick with standard velocity or subsonic ammunition
This Crack Shot 26 was manufactured between 1920 and 1939, as evidenced by the Savage (SVG) cartouche on the side of the receiver.
The Crack Shot is a take-down rifle with a single thumbscrew for disassembly.
While these do not have date codes or serial numbers a date range can be established by using the markings.
First determine what company name it is marked with:
-- J. Stevens & Co. (1864–1886)
-- J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company (1886–1916)
-- J. Stevens Arms Company (1915–1945)
-- Stevens Arms (1945–1991; 1999–present)
If it is "J. Stevens Arms Company" then see if it has the SVG (Savage) mark on it.
Savage Arms bought the J. Stevens Arms Company on April 1, 1920
They started using the SVG logo on Stevens branded firearms in 1928.
A couple of closeups.
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