1907 scout 22?

Question

i have a o stevens 22 long rifle. it was made in 1907 i was wondering after a good cleaning if it would still be ok to shoot or is this thing an antique and worth any money?

Answer 1

"Stevens made a wide variety of inexpensive, utilitarian rifles that, to date, have attracted mostly shooting interest, but little collector interest."

The tip-up Model 1 is worth $500 new-in-box, but if it needs a good cleaning you won't get that kind of money for it. Nothing else is worth more than $250 for a new condition rifle. They were discontinued in 1895, though. I don't see your specific rifle in here.

It doesn't look like it's worth too much in the Blue Book of Gun Values, but if there's something special about it it might be worth selling and buying a new rifle and some ammunition.

Make sure the bore and chamber are clean, or have a gunsmith see if it's still safe to shoot before you try. Even minor pitting in the bore can cause the barrel to rupture.

Answer 2

It says "Patented in 1907" right? That's not made in 1907.....

If you could write down exactly what it says on the rifle, we could help determine better the age.

Also, pump, bolt-action, break open,.....what kind of rifle is it?

Generally, antique and vintage .22s are safe to shoot, as long as the bore is not blocked and everything is operational. It may be a good idea to just bring it by a gunsmith after cleaning for a quick inspection.

And don't get too aggressive with the cleaning, sometimes we like to see some aged patina color on wood and metal parts.

Hard to even speculate on value as we don't know the model or a good description of condition.

Answer 3

Apparently you have a J.Stevens Model 14-1/2 "Scout" .22 Rimfire Caliber Rifle. Walnut Stock and Fore-end,18" or 20" Round or Octagonal Barrel, Iron Sights,with a "Rolling Breech" Style Block Action.( Patented in 1907, But Manufactured between 1909-1936)
These rifles do in fact have some Collectors value depending on the overall condition.It is rare to find one in 90-100% Condition, and these would command a premium price.

NOTE* Let me assure you that these guns are 100% SAFE to shoot as long as they have had the barrel and rifling cleaned. It would be virtually impossible for this gun's barrel to rupture due to it's heavy weight construction.......

Values are based on Percentage of Original Finish and Overall condition of the Firearms.

100% Condition $475
90% " $285
80% " $235
70% " $200
60% " $175

Values are current for October 2007 and are subject to change based on market changes. Normal use has been factored into the values as stated.

Answer 4

"After a good cleaning" sounds a bit ominous, bud! Do you plan to strip the metal and refinish the stock etc or just wipe it down? If you want to keep it as a collectible, don't get too rough!

That said, it's not a real collectible no matter what the other guy told you. As to his quoted prices, he claims he's a dealer etc....ask him if he'll buy it from you at those prices?

Real world, not copy and paste from some imaginary guide....you'll be lucky if you get half the amount he stated. A 60% Stevens Scout wouldn't sell for $90, let alone $175. It's more valuable for it's parts than as a complete rifle. Too many folks listen to those oft-quoted "guides" and they then wonder why their gun isn't sold after months of languishing on the auctions.

If you want to shoot it, have at it. Make sure the barrel isn't plugged, of course. If you want to sell it, I'd suggest you leave it as is and let the buyer clean it etc.

If you want a good weekend's hobbying, grab yourself a good oak or walnut board and make yourself a new stock for it. The first stock work a lot of us did when learning the trade was fiddling with the No. 11 (your gun). Any boy with a good pocketknife could do it.