J. Stevens A&T Co. Favorite Model 1894 .25 Stevens Single-Shot Rifle, 22" Octagon Barrel, Case-Hardened Receiver
Produced in Chicopee Falls before 1915, this Stevens Favorite Model 1894 is a lightweight, single-shot rifle chambered for the now-obsolete .25 Stevens Rimfire cartridge. Its 22-inch octagon barrel, early narrow receiver, and hard-rubber “STEVENS * WORKS” buttplate mark it as one of the classic boys’ rifles that helped build the company’s reputation. Collectors will also note the “PAT APR 17 94” barrel marking and serial prefix “E,” characteristic of early production.
Condition
Overall Condition: Fair – Shows extensive signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Fair – Generally clean with some residue or smudges and slight corrosion; rifling remains well-defined.
Specific Condition Notes: The bottom of the walnut stock is chipped, and there is visible surface rust and scattered scratches on metal surfaces.
What’s Included
- Stevens Favorite Model 1894 single-shot rifle in .25 Stevens Rimfire
This rifle features a falling-block action with an exposed hammer, giving it the strong lock-up and simple manual of arms that made the Favorite line popular for training and small-game use. The tang is factory drilled and tapped for a peep sight, allowing period-correct sight upgrades without additional modification.
The carbon-steel barrel retains its octagon profile and original blued finish, while the receiver shows remnants of its case-hardened colors. Iron sights consist of a post-blade front and a leaf-elevator rear, providing a traditional sight picture appropriate to the era.
Its 12.5-inch straight-grip walnut stock keeps overall weight low, matching the “boys’ rifle” concept Stevens marketed at the turn of the century. Despite obvious handling wear, the rifle remains mechanically complete, and the hard-rubber buttplate with molded legend adds a clear period detail desired by collectors.
Chambered for the .25 Stevens Rimfire cartridge, this piece represents an era when rimfire options extended well beyond today’s .22 LR, making it notable for historical study and display.