In House Shipping:
Make: J. Stevens
Model: Favorite
Serial Number: L438
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1916 C&R
Caliber: .22 LR
Action Type: Single Shot Breech Loading, Falling-Block, Side Lever Action
Markings: The lower tang is marked “L438”. The left shoulder of the octagon-to-round barrel is marked “22 - LONG RIFLE”. The right shoulder is marked “J. Stevens A & T Co. / Chicopee Falls, Mass. U.S.A. Pat. April 17, 94”. The left flat near the breech is marked “SS”.
Barrel Length: 21 3/4” Octagon to Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a Lyman blade dovetailed directly to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed, and the barrel has a flat dovetail in its place. The tang is drilled, tapped, and filled to allow for the installation of a tang sight if desired.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece smooth walnut with a straight grip and straight comb. The buttplate is black hard rubber marked “Stevens Favorite”. The bottom of the receiver has a takedown pin. The LOP measures 12 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The wood shows scattered scratches, scuffs, scrapes, and compressions throughout. Overall, the stock rate in about Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original. The metal surfaces have been coated in varnish as a preservation effort.
Bore Condition: The bore is dark with visible rifling and erosion scattered throughout. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 4/10 for a C&R rifle.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 5% of its original metal finish. There are scattered scratches, scuffs, nicks, and oxidation over most surfaces, along with a heavy patina. The screw heads are serviceable with semi-sharp slots. The markings remain clear. This rifle has been coated in varnish for preservation. Overall, it rates in about Good condition for a C&R rifle well over a century old.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None.
Our Assessment:
The J. Stevens Favorite is one of the most iconic American single-shot rimfire rifles of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Designed for simplicity, affordability, and reliability, the Favorite was often the first rifle in the hands of many young shooters and rural Americans, cherished for its easy handling and soft-shooting .22 LR chambering. This example bears markings consistent with the early production of the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co., prior to the Savage merger, making it especially appealing to collectors interested in the foundational years of Stevens’ output from Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts.
This particular rifle exhibits honest age and wear, with deep patina and a dark bore showing signs of long use—likely by generations of shooters who relied on it as a trusted field companion. While its varnish-coated finish may deter purists, it serves as a preservation effort, sealing in a century's worth of character and Americana. The rear sight dovetail remains open, offering a foundation for restoration or customization, and the tang is already tapped for a period-correct peep sight. Though the bore is well-worn, the rifle still retains its mechanical functionality and would make a fascinating candidate for display, light plinking, or even sympathetic restoration.
For collectors of early American rimfires, especially those with an eye toward Stevens history, this Favorite represents a charming survivor from a bygone era. Whether hung above a cabin hearth or nestled among other early .22s, it stands as a nostalgic emblem of the kind of practical, affordable craftsmanship that helped popularize smallbore shooting across the nation. Its classic silhouette, original parts, and antique status make it a welcome addition to any C&R collection.