The Stevens Model 15, actually to be completely accurate the Stevens-Springfield Model 15, was released in 1938. First published in the Spring 1938 Sears & Roebuck Catalog, it was originally priced at $3.19 and for a time was virtually synonymous with the Boy Scouts of America. It was also the weapon with which Carlos Hathcock learned to shoot.
In today’s Weapon Crush Wednesday!
Stevens Model 15
Stevens-Springfield Model 15 | Single Shot Boys Rifle
The Model 15 was intended for the boy’s rifle market and was favored for use by the Boy Scouts of America. Most of the Stevens Model 15s had a 22 in. barrel and an overall length of 37 in. They usually tipped the scales at 3.75 lbs. Technically a bolt-action, it was a simple single-shot design, one that locked by turning the bolt handle downward. Its short design allowed the bolt handle to lie directly above the trigger. This Stevens-Springfield Model 15 rifle had 24 parts in total. For a boy’s rifle that meant very few to break or lose.
Actually, in that regard, it’s almost a perfect Marine’s rifle!
The stock was made of birch, stained to a dark walnut color, and the metal was basic blue with some versions featuring butt plates.
The shooter loaded a single round of .22 Short, .22 Long or .22 Long Rifle into the chamber and closed the bolt to shoot. With the bolt closed, a cocking knob on the rear of the bolt pulled back. Four and a half pounds of pressure on the trigger let the striker lose and the round went downrange.
Wow, plenty of fun!
Quick piece of trivia: Carlos Hathcock learned to shoot on a Model 15. (See below.)
Declining Interest
Many of these rifles were built over a long period, but they fell out of favor as new-fangled models came to market. Repeaters by other companies for a few dollars more in the post-WW II economy killed sales and desire for these little rifles. As basic as these rifles are, and as many of them were made, there simply isn’t much collector interest in them. We paid $20 for ours and the shipping cost more than that.
Still, they represent the first step many boys made on their journey to become shooters, hunters, or soldiers.
Actually, there is a lot of potential in these old rifles. They are surprisingly accurate and, despite being marketed as a boy’s rifle, most adults have no problem shooting them.
Removing the stock screw on the Stevens Model 15 allows the rifle to be broken down into a small and compact package. This makes it ideal for the hiker or backpacker who wants to tote a small, single-shot .22 on the trail. Although it was probably made that way for cheap and easy manufacturing, it does show how a rifle most people would walk by 100 times at the gun shop could still find gainful employment!
The quality of what was marketed as a discount rifle is surprisingly decent. The fact that the Stevens Model 15, though now an octogenarian, is still capable of accurately putting lead downrange is a testament to old-school firearms manufacturing.
Enjoying this? Then you should probably also check out the Story of the 1887 Winchester (the shotgun that almost wasn’t).
read the original article in its entirety athttps://www.breachbangclear.com/stevens-model-15-weapon-crush-wednesday/
I still have my first, 22 a Stevens Model 15.It is no longer safe to shoot because of powder blowback. I used it from 1946 to about 1955. Great little gun. Would make a great survival weapon to keep you fed.
I’m 83, almost 84 and learned to shoot at 8 yrs old with a ss 22 Springfield that looked just like that. It was extremely accurate and I got a woodchuck at 8 y o. and some rabbits too. I wish I still had that gun. My father told me the safety of handling a gun and never point it at anyone.I had a Red Ryder BB gun before that and living in the country I did plenty of target shooting.