The Stevens Favorite 1894 Rifle: A Complete History and Review of an American Classic

Introduction to the Stevens Favorite 1894 Rifle

The Stevens Favorite 1894 rifle stands as one of the most iconic, reliable, and historically significant single-shot rimfire rifles ever produced in the United States. Manufactured by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, this rifle became a staple for young shooters, hunters, and marksmen in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. With a lightweight yet durable design, excellent accuracy, and affordable price, the Favorite was a go-to choice for generations of shooters.

Despite production ceasing in the 1930s, the Stevens Favorite’s enduring reputation led to several modern reincarnations, proving its lasting influence in the firearms industry. This comprehensive guide explores its origins, design, calibers, ballistics, competitive advantages, and legacy, making it the definitive resource on the Stevens Favorite 1894 rifle.

Origins and History of the Stevens Favorite

The Beginnings of J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company

Founded in 1864 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company quickly became one of the most innovative firearms manufacturers in the U.S. Initially producing pocket pistols and revolvers, the company later revolutionized the market with a series of affordable, highly accurate single-shot rifles.

By the late 1800s, single-shot rifles were in high demand for small game hunting, target shooting, and training young marksmen. Recognizing this, Stevens introduced the Stevens Favorite in 1889—not 1894, as some sources mistakenly claim. The 1894 designation refers to a refined version of the rifle, featuring enhanced design improvements.

The Favorite quickly gained popularity due to its affordable price, dependable falling block mechanism, and superb accuracy. It became a household name among rural American families, where it was often used for hunting rabbits, squirrels, and other small game.

Design and Technical Specifications

The Stevens Favorite 1894 was a single-shot, falling block rimfire rifle, optimized for simplicity and ease of use. Unlike traditional falling block actions such as the Winchester Model 1885, the Favorite used a pivoting block system, making it lighter and easier to manufacture.

Key Specifications:

Overall Length: ~36 inches
Barrel Length: ~20 inches (some variants featured longer barrels)
Weight: ~4 to 5 pounds
Action: Single-shot, pivoting block (a variant of the falling block mechanism)
Frame: Case-hardened steel
Barrel: Blued steel
Stock: High-quality American walnut
Buttplate: Crescent-shaped metal

The lever-operated breechblock allowed the shooter to open the action, insert a cartridge, and close it, locking the block in place. After firing, the spent cartridge case had to be manually extracted—a common feature in single-shot rifles of the era.

Calibers and Ballistics

The Stevens Favorite 1894 was chambered for the most common rimfire and small-caliber cartridges of the late 19th and early 20th centuries:

Caliber	Bullet Weight (grains)	Muzzle Velocity (fps)	Energy (ft-lbs)
.22 Short	29 gr	~1,080 fps	~70 ft-lbs
.22 Long	29-40 gr	~1,200 fps	~90-110 ft-lbs
.22 Long Rifle (LR)	40 gr	~1,250 fps	~140 ft-lbs
.25 Stevens	67-86 gr	~1,150 fps	~190 ft-lbs
.32 Rimfire	80-100 gr	~1,100 fps	~200-230 ft-lbs

The .22 LR became the most enduring and widely used caliber, as it remains a staple for target shooting and small game hunting to this day.

Performance and Competitive Edge

Accuracy and Handling

The Stevens Favorite 1894 was renowned for its accuracy, particularly within 50 to 75 yards—the typical effective range for small game hunting. The light trigger pull, tight barrel fit, and well-balanced stock made it easy to shoot precisely.

Comparison to Other Rifles of the Era

The Favorite had several direct competitors, including:

Winchester Model 1885 (more expensive, true falling block action)
Remington No. 4 Rolling Block (similar price, slightly heavier action)
Marlin Ballard Single-Shot (higher-end, used more for competition)

Despite these competitors, the Stevens Favorite held a unique position as the most affordable and accessible small-game rifle of its time.

Discontinuation and Revival

Production of the original Stevens Favorite ended in 1935, largely due to economic struggles during the Great Depression and changes in the firearms market. However, due to overwhelming demand from collectors and nostalgic shooters, the rifle was revived multiple times:

Model 71 Favorite (1971) – Savage Arms reintroduced a commemorative version with updated materials.
Model 30 Favorite (1997) – Featured improved metallurgy and modern safety features.
Model 30G Favorite (2018) – Released as a youth rifle, staying true to the original’s lightweight design.

These reintroductions cemented the Stevens Favorite’s reputation as a timeless classic.

Why the Stevens Favorite 1894 Remains a Classic

Even today, original Stevens Favorite rifles are highly sought after by collectors, often commanding premium prices at auctions. Its simple yet effective design has influenced countless modern rimfire rifles, and many enthusiasts continue to restore and shoot original models.

Key Takeaways:

✔ Affordable and Accurate – A precision rifle that provided excellent performance at a low cost.
✔ Lightweight and Easy to Use – Designed for young shooters and small-game hunters.
✔ Historically Significant – One of the most popular single-shot rifles of the early 20th century.
✔ Enduring Legacy – Continues to inspire modern rifle designs.

Final Thoughts

The Stevens Favorite 1894 rifle represents a bygone era of American craftsmanship, when firearms were designed for practicality, reliability, and affordability. Whether as a collector’s item, a functioning heirloom, or a nostalgic shooter, the Favorite remains one of the greatest rimfire rifles ever produced.

For anyone passionate about historical firearms, small-game hunting, or traditional marksmanship, the Stevens Favorite is a rifle worth knowing, owning, and appreciating.