About Paul Johnston Expertise I can answer most questions regarding firearms, their use, function, action etc. with a focus on german firearms my speciality.
Experience I am a registered Federal Firearms Licensed dealer. and am owner of Johnston Small Arms Co. . I am a part-time gunsmith and full-time gun enthusiast.
Organizations Pro-Gun NH, Gun Owners of NH (G.O.N.H.), Life memeber NRA, Instructor NRA., member North American Hunting Club.
Education/Credentials I have a certificate in machining, and have apprenticed with Ed Lander of NH for 5 years, a full-time gunsmith since 1946.
Question I just received an old rifle with markings of j, stevens on it. It has a octagon barrel and has 22 short stamped on the bottom flat side. I slid a 22 cal. bullet casing and all right through it so I know its not a 22. It also has riffling in the bore. help me find out what I have please.
Answer What type of action is this rifle? Falling block? Bolt? Is the octagon full length or half the barrel? What condition is the rifling in? What you could do is jam a patch down the barrel from the chamber end, about 2-3" past the chanber. Melt candle or canning wax on the stove-top, pour it in the chamber, before it hardens stick a twig or toothpick in the wax and let it harden. Then knock it out from the muzzle end and measure it. They sell a special stuff to do it with but I've used wax with success, and a pound costs a dollar at the grocery in the canning supply section...or steal one of those candles your wife probably has a drawer full of (for looks) and never uses!! Thanks.
They also made a .25 Stevens, a .25 long, and a .32, all being rimfire. Perhaps either 1) the marking is just hard to read and it actually is of the other caliber or 2) it has been rechambered, possibly rerifled. I had a customer who wanted me to convert one to .22 magnum, wouldn't do though as pressures would be too high, but that's just me. Hard to tell with guns of that vintage. I recommend the chamber cast as I suggested. Only sure way to know what you have. If you don't have a copy of "Cartridges of the World" or similar, email me the dimensions, will try to narrow it down. Thanks.
