Simply look at the extractors changes they did on the Fav, and compare them to the 44 1/2 time frame.

The 44 1/2 came out in 1903 with the spring loaded plunger bearing on the link.

Then all of a sudden the Fav and 44 have the same system, but the Fav had the lever redesigned to clear the hole for the spring.

Also look at the 25 Stevens cartridge, some date it as 1903. but the Stevens catalogs show it in 1901. Lots of side extractor Fav out there in 25 cal, which corrensponds with the extractor change to center style. Again look at parts lists and you will see patterns of internal changes that can be dated.

Figure an year for the factory to use up parts, but they had to keep a few on hand for repairs, and you can work out a time line of certain changes.

The M21 you have has the S shaped lever, which was only used on the side extractor, and the first type of Center extractor, with the .240 wide top. That is the two normal extractors you encounter with that shape of lever.

Yes the factory records are gone, but they left an trail of catalogs, and parts lists for you to pick thru

I have tracked down and have sample rifles of 6 different shaped Favorite extactors, and if you look at them you can see the production style changes they did.

I guess I have just come from it using a different point of view.

WCFMetalsmith

The collective knowledge displayed around here amazes me.  Observations of subtle variations by many individuals, gained from numerous sources and years of experience, all freely set forth in an attempt to enlighten all of us.  And, it is all the more valuable, especially because of those lost records.

Thank you.

Kudos, gentlemen.

Oye am I ever late on this one! Up here in Canada and locally in southern Ontario I have found a deluxe Stevens that some industrialist father bought for his son. It was the early square frame corner type action , single trigger , straight grip super deluxe wood, swiss butt plate, .22 caliber. This must have cost the father a bit more than the ladies model. You just can't give a boy a ladies rifle you know - it just doesn't jive! It was the one and only small frame deluxe rifle that I have ever seen in 40 years.
There were many S/S clubs out here back in the day. Some interesting gents from Michigan showed up at the events. Ahhh those days!

Life#75 wrote on Sep 23^rd, 2015 at 4:51pm:


In regards to Canada and Stevens, Ken Cope who wrote the book on Stevens pistols and bicycle rifles moved from here in Wisconsin to Canada.