Took a punt (as they say out here in Australia) on a poorly described Stevens rifle in an on-line auction. The rifle was described a a Stevens Ideal rifle marked with "Stevens-Bore" on the barrel. I also thought the opening bid price was stupidly low. So I bit the bullet, signed up and entered the low opening bid.

From the one picture on the auction site, it appeared to be a Model 47 Stevens-Pope with False Muzzle, a vernier rear and a spirit level windage front sight. There were a few issues described such as the extended stock and additional soldiered on finger loops but looked ok for the money.

I was the only bidder in the end and was delighted to find that the rifle was coming my way. It turned up today and was in far better condition than described or as represented in the single picture. 

It follows the basic Model 47 Pattern but with checkering at the wrist and what is clearly modified checkering on the 2 screw fore end. The false muzzle is matching numbered to the barrel and the front windgage front sight appears to be Winchester rather than Stevens. The receiver is marked/stamped with 52.

Will endeavour to get some better pictures on the weekend but hopefully the ones attached will be of interest. 

I think I have used this years gun collecting luck with this one!  Oh, and by the way after a quick clean the bore appears to be close to perfect.

Just realised that it is also a single set trigger. ---- My day continues to improve!

Well done. Out of curiosity, was the rifle proofed and if so, can you post pictures of the proof marks? Regards, Chris

Andover Arms wrote on Oct 20^th, 2025 at 8:27am:


Hi Chris, no proof marks as Australia had direct import of most US manufactured arms. It is reasonably common to see Winchesters and Colts with English proofs though.

False muzzle barrels had the post that blocked the front sight, so no reason to need a index mark to align the false muzzle. Just point it straight up and it's aligned.
That's a very neat and unique Stevens 47! Well done!

marlinguy wrote on Oct 20^th, 2025 at 9:47pm:


The index mark was used for rod length or projectile seating depth I believe. Have read this a couple of times but can't currently locate the reference at the moment. Some small ephermal note in the back of my mind perhaps?

If used as a projectile loading depth, was it the base of the bullet or the seating rod length based off the tip/top? Will do a chamber cast over the weekend and see what that indicates... yet another little Stevens Project.

On that, if any one has a Hepburn sprit Level front sight,  I am looking for one to fit my other Model 47 that has had Hepburn sights fitted. I have the front sight base but not a complete unit.  Another local  Model 47 rifle with odd features but kind of makes sense given the South Aus shooting communities and clubs along with the probable retailer of the rifle concerned.

Will post pictures of Bothe rifle later this week. 

Single trigger,loop lever,and the style of the buttstock. The action on a #52 would be engraved also. Mis-marked actions and barrels are not that uncommon in Stevens rifles.

Forgive me but how is the situation in Australia as far as gun purchases and ownership. I thought it was very difficult to purchase a gun now. Just curious and thanks. I'm in the US...



JMH