Author Topic: stevens visible loader pump (Read 2028 times)

hillbill · « **on:** August 29, 2003, 04:43:46 PM »

hey guys! i have a chance to buy a old stevens visible loader pump 22 rifle. it is in fair condition with good wood. action is a little sticky and doesnt seem to lock up tight as i would like it. my questions are does anyone know any history of these rifles? do they have much value and are parts still available? i know for sure it needs a innner mag tube[ the removable part] getting that or finding another similiar one to modify to fit would be a big start. anybody have any info on these?
thanks guys!!!

Shorty · « **Reply #1 on:** August 31, 2003, 10:40:14 AM »

The Stevens No. 70 Visible Loading rifle ( Mod's 70 1/2, 71,71 1/2, 72, and 72 1/2 were variations of barrel length or sights) was made from1907-34. Ballpark value of $250. For inner mag tubes, I've seen dealers at gun shows with an assortment of unidentified tubes. Of course, Numrich is always the first place to look.

gunnut69 · « **Reply #2 on:** September 09, 2003, 06:42:01 AM »

Magazine tubes components can be had at Brownells...

gunsmither · « **Reply #3 on:** September 14, 2003, 06:06:58 AM »

:-) The "Visible Loader" is not a very strong action to begin with. Most that I've seen have excess headspace, and usually "goose loose" in lock up. These guns were made before Hi- Speed .22 cartridges were the norm, and I beleive shooting Hi- velocity loads in them causes them to loosen up. If tight, they'd be ok with Standard velocity cartridges. Use only Standard Velocity cartridges in these old timers.

These are not easy guns to repair, and the cartridge feed lever part is tricky to make, or fit. Chamber ends are usually badly deformed. Parts might be hard to find.

Unless the gun is in very good condition, or you are capable of rebuilding/ repairing it yourself, you may want to consider a different gun for shooting. Paying a gunsmith to fix it could be quite expensive. Safe Shooting! -"gunsmither"

hillbill · « **Reply #4 on:** September 14, 2003, 11:46:30 AM »

thanks guys! really appreciate the info youall always provide when i need it! think ill pass on the pump. it was pretty loose anyway and prob wouldnt be worth what i had in it by the time i get it shootable.