Uberti's 1885 low wall .22lr vs. Steven's Favorite .22lr

[horseman308]

I've been wanting a falling block .22lr for what feels like forever. The big hang-up has been that until just recently I was only ever aware of the Uberti, which seems to run around $800 to $1000, or the Winchester which goes for more.

Just recently I became aware of the Steven's Favorite and what seems to be the next step up, the Varner. Both of these are between 1/3 to 1/2 of the price of an Uberti or Winchester. However, I haven't been able to get my hands on any of these. I don't usually like ordering a gun sight-unseen (though I've done it).

My plans for this .22 would be heavy use - not just plinking (though lots of that), but .22 silhouette, hunting, etc. I want it to be ACCURATE. I also really like a rifle to have a little heft to it and to feel substantial. Even though the Stevens is obviously much more affordable, it has the appearance of being somewhat insubstantial. I'm also concerned about some reviews I've read that point to soft parts, rough internal workings, a really heavy trigger, etc.

So, can anyone lay out a rationale for why one of these would be a better choice, keeping not only production quality but price in mind?

[spruce]

It doesn't sound like the Stevens Favorite would fit your criteria.

While it's a good rifle for what it was designed for it has neither match grade accuracy nor real "heft".  It's a short, light, simple rifle well suited to plinking, shooting for the pot, or carrying on the trap line.

Ruger No. 1's have been rebarreled to .22 rimfires (bore is slightly off center), but that wouldn't be an inexpensive route to go either.

[Lurker]

Have you seen this?

http://www.varnerguns.com/

I ran across a first run Varner, one that was made in Georgia, in a gun shop. It was unfired since it left the factory. It's a great little gun.

Bill

[Hairtrigger]

Have you seen this?

http://www.varnerguns.com/

I ran across a first run Varner, one that was made in Georgia, in a gun shop. It was unfired since it left the factory. It's a great little gun.

Bill

What price range?

[NickSS]

I have had a favorite for about 10 years and love it for what I got it for.  I use it for plinking and small game hunting at close range.  The rifle is more like a stick than anything else and probably weighs all of 4 pound or so.  It is definitely not a target rifle.  I have handled and shot the winchester low wall and the one made by Uberti as well. They are nearer to what you describe.  I have thought of buying one but instead I bought a conversion unit for my 40-65 high wall made by Lee Shaver.  This unit slides down the barrel and locks in place on the chamber.  Once properly inserted and head spaced you use a cartridge carrier to clip a 22 LR to that looks like a 40-65 case.  The adapter fires unbelievably well.  I have shot sub moa groups at 100 yards with it with good ammo and iron sights.

[Chris Potts]

Have you seen this?

http://www.varnerguns.com/

I ran across a first run Varner, one that was made in Georgia, in a gun shop. It was unfired since it left the factory. It's a great little gun.

Bill

What price range?

I email them with a couple of questions here's the response

"The Hunter is $529.00, the Deluxe is $569.00.  Being trigger manufacturers and competitive shooter we understand trigger pull quality and get these out the door at a crisp 2.5 pounds..  You can shoot the eye out of a fly at 100 yards with our match chamber and micro groove barrels.
 
Greg Roberts"

[gunnut69]

I've a conversion for a No.1 to 22 rimfire. In it the link that elevates the block is a bit longer(shorter???) than standard. This allows the firing pin to strike the rim of the rimfire round... I've not used it but the barrel is not off centered.

[Hairtrigger]

I have a No.1 action in the safe that I purchased to make into a nice 22lr rifle. Once I got down to it I realized it would be a much nicer rifle if the action was not so large and now I have not used the action. Kind of like making a rimfire out of a Rem 700... it could be done but there is a better way.

[Rangr44]

[I also really like a rifle to have a little heft to it and to feel substantial.]
[Even though the Stevens is obviously much more affordable, it has the appearance of being somewhat insubstantial. I'm also concerned about some reviews I've read that point to soft parts, rough internal workings, a really heavy trigger, etc.]

Then please consider:  No matter HOW nice-looking/fancy (as in: Varner) the Favorite started life as, and basically remains, a boy's rifle - a plinker, and NOT a heavy-duty target or hunting firearm.

One of the things, I've learned over the years is: Money isn't everything, it's only green/colored paper - and one can usually obtain more, one way or another.

.

[ratherbefishin]

are the Varna .22s still being made?-I thought they shut down some time ago