Steven's Single Shot

by
posted on February 28, 2014
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
R601OG-p.-881.jpg

STEVENS SINGLE SHOT

GUN: Steven’s Single Shot

CONDITION: 30 percent of original finish

VALUE: approximately $250-$350

From the end of the Civil War through the beginning of World War II, the Stevens Arms Company made single-shot, tip-up barrel pistols in a somewhat bewildering variety of variations and model designations. These pistols were made in both target-shooting and pocket-pistol configurations, some even sporting detachable stocks.

Special care must be taken with those chambered for the .410 shotgun shell, since in pistol or detachable-stock configuration they are considered to be short-barreled shotguns under the National Firearms Act (NFA). This law regulates ownership and transfer of certain firearms such as full-auto guns and short-barreled rifles or shotguns, and requires them to be registered with the Bureau of Alchohol Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (BATFE), and taxed each time they are transferred. As NFA firearms, the smoothbore Stevens handguns are illegal to possess unless they have been previously registered with the BATFE.

Happily for collectors, most of the rifled-barrel Stevens pistols with detachable stocks, also known as “Pocket Rifles,” have been removed from the NFA list and can be transferred like most other firearms and legally owned without BATFE NFA registration concerns. A listing of these and other collectible guns removed from coverage of the NFA can be found at the BATFE website.

The pistol pictured is not one of the detachable-stock models, so there are no concerns in that regard. It is most likely the Diamond No. 43 Second Issue pistol made from 1896 to 1916. During this time, the company was known as the Stevens Arms & Tool Co. A total of around 70,000 were made.

The frame appears to retain much of its nickel plating and the barrel still has some of its blue. There also appears to be some roughness or pitting on the barrel, which would reduce collector value. I think it would have a value in the $250 to $350 range.

-Jim Supica

Originally published in January, 2006.

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.