Savage Arms and J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company played a major role in American firearms manufacturing during the early 20th century. From 1902 to 1950, these companies produced a wide range of affordable, reliable rifles and shotguns that became staples for hunters, farmers, and sportsmen across the United States.
Please find Savage Arms and Stevens serial numbers per year of manufacturing on the bottom of this page
Origins and Company Background
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company was founded in 1864 in Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts, and became known for producing economical firearms, particularly single-shot rifles and shotguns.
In 1920, Savage Arms acquired Stevens, bringing the two brands together under one corporate structure. After the acquisition, many firearms continued to be marketed under the Stevens name, while Savage focused on expanding its reputation for innovative rifle designs.
Early Production (1902–1920)
During the early 20th century, Stevens produced a wide variety of firearms designed to be affordable and practical. These included:
- Single-shot rifles for small game and target shooting
- Single and double-barrel shotguns for hunting and farm use
- Simple, durable designs suitable for everyday use
These firearms were widely distributed through catalogs and hardware stores, making them accessible to a broad range of customers.
Savage Acquisition and Expansion (1920s)
After acquiring Stevens in 1920, Savage Arms expanded production and introduced new models while maintaining the affordability that made Stevens firearms popular.
Savage focused on innovation, particularly in bolt-action and lever-action rifles, while Stevens continued to produce budget-friendly shotguns and utility firearms.
Key Firearms and Models
1. Stevens Single-Shot Shotguns (Models 94 and Others)
These shotguns were among the most widely used firearms in rural America. Known for their simplicity and durability, they were commonly used for hunting small game and pest control.
2. Stevens Double-Barrel Shotguns (Model 311)
The Model 311 side-by-side shotgun became one of the most recognizable Stevens firearms. It offered reliable performance at an affordable price and remained in production for decades.
3. Savage Model 99 Lever-Action Rifle
One of Savage’s most famous designs, the Model 99 featured a rotary magazine and the ability to use modern cartridges. It was widely respected for its accuracy and innovation.
4. Savage Bolt-Action Rifles
Savage produced a range of bolt-action rifles during this period, known for their accuracy and affordability. These rifles were popular for hunting deer and other game.
5. Stevens .22 Rimfire Rifles
Stevens manufactured numerous .22 caliber rifles for training, target shooting, and small game hunting. These rifles were widely used by beginners and experienced shooters alike.
Design Philosophy
The firearms produced by Savage and Stevens during this period were guided by a clear philosophy:
- Affordability for the average American
- Durability for use in rugged conditions
- Simplicity of design for ease of maintenance
- Practical performance for hunting and everyday use
Unlike high-end custom gunmakers, Savage and Stevens focused on producing reliable tools rather than luxury items.
Use and Popularity
Savage and Stevens firearms became extremely popular across the United States, particularly in rural areas. They were commonly used for:
- Small and large game hunting
- Farm and ranch use
- Target shooting and training
- General-purpose utility firearms
Their affordability made them accessible to a wide range of users, from beginners to experienced hunters.
World War II and Production Changes
During World War II, Savage Arms contributed to the war effort by producing military firearms and equipment. This shifted some focus away from civilian production.
After the war, production resumed for civilian markets, with continued emphasis on practical and affordable firearms.
Characteristics of Savage / Stevens Firearms
Firearms from this period are known for several defining traits:
- Simple and robust construction
- Reliable performance in field conditions
- Affordable pricing
- Wide variety of models for different uses
These qualities made Savage and Stevens household names in American gunmaking.
Collector Interest
Today, Savage and Stevens firearms from 1902 to 1950 are valued by collectors and shooters. While generally more affordable than high-end guns, certain models—such as early Savage Model 99 rifles—are highly sought after.
Condition, originality, and rarity all influence value, with well-preserved examples attracting the most interest.
Legacy and Significance
Savage and Stevens played a crucial role in democratizing firearm ownership in the United States. By producing affordable and reliable guns, they made hunting and shooting accessible to millions of Americans.
Their innovations, particularly in rifle design, also contributed to the evolution of modern firearms.
Conclusion
From 1902 to 1950, Savage and Stevens produced some of the most widely used firearms in American history. Their shotguns and rifles combined practicality, durability, and affordability, making them essential tools for generations of hunters and sportsmen.
Today, these firearms remain an important part of American gunmaking heritage, valued for their reliability, historical significance, and enduring design.
The information below represents a listing of most Savage/Stevens rifles and shotguns mfg. in the past (some data has been approximated). Rather than list these models separately, they have been provided in this section for quick reference.
SAVAGE ARMS CO.
| MODEL | DATES | APPROX.GUNS |
| 1903 | 1912-20 | 13,000 |
| 1904 | 1912-32 | 62,000 |
| 1905 | 1912-15 | 6,500 |
| 1909 | 1912-15 | 3,500 |
| 1911 | 1912-15 | 22,500 |
| 1912 | 1913-15 | 12,000 |
| 1914 | 1914-26 | 49,500 |
| 19 | 1933-45 | 16,000 |
| 1920 | 1920-32 | 12,000 |
| 1922 | 1922-25 | 16,000 |
| 23A | 1924-45 | 88,000 |
| 23B | 1924-45 | 16,500 |
| 23C | 1924-42 | 14,500 |
| 23D | 1932-45 | 15,000 |
| 3 | 1931-45 | 121,000 |
| 4 | 1933-45 | 38,000 |
| 5 | 1936-45 | 22,000 |
| 6 | 1938-45 | 45,500 |
| 7 | 1939-45 | 6,000 |
| 40 | 1928-42 | 16,000 |
| 45 | 1928-42 | 6,000 |
| 1925 | 1925-32 | 36,000 |
| 29 | 1933-45 | 23,500 |
| CS22 | 1926-45 | 87,500 |
| 219 | 1938-45 | 12,500 |
| 220 | 1937-45 | 50,000 |
| 420 | 1937-42 | 13,500 |
| 430 | 1937-42 | 11 |
| 1921 | 1921-32 | 13,000 |
| 1928 | 1928-32 | 6,500 |
| 721 | 1930-32 | 12,000 |
| FOX | 1933-45 | 31,000 |
| FOX B | 1940-45 | 20,000 |
J. STEVENS ARMS CO.
| MODEL | DATES | APPROX.GUNS |
| No. 12 | 1912-35 | 166,500 |
| No. 14-1/2 | 1912-41 | 592,500 |
| Fav. | 1912-42 | 462,000 |
| No. 26 | 1912-45 | 501,500 |
| No. 44+414 | 1912-35 | 23,000 |
| No. 70 | 1912-31 | 295,500 |
| No. 71 | 1930-34 | 10,000 |
| No. 75 | 1928-34 | 19,000 |
| No. 15+425 | 1912-17 | 11,500 |
| No. 35 | 1912-19 | 12,500 |
| No. 35 | 1923-42 | 43,000 |
| No. 41-43 | 1912-18 | 18,500 |
| No. 10 | 1919-34 | 9,500 |
| No. 85-89 | 1912-42 | 38,500 |
| No. 93 | 1912-19 | 12,500 |
| No. 97 | 1912-19 | 16,000 |
| No. 101 | 1914-20 | 5,000 |
| No. 105 | 1912-45 | 221,500 |
| No. 107 | 1912-45 | 443,500 |
| No. 106-08 | 1916-35 | 56,500 |
| No. 115 | 1912-31 | 23,000 |
| No. 124 | 1949-55 | N/A |
| No. 125 | 1912-23 | 5,000 |
| No. 180-85 | 1912-23 | 16,000 |
| No. 958 | 1925-33 | 5,000 |
| No. 116-17 | 1926-35 | 5,000 |
| No. 946-48 | 1928-34 | 7,000 |
| No. 215 | 1913-32 | 61,000 |
| No. 235 | 1912-32 | 61,500 |
| No. 315 | 1914-36 | 192,000 |
| No. 385 | 1912-31 | 67,500 |
| No. 345 | 1916-31 | 3,500 |
| No. 311 | 1926-45 | 145,500 |
| No. 330 | 1926-35 | 33,500 |
| No. 335 | 1926-35 | 2,000 |
| No. 520 | 1912-32 | 191,000 |
| No. 521 | 1930-32 | 5,000 |
| No. 60&61 | 1930-34 | 6,500 |
| No. 620-21 | 1926-45 | 66,500 |
| Mod. 30 | 1933-34 | 26,000 |
| Mod. 31 | 1933-34 | 2,000 |
| No. 15 | 1936-45 | 224,000 |
| No. 11 | 1923-33 | 141,500 |
| No. 95 | 1926-35 | 55,000 |
| No. 52 | 1933-37 | 88,000 |
| No. 55 | 1935-36 | 3,500 |
| No. 54 | 1933-42 | 23,500 |
| No. 56 | 1933-45 | 97,500 |
| No. 57 | 1939-42 | 500 |
| No. 58 | 1933-45 | 29,500 |
| No. 37 | 1936-42 | 29,000 |
| No. 38 | 1936-45 | 33,500 |
| No. 39 | 1938-45 | 64,000 |
| No. 59 | 1938-45 | 21,000 |
| No. 76 | 1938-45 | 6,000 |
| No. 65-66 | 1929-45 | 174,000 |
| No. 82 | 1936-37 | 35,500 |
| No. 83 | 1936-42 | 159,000 |
| No. 84 | 1936-45 | 99,500 |
| No. 85 | 1939-43 | 14,000 |
| No. 86 | 1936-43 | 82,500 |
| No. 87 | 1938-45 | 200,000 |
| No. 872 | 1940-42 | 3,500 |
| No. 89 | 1926-37 | 12,000 |
| No. 94 | 1926-45 | 934,000 |
| No. 96 | 1926-33 | 3,500 |
| No. 416 | 1937-42 | 2,000 |
| No. 417 | 1932-42 | 1,000 |
| No. 418 | 1932-42 | 1,500 |
| No. 419 | 1932-36 | 1,000 |
| No. 237 | 1936-43 | 16,000 |
| No. 254 | 1936-42 | 1,000 |
| No. 238 | 1936-45 | 40,000 |
| No. 258 | 1936-45 | 11,000 |
| No. 102-04 | 1936-42 | 500 |
| No. 116 | 1936-42 | 1,000 |
| No. 944 | 1936-42 | 1,500 |
| No. 600 | 1936-42 | 5,500 |
| No. 900 | 1936-42 | 2,000 |
| No. 515 | 1936-42 | 500 |
| No. 5151 | 1936-42 | 95,000 |
| No. 530 | 1936-42 | 8,000 |
| No. 500 | 1936-42 | 500 |
| No. 22-410 | 1939-45 | 105,000 |
| M.240 | 1940-45 | 20,500 |
SAVAGE MODEL NINETY-NINE SERIALIZATION
| Serial Numbers at Year end: | |
| 10,000 | 1899 |
| 13,400 | 1900 |
| 19,500 | 1901 |
| 25,000 | 1902 |
| 35,000 | 1903 |
| 45,000 | 1904 |
| 53,000 | 1905 |
| 67,500 | 1906 |
| 73,500 | 1907 |
| 81,000 | 1908 |
| 95,000 | 1909 |
| 110,000 | 1910 |
| 119,000 | 1911 |
| 131,000 | 1912 |
| 146,500 | 1913 |
| 162,000 | 1914 |
| 175,500 | 1915 |
| 187,500 | 1916 |
| 193,000 | 1917 |
| N/A | 1918 |
| 212,500 | 1919 |
| 229,000 | 1920 |
| 237,500 | 1921 |
| 244,500 | 1922 |
| 256,000 | 1923 |
| 270,000 | 1924 |
| 280,000 | 1925 |
| 292,500 | 1926 |
| 305,000 | 1927 |
| 317,000 | 1928 |
| 324,500 | 1929 |
| 334,500 | 1930 |
| 338,500 | 1931 |
| 341,000 | 1932 |
| 344,500 | 1933 |
| 345,800 | 1934 |
| 350,800 | 1935 |
| 359,800 | 1936 |
| N/A | 1937 |
| 381,351 | 1938 |
| 388,640 | 1939 |
| 398,400 | 1940 |
| 416,000 | 1941 |
| 438,000 | 1946 |
| 464,000 | 1947 |
| 494,000 | 1948 |
| 528,000 | 1949 |
| 566,000 |
1950
|
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