Straight shooter: Our gun guy appraises your vintage firearms

I have this interesting J. S. Stevens rifle/shotgun combo that begs an explanation. It was given to a fellow when he returned from the Second World War, who then left it to a friend of mine after he passed on. The stock is synthetic, and it shoots fantastically. I’d like to know what year it was made, and how many of these rifles had the synthetic stock. I’d also like to know what it’s worth (not that it will ever be sold) and any other information about its history. Thank you for your time.

TREVOR FEHR

GRUNTHAL, MANITOBA

The J. S. Stevens .22/.410 combination gun was made from 1939 to 1945, with an estimated total production of 105,000 units, all with the synthetic stock (Stevens called the stock material “Tenite”). Like many inexpensive shotguns and .22 rifles at the time, they did not have serial numbers, as there was no legal requirement for them. The sticker with a number on the left side of the receiver was placed there to comply with the short-lived federal long-gun registry.

Savage Arms purchased the Stevens company in 1920, and in 1950, the rifle/shotgun combination was revived as the Model 24 under the Savage name. Since then, there have been a great many variations, most recently the Model 42 combo gun with a synthetic stock.

The original Stevens combo is an interesting gun, although I’m not aware of any collector interest (perhaps there might be if it’s in 90 per cent or better of its original condition). Your photos reveal a fair bit of surface rust on your gun, which reduces its value even if it functions well. I would estimate your Stevens is worth between $100 and $150.