[OldEagleEars]

I own a .22 short/long/long rifle (semi-auto in LR) marked as a "Springfield Model 87A - J. Stevens Arms Company - Chicopee Falls, Mass. USA". It has four patent numbers on it but no serial number. It is a rather slim rifle with a tube magazine and small, lockable bolt knob. Since it was my Grandfather's rifle and the first firearm I ever shot (at age seven), it has great meaning to me and I really would like to restore the gun. I also remember it being very accurate and I personally dispatched many groundhogs and rabbits with it as I grew up.
I really need some reliable information about the piece and locate some parts for it. The pot-metal trigger guard crumbled away almost 25 years ago and the old plastic butt-plate cracked in half way before that! All of the original blued finish is long gone and the wood of the stock is in dire need of sanding and refinishing. I want it to be a shooting, working firearm again, something I can pass down to my Grandchildren with pride after I get finished enjoying it again.
Does anyone have any assistance for me in this quest?

[Drriley]

Numerich has it listed in their catalog. good 1st stop for parts.
www.gunpartscorp.com

http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=851

[OldEagleEars]

Should have thanked you earlier Drriley; I have sent off for some parts already and have downloaded the schematic. Thanks to you, my grandfather's gun fill be firing again soon.

[tarheel101]

My first rifle and only inheritance from my father was a Sears variant of the 87 and some years ago purchased a Savage model 6 (forunner of the 87) that is in considerably better condition that the one I used and abused as a kid growing up. They are good, solidly built 22's with some quirks. I don't know if you noticed but if you fire the rifle and don't let the trigger return the bolt stays open until you release the trigger. There is a ton of history and information about these rifles at: RimfireCentral.com Forums > Other Rimfire Guns > Savage>Vintage Savage, Springfield, Stevens. I have bought parts from Gun Parts and both of mine are still clik/claking away.


Rocksocker

[JimB]

I have one of these rifles also. It shoots very accurate. It is one of my treasures. They were manufactured from 1939 to 1968. Sincerely,JimB

[OldEagleEars]

I thank all the members who have given assistance and encouraging comments. Now, one more question: the original finish is almost completely gone from this rifle; mostly from hard wear over the years and some from my younger sister trying to "shine it up" with steel wool sometime in the 80's before I retrieved it from her well-meaning but ignorant efforts. While a new bluing is a possibility, I wonder if one of the new, very hard coatings like Melanite would appropriate since it is to be a "working gun" and not a gun-safe queen. Any thoughts would be welcomed.