Gunsmithing the Stevens Model 70 Visible Loader

Parts and notes: https://firearmusernetwork.com/working-the-stevens-visible-loader/

The Stevens Model 70 Visible Loader is starting to show collector interest. Here is the critical function, disassembly, and reassembly procedures with a guide to reference materials and parts.

In 1907 Edward Redfield, brother of scope maker John Redfield, was awarded a patent number 852241 for a new repeating firearm. This initial design was modified for a second patent which used a new locking system and is the design actually produced.

Stevens started producing the rifle in 1908 through the 1920s and then Savage continued it until 1934. During production, numerous small changes were made. 100,000 of these rifles were produced over the course of a twenty six year period

The Stevens Model 70 Visible Loader has good interest with information available online but no single resource had all the necessary information
Leroy Wisner’s Handbook of Hard-To-Find Gun Parts Drawings, available from Brownells, and NRA Firearms Assembly Manual were two useful reference books

When the slide handle is moved to the rear, the locking cam retracts into the slide handle. The breech moves to the rear, cocking the hammer. The lifter
moves the firing pin to the rear and lifts a cartridge up between the extractors. When the slide handle is returned to the forward position, the cartridge enters the chamber, the locking cam rotates out to block rearward movement and the hammer lock lifts to block the slide. As long as the hammer is cocked the breech remains locked and the slide is prevented from rearward movement.