Stevens Model 414 Armory Diopter and Production Date Questions

[Nabs]

Hello all,

I recently got this amazing, minty condition Stevens Model 414 Armory Rifle in .22LR. These were prized as accurate guns, and it shoots sub M.O.A. for me at 50 and 100 yards, standing freehand, with CCI Stinger ammunition. Amazing rifle, very happy with it. They were used in 1910 by the American Olympic Shooting Team to win the Olympic

I am looking for information on production dates and numbers - I have found different sources that say these were made from 1908-1936, or 1912-1932, or 1910-1937. Serial numbers don't seem to make sense, I would like to try to track down when mine was made. Looks like the serial number was partially struck then overstruck (end of the punch die's life maybe?) Serial 90086.

Most importantly I am looking for what kind of diopter sights I can buy for this gun. It is drilled from factory for them, and there are many pictures of the internet of them being sold with micrometer adjustable wrist tang mounted diopters. I know little of these, such as makes, models, prices and where to buy one. The drill holes for the base are 1.5" apart. Some info and help with this (if you have a diopter for this gun or one that would fit, please contact me with a private message and we can talk about me purchasing it from you!)

Thanks very much; ANY info on this gun is appreciated!

Here is a link to the pictures of the rifle in question.

https://imgur.com/a/syRv1oD

Cheers!
Nabs

 

[vagrantviking]

Look at the offerings from MVA, Lee Shaver, or CPA might have something.
Some research or questions at the ASSRA forums might get you more information on the original sights used.
https://www.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl

 

[sillymike]

Very nice!

 

[marshall]

The tang sight would be the same as all the ideals.
I had one years ago when I was collecting Stevens and the marlin , ballards.
I think the front was a hooded like a 17, Back receiver was a peep, but don't remember brand. Stevens did build sights, scopes back in the day.
I may have a picture , but will take a bit of digging/ time.
Mine was as new, complete. would be 40-50yrs ago now.

 

[Blastattack]

Marbles makes excellent tang sights, and they’re windage adjustable. I’m sure something from their catalogue would fit.

 

[duncansuds]

I have a BSA #8 tang on my 414.

My tang holes Center to Center are 1.335 though, being an early example 68*** it may be different.

 

[duncansuds]

By the Op, that’s a very nice example. I need an original rear sight for mine, if you ever come across an extra!

 

[Nabs]

Hello! Thanks for the great replies. Beautiful 414, duncansuds! Can you private message me, and I will send you my email - I'd love to see pictures of your 414!

Still looking for other rear sights, but a BSA #8 tang is nice, and I have seen several 414's with that exact style. However, I don't think it would fit my holes. My holes even have tiny screws in them, so I am sure they are factory.

Blastattack, I will have to look up Marbles, never heard of them.

 

[Nabs]

Thanks for posting these pictures

 

[Nabs]

Now if only I could find out what the original equipment was, or the options list, or anything it would be great

 

[duncansuds]

I’ll throw it in here instead, who knows, maybe we can get a Stevens target rifle #### thread going!