Stevens Model 85 - malfunctioning?

[P.E. Islander]

I have a Stevens model 85 .22 semi-auto rifle that came to me as a bunch of parts in a box. After cleaning it up and putting it back together I found out that it is is reasonably accurate and reliable. However this thing functions differently than any other .22 I've fired - the bolt stays back after a shot is fired and flies ahead when the trigger is released. Since I've never seen another one of these in action I'm wondering if this is normal, but looking at the guts of the rifle it appears that it was designed to work this way.

Here's a video of the rifle being fired:

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=LP8KJ4s59DQ

I would appreciate hearing from other owners of these Stevens to hear if your rifles work the same way or if mine is acting strangely.

 

[skeetgunner]

Totally normal. From memory, there was also a way to manipulate the bolt knob so that the gun would become single shot too.

Try the "other guns" forum over at www.rimfirecentral.com for some more info, couple of good postings there.

 

[cyclone]

Totally normal. From memory, there was also a way to manipulate the bolt knob so that the gun would become single shot too.

x 2: you either pushed-in the bolt or pulled-out the bolt (I forget which) to make it bolt-action-like.

 

[P.E. Islander]

Thanks for the replies.

I'm not sure just what the purpose of the "single shot" mode is, I've never had reason to want a semi-auto to turn into a "sort-of" bolt action. Whenever I take this thing to the range people always seem to comment on the strange action.

 

[cyclone]

I'm not sure just what the purpose of the "single shot" mode is, I've never had reason to want a semi-auto to turn into a "sort-of" bolt action.

I think the purpose was to enable the manufacturers to put S/L/LR on the rifle...

 

[lone-wolf]

Would that be called an open bolt type action? Or am I off.

 

[skeetgunner]

I'm not sure just what the purpose of the "single shot" mode is,

Training youngsters was the official reason.

I think the purpose was to enable the manufacturers to put S/L/LR on the rifle...

That too!

Would that be called an open bolt type action? Or am I off.

No, its closed bolt. Its just that the bolt stays back until you release the trigger. When you release, it fly's forward, strips and chambers a round and you have to pull the trigger again. From memory, twas a long time ago.