The .25 Stevens was an American rimfire rifle cartridge.^[1] To differentiate from the related .25 Stevens Short it is sometimes also referred to as .25 Stevens Long.^[2]

Developed by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company and Peters Cartridge Company,^[1] it was developed between 1898 and 1900; catalogs suggest it was introduced in 1898, but most sources agree on 1900.^[1] It was offered in the Crack Shot No. 15 rifle, which debuted in 1900.^[1] It was also available in the Stevens Favorite rifle, which was first released in 1894 and discontinued in 1935.^[1] It originally used a 10 to 11 gr (0.65 to 0.71 g) black powder charge under a 67 gr (4.3 g) slug; this was later replaced by Smokeless powder.

Some handguns were also chambered for .25 Stevens, most notably the Stevens-Lord single-shot pistols.^[2]

The round was available with either solid lead or hollow point bullets^[1] and developed a good reputation for small game (such as rabbit) and varmints.^[1][2]

In comparison to the .22 Long Rifle some sources note that its ballistics suffered from an excessively high trajectory for a rifle cartridge (a drop of 5.1 in (130 mm) at 100 yd (91 m)),^[1] while others praise its inherent accuracy, and larger versatility due to being much more powerful, especially when used in revolvers.^[2]

Serving as the parent for the less-successful .25 Stevens Short and experimental Remington .267 Rimfire, it was dropped in 1942.

Notable handgun authority Elmer Keith lamented its demise and advocated its revival for use in revolvers.^[2]

References