I was just given a Stevens, Savage Arms Corporation, Model 15A, bolt action, single-shot, 22 rifle. The barrel stamp / inscription also says it will fire 22 short, long, and long rifle ammunition.

[A Remington Model 870 12 guage pump shotgun, and a GAMO .22 calibre pellet rifle, are the first and second members of my arsenal, respectively.]

No luck so far finding an owner's manual or part diagram of the Model 15A. Previous owner never used the rifle and had gotten it from someone else.

I guess I will follow the steps on the Savage Arms website for dissassmbling and cleaning the gun before doing anything else:

http://www.savagearms.com/firearms/cleaningrimfirebolt/

Remember this url http://stevespages.com/ipb-stevens-15.html

dweste -- Nice rifle for your needs. Get a variety of .22LR as well as some .22Long CB. The CB is very quiet from a rifle length barrel. See which of the .22LR gets you the best groups. Buy a couple bricks of that.

Nice URL, EMP !

Thanks.

Other than for long term storage where you may want the bore oiled due to a specific environment, rimfire bores don't usually need
a lot of cleaning. A few guns may shoot better clean, some better
fouled.

I like the standard velocity rimfire for accuracy.

No serial number visible. Apparently none required before the Gun Control Act of 1968. Stevens / Savage Model 15A 22 believed manufactured in the 1950's and 60's. Guns over 50 years old may be "antiques," which effects some registration requirements.

Gun dealer took a look at the rifle and in response to my query about the need for registration said, "No, this old thing just needs to be cleaned, used safely, and kept safely - and remember the only "safety" with this gun is to unload it."

My late father had this same rifle, taught me to shoot with it. I guess it's mine now, as noone else wants it. I figure if it will shoot anything .22 why not? Need to go pick it up from my sister sometime.

Numrich is a good source for parts and schematics, too:
http://www.gunpartscorp.com/catalog/Products.aspx?catid=4405

They stock several parts on old firearms, if you need some.

I have a feeling that rim-fire rifle is one that should not be dry-fired. IIRC it messes up the firing pin.

A good .22 will serve you well. I bought a new Ruger 10/22 a year or so ago. I put a BSA 4x30 scope on it and can easily hit a dime at 30 yards with it.

I've seen pics from guys who actually hunt deer with a .22. Anything smaller should be a piece of cake with good shot placement.