You made me want to dig mine out
Mine's a Stevens-Springfield Model 87 - - different name, but exactly the same as your rifle. My Dad bought it new at the W. W. Guest Hardware Store (his uncle's place) in Ryan, Oklahoma many years past. My first shots with a firearm were with that rifle.
I'd also be glad to learn when the type was first offered. My parents used to joke about doing much of their "courting" over a hot .22, shooting jack rabbits in my Uncle Fred's pastures. I've always assumed this could be the rifle, but it could have been an earlier one. I kinda hope the model was introduced in before 1942.
When Dad died early -- I was 17 -- my Mom kept it for a while and then gave it to me. I had my own .22s, rifle and pistol, by that time, and I kinda neglected the old rifle. I used to get it out from time to time, but haven't shot it now in probably ten years.
One interesting item about the type - - By pressing the bolt knob in, the action is locked, and it can function as a more-or-less bolt action, for training purposes.
Hope your 87 serves your family as long and as well as mine has served ours.
Best,
Johnny