Another allowed/not allowed long range rifle question

[John William McCandles]

Is the Stevens model 44 allowed?

Regards
JW

[St. George]

My references show the Stevens Model 44 as introduced in 1898.

It'd work quite nicely if someone were to replicate an old-time shooting gallery - so popular in the more developed towns.

Scouts Out!

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

My references show the Stevens Model 44 as introduced in 1898.

Scouts Out!

I have an old copy of Frank DeHass' SINGLE SHOT RIFLES & ACTIONS.  He shows the Stevens 44 as being available as early as 1890 and a t least by 1894 and lasted until 1947.  It was meant as a small game and target rifle.  Initially 32-40 and 38-55 were chambered for target shooting.  When hunting loads were used the actiond soon loosened up, so these cartridges were discontinued.  The max chamber pressure seems to be 30,000 psi. It seems many were converted to .22 Hornet.

Buffalo rifle IT AINT!  Popular mid-range cartridges are very iffy.  So, while it is in the period, it is hard to conceive of a niche for it in NCOWS. Unless you want a .22 period target rifle, I'd pass.

[bear tooth billy]

I bought a Stevens 44 or 44 1/2 a couple years ago in .22 cal, my friends great uncle bought it new and used at our local schuetzen
club. It has the original stevens scope serial # in the 400's , and the schuetzen knob with double set triggers and heavy barrel. It shoots great with Eley target ammo. I'm thinking it was probably from the 1920s??, not from our time period but a great gun to
own/shoot. There was a schuetzen park just up the road from my place, and its neat to have a gun that was actually used there.

                                            BTB

[John William McCandles]

I was looking at one in .32-40.

But as the chamber isn't strong enough I'll pass on it. I was going see if it would work for Sierra Sue.
I already have a rolling block in .45-70 for myself.

JW

[Sir Charles deMouton-Black]

I was looking at one in .32-40.

But as the chamber isn't strong enough I'll pass on it. I was going see if it would work for Sierra Sue.
I already have a rolling block in .45-70 for myself.

JW

Frank DeHass specifically cautioned against hunting level loads, but that no problems came up with "Target" loads. Given the vintage of his book, I suspect he was thinking about smokeless loads.  If the piece is in excellent condition and loads kept modest (or perhaps with blackpowder) you may have something. I would have your intentions checked with someone who can see it and give you a better opinion on its safety.  I am not a gunsmith, and am only quoting a book. If the action was a #44 1/2 you would be on to something.

[Chev. William]

The Stevens Model 44 had a long production run and had many 'production' changes over that run.

Early versions had smaller pivot pin/screw diameters and softer materials than the later ones.

Of course the early ones were designed in the Black Powder only era and later ones were 'improved' to handle early Smokeless Powders.  All of the m are best with Cast Lead bullets, and were known for Good accuracy.

I have an old action that is fitted with .292"-.293" diameter Breech Block and Lever pivot pins and is suitable for moderate Smokeless loads.  I will not be using it for High Pressure loads as my shooting is at paper targets at short to moderate ranges.

Talk to "CPA Rifles" about your Stevens model 44, they are knowledgeable on it and the model 44-1/2 and are Very Helpful.

Best Regards,
Chev. William

ADDED 20150103:  Learned some more on the "44" Series:
Earliest had .nominal .22" diameter pivots.
Middle had nominal .25" diameter pivots
Later had nominal .29" diameter pivots.
Best Regards,
Chev. William

[OklaTom]

I was looking at one in .32-40.

But as the chamber isn't strong enough I'll pass on it. I was going see if it would work for Sierra Sue.
I already have a rolling block in .45-70 for myself.

JW

JW, I looked at buying a Stevens 44 in 32-40, simply because I love that caliber.  The research I did ended up showing that the action was marginally strong enough, even for regular black powder loads.  So, as beautiful as the gun was, I passed on it and purchased a Winchester 1885 in 32-40.  Sierra Sue could shoot that all day with no problems.