Stevens 44

[Hooker53]

I think I read somewhere that all the 44's had it stamped onto the bottem tang. Is this a fact or did some of them drift through that didn't have it? Thanks for your help.

Roy
Hooker53

[Bent Ramrod]

They had a "44" stamped on the front of the receiver, covered by the forend. Also, frequently, a "0" for some reason. The serial number was stamped on the bottom tang.

[Hooker53]

Hello Bent. Yes IV seen the Ser on the bottem tangn on some of the actions and IV seen a 44. The reason I'm asking this is it seems that some auction dealers think or are told they are 44's when they are not. I know it's a big Diff in the strength between the two. The 44 is stronger than the 1917 Favorite and the 44 1/2 is even stronger. I wish I could walk up to a table and see all three side by side and learn the diff by looking at them. Thanks for posting.

I think now, this may have been better in the Single Shot forum. Mods move this if you need to.

Roy
Hooker53

[John Taylor]

Then there is the 417, 417.5, 418, and 418.5 with a bunch in between. My 417 is the same as the 44 but I think the 418 may be different. There is another one that looks like the 44 but is a little thinner. Most of the 44s will have a slotted screw head on each side of the receiver for the lever and breach. The Favorite will have the slot on the left side only. When to two are viewed together the favorite will be smaller.

[Bent Ramrod]

I notice some of the more knowledgable sellers on E-Bay put a pop can next to their offerings to give the potential buyer a perspective for size. That definitely helps.

A Favorite will also have either a ring hanging from the takedown screw or an oversize head. A 44 or 44-1/2 has the takedown screw down in its socket and invisible from the side.

A Favorite may well have a "44" stamped on the lower tang, with a letter a ways in front of it. These alphanumeric codes were used by Stevens after the space on the tang got too short for a real serial number.

[pietro]

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The 44-1/2 is the only true falling block that Stevens ever made, all the rest being various versions of a swinging block action (the breechblock pivot is ahead of the rear of the chamber, ILO below it) excepting one or two hinged/break-open .22's.


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[GOPHER SLAYER]

The 44-1/2 was also the only single shot action designed for smokeless powder. Other actions designed earlier are just as strong but they were still designed and tested in the days of black powder.

[slumlord44]

The 44 1/2 is easy to spot. look at the bottom or top of the action. There is a bar on each side of the breech block that drops straight out of the bottom of the action when it is opened. As stated the Favorite take down screws extend below the frame. The 44 takedown screw is flush or slightly recessed in the frame. Easier if you are looking at them. The 44 and 44 1/2 are a lot bigger and heavier than a Favorite. To complicate matters as John Taylor mentioned there is a 044 1/2 that has a slightly thinner frame than a 44 1/2. The 418 is basicly a 1915 Favorite on steroids. They have a non threaded barrel like the Favorite.

[MT Chambers]

I can tell from a distance without the action open, from the side the blocks look very diff. with the 44 having a def. edge and the 44 1/2 is more rounded.

[Hooker53]

Man. This is some good info. Thanks John and all you bunch for posting this good info. I will come back to this thread many times when looking at the Stevens on the net. I would like to have one 44 or a 44 1/2 In 25-20 or 32-20 before its all done. don't think I would like the larger Cal's that was offered in this larger rifle like the 32-40. My Fav calibers for these singles is 25-20 and the 32-20. This is the best thread that in a nut shell told me the most in Iding these Stevens rifles. Thanks again all.

Roy
Hooker53

[Travelor]

Might be interested in this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1969-IN-SEARCH-OF-THE-IDEAL-RIFLE-Stevens-Single-Shot-4-Pg-MAGAZINE-ARTICLE-5413-/262337564551?hash=item3d14898f87:g:j48AAOSwr7ZW6O1 P

Not mine, but real interesting.

I have both a Stevens 44 and a 44 1/2. The model 44 is in 22LR and one 44 1/2 is in a very old cartridge, 28-30-120 Stevens and another 44 1/2 in 22LR. I like the 44 1/2 much better. Just my suggestion for you.

[Hooker53]

Travelor, thank you for that post. I will get me a copy of that. I also looked on Cornell's site and found some good reprints. One day I will have a 44 or a 44 1/2. Ha. I wouldn't mind a fixer upper but they are even hard to find sometimes. They tend to run in cycles on Gunbroker.

Roy
Hooker53