Stevens 1894 Project Help Needed

[kend]

I have a Stevens Favorite rifle that was built in 1894 and is chambered for the 38-55, it's in really good shape but the bore and chamber are very rusted so I'd like to have it re-bored and chambered for something I can load and shoot. Any suggestions on a cartridge that will work within the pressure limits of the rifle? Any suggestion on who may be able to re-bore it and possibly chamber it? Thanks

[uscra112]

Well, it isn't a Favorite if it's chambered .38-55. Has to be a Model 44 or one of its' derivatives.

Take off the forearm wood and read the numbers stamped on the face of the receiver. Tell us what you find. There were very few chambered for .38-55, and those few were more likely to be the higher-grade guns based on the 44 action. Then we need to appraise the overall condition of the action, and get a couple more details that I'll leave for later.

The 44 family is pretty limited in strength. Stevens quickly realized that the .38-55 was too much for it, even in the 1890s black powder loadings. Ditto the .32-40, which was more common than the .38-55, but is still rare today. The vast majority were made for .22, .25, and .32 rimfires, and the .25-20 Stevens and .32-20 small game cartridges.

Pending a determination of exactly what model it is, the option you should be thinking about is to put a liner in it for one of the small game cartridges that don't exceed 15,000 - 18,000 psi. It's not uncommon for a .32 rimfire to be converted to .32 S&W Long. The .38 special is a possibility if you stay away from +P loads. Definitely not .357 Magnum. Brass for the .25-20 Stevens is becoming unobtainium again :cry: , but the .25-20 WCF is a good substitute so long as you stick to mild cast bullet loadings. (Some factory ammo using jacketed bullets runs to 30,000 psi.)

The action isn't going to blow up on you immediately if it's used at higher pressures, but owing to the peculiar design it will "shoot loose" in a hurry.

Gunsmiths who can liner a barrel don't grow on trees anymore. John Taylor in Puyallup, WA. makes a specialty of it, but he's usually pretty busy.

[kend]

Good info, thanks! I'll dig into it a little further and report back. What little I could find indicates it was made in 1894, the only year with the half round half octagonal barrel and one piece receiver.

[John Taylor]

The 44 Stevens in 32-40 and 38-55 have an extra block on the hammer to help hold the breach closed. I have had several come through the shop and most were shot loose. As near as I can find they were designed for target loads, not full hunting loads. Might be able to re-bore to 44-40 which is loaded to around 13,000 PSI. Relines to 25-20 or 32-20 are popular.

[Drm50]

I've seen a couple of 44s in 32/40 never seen a 38/55. I have seen several Ballards in 38/55.

[uscra112]

That's an idea, John. By some accounts there were some made in .44-40. I've never seen one.

The barrel marking from 1896 onward always includes an 1894 patent date.

Virtually all 44s had half-octagon barrels up until sometime after WW1, excepting for special orders.

From 1920 on, Savage owned the company, and while I find a lot of post-war 44s still have the half-octagon, more start to show up with all-round barrels as time progressed through the 1920s. The 44 always has a one piece receiver, unless it is one of the few fitted with a double set trigger. Those have a separate lower tang. In the late 1880s and possibly as late as 1892 there was a predecessor that had a removable sideplate. Rare and sought-after today.

[uscra112]

In the survey spreadsheet I've been keeping, out of some 235 specimens for which I have filed data, I can find twenty .32-40s, but only seven in .38-55. The .38-55s are crowded toward the early serial numbers, too. Five are below s/n 4800, and of the seven, four are premium models built for Schuetzen competition. Which is why I'm so interested in what is to be found on the face of the receiver.

Both chamberings disappear entirely in 1903, when Stevens introduced the 44 1/2 model.

[arlon]

I think I'd look for something that was better suited to range duty and hang that 44 on a wall someplace. I have a 44 in 38-55 that's in really good shape (I didn't have to put any money into it) but don't really shoot it at all anymore. I also have a 52 (just a fancy schutzen version of the 44 and slightly better locking mechanism) in 38-55 too. I do shoot the 52 from time to time but there are just so many really nice rifles out there that won't cost much more than it's going to cost to get that 44 working. Even after a reline job, you still have a 44 action that will eventually shoot loose even with .22LR (I also have one in .22LR that has been relined).

In USCRA's post above, I suspect my two in 38-55 are the two out of seven with the later SN. Both the 44 and 52 have the strengthened hammer block. All are also half round half octagon barrels. SN of my 44 is 24935, the 52 SN is 46107 and the 44 in 22LR is 31233..

[marlinman93]

That's an idea, John. By some accounts there were some made in .44-40. I've never seen one.

The barrel marking from 1896 onward always includes an 1894 patent date.

Virtually all 44s had half-octagon barrels up until sometime after WW1, excepting for special orders.

From 1920 on, Savage owned the company, and while I find a lot of post-war 44s still have the half-octagon, more start to show up with all-round barrels as time progressed through the 1920s. The 44 always has a one piece receiver, unless it is one of the few fitted with a double set trigger. Those have a separate lower tang. In the late 1880s and possibly as late as 1892 there was a predecessor that had a removable sideplate. Rare and sought-after today.

I also owned a 44 in .44-40 that was original. It was in very good condition, and very tight. Surprising to me back then since I'd heard all the stories of them shooting loose. Had one in .38-55 and .32-40 also, and bought them as a pair. Both were extremely nice condition guns that appeared to have seen little use.

[marlinman93]

I've seen a couple of 44s in 32/40 never seen a 38/55. I have seen several Ballards in 38/55.

No shortage of .38-55 Ballard rifles in various models. It was a very popular cartridge when Marlin came out with the caliber.

[kend]

Finally got to it....the markings on the front of the receiver under the forearm are 44 1/2 and a 0. No idea what that means.

[uscra112]

Finally got to it....the markings on the front of the receiver under the forearm are 44 1/2 and a 0. No idea what that means.

Oh HO! Not a 44 at all! Lucky guy! The 44 1/2 is a successor design introduced in 1903, which is a true falling-block, far stronger than the old 44. Your options are far greater.

As far as we know, the 0 signified that the rifle was built with standard barrel and sight options.

OK for any rimmed high-pressure cartridge you can name having a base diameter of the case smaller than the .470" of the .30-06/.308/8mm family. That's only because the barrel shank is a bit too small for those. Perfectly safe for any sane smokeless load in the .38-55, .32-40, or anything else based on that case. Many were converted to high pressure .22s, like the Hornet and 2R Lovell. (I have one of each, they are both good shooters.) A .25-20 WCF would be fine. I've often dreamed of making a barrel for the rimmed .222 Remington.

Hopefully John will chime in again with better ideas that he has experience with. The .44-40 he suggested is still a good option. Despite having a .470 base, it's a low pressure number.

[uscra112]

Pictures would be nice. We all love to drool over pictures.

[Bent Ramrod]

If it was mine, I’d reline it back to .38-55. Use a modern liner of 0.375” groove diameter and chamber for the shorter modern shells (2.080” rather than 2.125” IIRC).

The same basic caliber and extractor, with the original outside barrel markings, contour and fit, but much easier to get shells, moulds, dies and bullets. You can make them from blown-out .30-30s, or trim back the occasional old one you find. Starline sells the longer shells, if you gotta be ruthlessly traditional and have the money to spend.

Original chamberings beyond .38-55 were limited to .44-40. Not a popular chambering back then.

[kend]

I got it in a trade so it has no sentimental value to me, I just wanted to make it a shooter using a cartridge that was fairly cheap and common like a 38 Special or 357 Magnum. I plan to give it to my grandson when he gets a little older if he's interested in this stuff.

[marlinman93]

.38-55 is a cartridge that's fairly inexpensive, and common. And it will keep the value of a 44 1/2 up much higher than something like .38 Special or .357 magnum. Would be a shame to see a fine old 44 1/2 converted to either of those calibers.

[uscra112]

I suppose "inexpensive" is true for us reloaders.

But is that going to be true of the O.P. and/or his grandson? Not wishing the O.P. to defile an original .38-55 barrel either, but the cheapest loaded .38-55 I see online is $1.00 a round, which doesn't compare too well with .38 Spl. at under $0.25 a round. (Using Ammoseek.com)

What would it cost him to buy and have installed a new barrel?

Could we find him a more prosaic barrel to reline - say, a .25-20?

[kend]

I'm all for keeping it original but the chamber and bore are way too rusted to try to shoot that's why I was looking to re-bore it if possible. I can live with a 38-55, 250 pcs of brass from Starline and a cheap mold will keep this thing running forever as far as I'm concerned. Any suggestions as to who can re-barrel it? Or should I look at re-lining it back to 38-55?

[GOPHER SLAYER]

If you could get someone to help you take pictures it would be much easier to advise you or sate an opinion. The "O" on the front of the receiver meant the action was usually used on lady's rifles or .22s. I have one in.22LR. As I understand it, it is somewhat thinner than the regular 44 1/2. The 44 1/2 is the only one of the older single shot rifles designed for the new smokeless powder. I am not saying it is stronger than some of them but the others were designed in the black powder era. I think the High Wall and the Borchardt are as strong if not stronger. If I were you, I would just sell the rifle, and you would have no trouble doing that. You could get a very good price for it. That is my opinion.

[marlinman93]

A lined barrel put back to .38-55 would be the cheapest option. A new barrel will run you $300 or more, and then fitting to your action another $150. Then there's cutting dovetails, bluing, and maybe rollstamps if that mattered. You'd be pretty deep into it.
A new liner installed and rechambered to .39-55 will run $400-$450 I'd estimate, and keep your gun's value much higher.
The cheapest might be to try to find a takeoff barrel from a 44 1/2 and hope for a good caliber, and excellent bore. Maybe do a WTB ad at the ASSRA forum for a barrel?

[Chev. William]

My Two cents:
1. Ask John Taylor to give you an estimate on a reline to match the Existing designation, 38-55, using a TJ Liner or other liner as recommended by John Taylor of Taylor Machine.
He has done work for me and I am well Pleased wiht both the timelyness and reasonable costs o fhis work.

2. Buy a Barrel blank and have it machined to fit your action, chambered in the caliber of your choice. I am slightly Prejudiced toward Lothar Walther barrel blanks as every one i have purchased has been within +/-0.001" of stated Bore/Groove diameters when slugged.

From your description of your Stevens '44-1/2' it sounds like you traded for an excellent single shot action of moderate strength. Moderate because it is NOT suitable for the Various Rifle Magnum cartridges and is most comfortable with Middlel of the road pistol calibers or target Rifle calibers of moderate velocity and recoil.

I do not believe "O' stamping indicates a thinner, smaller, receiver as several of my Stevens actions have that Stamping and measure equal to others without such Stamping.

Good luck wiht your project.

Chev. William

[KCSO]

I relined one for a friend recently to 32-20 and it is a tack driver.

[marlinman93]

If you choose to go with a new barrel, I'd highly reccommend BRC. They've been putting out target grade accurate barrels at prices of most other company's std. grade barrels. I know several people who are shooting them and doing extremely well!

http://brcrifles.com/brcrifles.htm

[oldred]

They've been putting out target grade accurate barrels at prices of most other company's std. grade barrels.http://brcrifles.com/brcrifles.htm


I wish I had of known about them when I bought my .375 barrel blank! I finally settled for a Green Mountain blank with a 1-12 twist, I really like GM barrels but 27" (around 25" finished) was the max I could get and I really wanted longer than that and BRC has it. As far as pricing at BRC that is some of the best prices available anywhere and is nothing short of fantastic for a high quality barrel, I will have to consider them for my future barrel needs.

[marlinman93]

I wish I had of known about them when I bought my .375 barrel blank! I finally settled for a Green Mountain blank with a 1-12 twist, I really like GM barrels but 27" (around 25" finished) was the max I could get and I really wanted longer than that and BRC has it. As far as pricing at BRC that is some of the best prices available anywhere and is nothing short of fantastic for a high quality barrel, I will have to consider them for my future barrel needs.

They seem to be a little known secret in today's barrel market, and I see guys shooting some of the tightest groups and highest scores around using their barrels. I have a friend who shoots cast bullet benchrest, and schuetzen using their barrels and getting a fair number of perfect 250's with them.

[kend]

251275
251276
251277
251278

[marlinman93]

251275
251276
251277
251278

A light cleaning without over cleaning will make that 44 1/2 a good looking gun. It's a nice original as is, so don't get carried away with the cleaning and ruin the patina.

[kend]

Ok guys, it's been a while but after a move to Kentucky and a bunch of other life-gets-in-the-way stuff I finally got this thing sent to John Taylor, he put a new liner in, chambered it back to 38-55 and fixed the firing pin so now it's ready to shoot. I ordered dies and a mold but there is no brass available anywhere that I can find. My grandson will be 8 shortly and he's interested in shooting it so I was thinking a cast bullet with some Trail Boss might make a good light load but I have the brass problem, any suggestions on where I might get my hands on 4 or 5 pcs just to let him shoot it? I keep checking Starline and as soon as they make a batch I'll order some and work on a decent load for it but right now I'd just like for him to shoot it while he's interested.

[Bent Ramrod]

If you shoot smokeless, some .30-30 or .32 Special shells can be fireformed in your chamber. They will be a little short, but will blow out straight and do in the present pinch. .30-30 shells can often be picked up for free at rifle ranges.

I used 9 gr Unique, with the case filled the rest of the way with Cream of Wheat and a plug of wax in the mouths.

[John Taylor]

If it were mine I would line it back to 38-55. Most centerfires lining jobs are going at $500 from my shop, longer than 26" is a bit more. New octagon barrels are running around $750, ready to shoot. If I can get Green Mountain barrels in the right caliber I can do them for about $100 less but they have been out of stock on most calibers. Most of the barrels I install now are made by Douglas because there is less wait time. Douglas does not make octagon so My old mill gets a workout sometimes. Round barrels are a bit easier and much easier to polish. An octagon barrel requires draw filing after it comes out of the mill and that takes time, and time is money as they say.

[koger]

Pm me your address and I will send you a handful of brass, free.

[wcp4570]

Kend
Glad to see old threads and old guns resurrected especially 38-55 single shots. A nice old gun and a lucky trade into a piece of Stevens history. Also glad to hear you chose to keep it original with the reline to 38-55. With that action adding another barrel/caliber will be easy to do (the original switch barrel rifle). I have 4 guns chambered in 38-55 that make range time a lot of fun and they get shot more than in other single gun in the safe. Cheap to shoot. I shoot the lee 250gr bullet over 9.0gr of Unique. A load that your young grandson should not have a problem shooting.

wcp

[kend]

That's the mold I have and I'm pretty sure I have some Unique on the shelf, thanks!

[marlinman93]

Good info, thanks! I'll dig into it a little further and report back. What little I could find indicates it was made in 1894, the only year with the half round half octagonal barrel and one piece receiver.

That information you got is also incorrect. 1894 was not the only year for the 44 receiver in the same style used for many years. A picture might help, but my money is it's a Stevens 44 action. And half octagon barrels were the standard for Stevens rifles for more years than any other contour used. Round or full octagon are very unusual for a 44 or 44 1/2.

[uscra112]

He's got a 44-1/2 as the pics he finally posted prove.

[koger]

Turns out we only live about 1 hour apart, and I invited him over. I gifted him about 30 rounds of brass, and bullets made from the same lee mold that he discussed, enough to get him to shooting. Very nice guy, we shot the bull for about an hour, love to meet like minded folks. Like I tell folks locally, great folks on this board.