Joe,
This is one of the things I have also wondered. I have a copy of a 1902 Stevens Catalog and on page 25 is a listing for the model 44. About a third of the way down the page is a list of cartridges the 44 was available in at the time under the heading "Ammunition". At the end of the listings reads this sentence,"For special calibers and extras see description of our No. 44 1/2 rifle, which has an entirely new action."
So, they were at least advertising it in the 1902 catalog, however; I can find no description of it in the catalog, unless I am just flat out missing it.
Also of interest to me, The largest caliber listed for the model 44 is the 32-20. If you turn the page , the models 45, 47, 49 are listed as available for up to the 38-55. The 51, 52 and 54 state, "Made for cartridges as described on pages devoted to ammuntion." The pages devoted to ammuntion go up to the 38-55. 
On the page for the model 54 Schuetzen SPecial reads the following statement, "This model was designed to meet the requirements of riflemen who want the best. No expense has been spared to attain this end. The best points of the most approved models have been adopted, making this the most complete rifle ever made for the style of shooting in vogue among German riflemen. EVery rifle is carefully tested from a machine rest, and a 3 1/2 inch group of 10 shots must be made at 200 yards, using the 28-30, 32-40, or 38-55 cartridges to pass inspection."
The comment about the best points of the most approved models and the large cartridges makes me wonder if these higher end rifles were being put out on the 44.5 frame as early as 1902. I am not sure when it was that stevens figured out the 44 action was not strong enough for the 38-55. It is interesting that the 44 is only available up to the 32-20 in this catalog but they mention the 44.5 for other calibers. The models above the 44 are available for the 38-55. This catalog also has all of the Pope stuff listed in it and they do a good bit of bragging about having him on staff, can you blame them?
At any rate, the 44.5 is a great rifle IMO, of course I am partial. I have always wished someone would write a comprehensive book on the stevens lines. There are many on winchesters, a couple on Ballards, british guns, etc. Of course, writing one of thoses books is a good bit of work and takes a knowledgeable collector to do.
Merwin

I seem to recall that the references I have say the date was 1903 for the 44-1/2 introduction.

There is a well known group photo of shooters at Armbruster's Schutzen Park at the "Election Day Match" in Jersey City, New Jersey in 1904. George Bain is holding a Stevens model 44 1/2 Schuetzen, where as Pope and Ross are both holding model 44s.

Bob

I heard, and read some years ago, that Stevens "circulated" a number of the 44 1/2 actions 4 or 5 years ahead of the recognized introduction. Anything to this?

Fred 


'.

Fred Ross was shooting and showing off the 44 1/2 September-November, 1902. 

32-35

marlinguy wrote on Sep 13^th, 2007 at 9:19pm:


No, sorry M-guy, I don't do much shooting anymore. I have a Sideplate in 32-35 and it's one of my favorite rifles. 

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Thanks! Very nice Stevens by the way!-Vall