Hello all, new to forum but long time ASSRA member.  I just picked up my second 417 and would like some questions answered if possible.  The first is #1xx and the second is #31xx. Besides the receiver color, stock style and butt plate there is a small screw in front of the trigger.  I can guess what it's for but since I have two left hands (I'm a righty) I don't want to make a mistake. So has anyone ever used this screw ? Around when was it made ( the 1xx I guess is 1932) ? In the production life of 1932 to 1947 about how many were made ?. Is there any books on this model ?  I know this is a lot to ask on the first try but what the heck.   A big THANK YOU  for any help.  Richard

Hello Richard,
Ref. your question related to the screw in front of the trigger...I am assuming the screw you are talking about is not the take down screw as pictured below.  Since the 417 is basically the final refinement of the Stevens 44, I would guess the design would be the same.  Frank de Haas discusses the 44 in debth in his "Single Shots Rifles and Actions" book and mentions the the 417.  He doesn't refer to the presence of any additional adjustment screw on the lower tang of the in front of trigger.  Could this be an after market installation of an adjustment for the trigger?  If you post a picture we can probably offer a more educated opinion.  As far as dating your rifles by the serial number, your estimation of manufacture dates may be as close as you can get since manufacturing records are apparently nonexistant.  Maybe some of the other Stevens enthusiasts know of a source for manufacturing dates.  I highly regard the 417 and wish I had one myself.  Until then I will have to contend with my 44s    Terry

thop, thanks but the screw is not the takedown.  It's most likely a  trigger adjustment  as leadball suggested and I thought.  I just have the habit of screwing something up the first time I touch it that is the reason I asked.  I have a CPA with double set triggers and one of these is for tension on the hammer not the trigger.  If someone has used this 417 screw please let me know.  Richard

Thanks,  I'm glad I asked.  I'll try to get a copy of the book.  Was this a popular way to make a trigger stop in the 30's and 40's ?   Thanks again   Richard