I just received a stevens rifle back from John this last week, so have a new .22 to play with. Got to try it today, and it sure looks like a keeper.
(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links) This was with bulk pack walmart ammo, slight (3mph or so) intermittent breeze from 5:00 to 7:00.
John did a great job of putting together this rifle, converting a spare breechblock to .22 rf and fitting it to the action, making two spare levers, and installing two extra barrels. If I can bear to part with it this winter when the range is a few feet deep in snow, I'd like to get another barrel in .25-20 fit to it also.
I really noticed today that the original stock with swiss buttplate is not very good for bench work. I'll have to cut a new one when I get a chance, and add about an inch to the comb height and fit a cheekpiece to locate my eye the same for each shot. And, although the barrel is as heavy as will fit on the Stevens 44 frame without being bigger than the receiver, it is very sensitive to where the barrel is rested. Moving it 4 inches on the sandbag makes almost 4 inches vertical difference and 1 inch horizontal in point of impact, and opens the groups out by over an inch.
I need to order some better quality ammo to feed it now!
dave