#2 is the barrel size (or weight).  Go easy with that 44 in 38-55 caliber.  That's a lot of cartridge for a relatively weak action.

yes , my hammer has the lug on it . do you guys think i can shoot factory loads in it  ?

thanks 
jerry

    High there Mr. VZE2R4VX ...

            Should you be new to the J. Stevens Model 44 "swinging block" action, I'm going to vigorously suggest that you go ever so S L O W with your newly acquired 38-55 rifle.

          There is an abundance of good advice to be had on this forum, and it is advised that you wait until it is all in prior to your shooting any so-called " Factory Loads ".  That term, " Factory Loads " has no definitive meaning and means different things to different people.  I guess you are using the term to mean "store bought" ammunition, which is a dangerous proposition.

         After all, the current ( modern made ) Winchester High Walls, be they Italian or Asian, are manufactured from modern materials and they are available chambered in the 38-55 cartridge.  You would be well advised NOT to shoot such ammunition in your 100 year old Stevens Model 44.

          I have the same J. Stevens action chambered in the 32-40 cartridge and black powder is the propellant of choice.  Yes, my swinging block does have the support lug on the hammer, but it is still far short of being a falling block style action.

         As I say, please don't run out to your local gun store and buy 38-55 ammunition for this rifle.  Get with a knowledgeable gun smith to first inspect your Stevens 44 and have it first declared in safe operating condition.  Then confer with an experienced hand loader who is willing to prepare the correct ammunition which he deems safe for the rifle in question.

Think Safety

Creedmoormatch

I've had several Stevens 44 rifles. Ed Landers, a Massachusetts gunsmith and SS rifle guy, concluded a discussion with the opinion that the 44 action, with or without that lug on the hammer, is safe with 22 rimfire ammunition and nothing more powerful. Some time later we saw a 44 blow up at the Alabama Hunt Club. That's what prompted me to sell all my weak SS rifles. Ballards and 44s and an Aydt.
To my mind, the question is not:"Is the rifle able to handle factory ammunition or a normal charge?". The question is:"Is the rifle able to handle a double charge without injuring the shooter?". 
My opinion only, but a Martini or High Wall or Hepburn or FBW or ..... is a far better choice. 
Now, if you never make a mistake, then forget what I've said. Otherwise, hang it on the wall.
joe b.

I realize that none of you are as stupid as I. Here's the only damage done to my luscious body when an H&R Handi Rifle in 30-30 was subjected to an overcharge. This happened while I was writing an article on the rifle for the ASSRA news.
I think about this with a STRONG action, and the probable results with a 44 or Ballard.
Of course, nobody else will ever make a loading mistake.
joe b.