John,

Your rifle looks pretty nice just the way it is and 219 Donaldson is a very good caliber. Is there any name on the barrel? The triggers may be original Winchesters, but I don’t think the lever is. If it was mine, I’d just leave it alone and shoot it.

Bob

I'm with Bob.  I would just enjoy it as is.

waterman

The most beautiful rifle I have is the one that shoots the best, no matter what it looks like.

Thanks for the comments. If I decide to do something with it could anyone give me some recommendations for the Color case hardening? Turnbull does great work but is really high dollar.
John

     You have a very nice rifle.  However, may I make a suggestion for your consideration ?

     Although you mention a discretionary fund that you will most likely tap into, here is an alternative.  Bypass the discretionary fund and sell the Hi-Wall.  You should not want for willing and able prospective purchasers.

     With the funds that you realize from the sale of the Hi-Wall, place an order with CPA Rifles in Dingman's Ferry, Pennsylvania for their CPA/Stevens M-44 1/2 rifle.  You will be offered an assortment of stock configurations, barrel selections, action finishes, etc, etc.

     In essence, you can have a superior action built into a custom rifle that will meet you every shooting need.

     Please give my suggestion your utmost consideration.

     Creedmoormatch

     Hello Tom ;

     With all due respect, I did not state, nor did I imply, that the J. Stevens Model 44 1/2 action, as currently reproduced by the CPA/Shuttleworth Rifle Co., is superior to the Winchester manufactured action or to any other action, for that matter.

     My above proposal was merely an attempt to give the gentleman an additional option for his consideration, that perhaps he had not already considered.  I am not one to engage in the childish game play of "my rifle is better than your rifle, nan-a-nan-a, .   .   .   ."

    Nor will I give an account of the attributes of one action/rifle over  another, as in my opinion, it is incumbent upon each of us to make those assessments and to determine what factors are important to us as individuals. 

     The word "superior" does not necessarily translate into the singular.  Superior can be used to denote more than one.  It is a descriptive adjective which may be used to describe a Stevens action just as well as a Winchester action, and many others actions to numerous to mention.

      Creedmoormatch