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deadwooddick
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the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Nov 27th, 2011 at 11:06am
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Noob question; cast receivers, odd barrel fitment… w/ good (proven elsewhere) ammo, what can one expect as regards accuracy at 25Y for five shots>>> 1/4", 1/2" or something better/worse ?
  
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QuestionableMaynard8130
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #1 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 11:19am
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Not exactly sure what you are asking  There are a whole bunch of things contributing to accuracy and the actual actual action (and "Stevens" covers a number of types and variations, so rather than apples to oranges you've got a whole fruit salad) barrels ammo, shooter skills, stock, bench  set-up, sights,  conditions, gunsmith assembly skills, and oh yeah the action.   Manufacturer and actual action probably are not the most significant.

That said with an optimum assembly of factors I've seen "Stevens"  22rfs shoot sub MOA@100 at Etna Green.  However I've also seen Ballards, Winchesters, Remingtons, BSA Martinis, Euro-Martinis, even Rugers that will do the same.   Its a hellova lot more than just the brand name
  

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418Steve
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #2 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 4:26pm
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deadwooddick wrote on Nov 27th, 2011 at 11:06am:
Noob question; cast receivers, odd barrel fitment… w/ good (proven elsewhere) ammo, what can one expect as regards accuracy at 25Y for five shots>>> 1/4", 1/2" or something better/worse ?


Yikes! There are lots of Stevens out there.
This is a 418 Walnut Hill Jr. (hence my handle) from 1932 or 1933. it was their entry to mid level target gun at the time.
Best I can do with these sights is .58" with Eley Tenex at 50 yds.  RWS 50, SK Std Plus, ect, run around .9" to 1" at 50 yds.  You could probably cut those numbers in half with a scope. Maybe cut that in half again at 25 yds. as you ask, so you'd be at less than 1/4" at 25 yds with a scope.  Front sight is a Lyman 17A with lollipop insert.
This is at a sturdy range bench, block of wood and bag in front, bag only at the rear--same setup as this pic off my grill in the back yard.
Gun is stock and original to my knowledge (been in the family for 60+ years), 2lb. 2 oz trigger.
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slumlord44
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #3 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 7:56pm
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Curiousl how you sight through two aperatures at the same time? Maybe you need to add a scope also?
Just kidding! Nice rifle and great groups. Darn things are realy accurate when you consider that they are basicly an improved Favorite.
  
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marlinguy
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #4 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 8:29pm
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An improved Favorite? I'd say much improved, and I think they shoot better for several reasons, but most importantly due to a threaded barrel, rather than a slip fit a the Favorite. Heavier barrel too!
But I bet if you threaded a Favorite's receiver and barrel, and intalled a heavier barrel it might give the higher grade Stevens' a run for their money! Smiley
  

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418Steve
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #5 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 8:52pm
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marlinguy wrote on Nov 27th, 2011 at 8:29pm:
An improved Favorite? I'd say much improved, and I think they shoot better for several reasons, but most importantly due to a threaded barrel, rather than a slip fit a the Favorite. Heavier barrel too!
But I bet if you threaded a Favorite's receiver and barrel, and intalled a heavier barrel it might give the higher grade Stevens' a run for their money! Smiley

Actually, it is a slip fit barrel just like a Favorite--uses a slotted and threaded stud rather than a stud with a loop or knurled knob.  Also, this one is a # 4 countour barrel--1 being skinniest and 5 the heaviest according to my DeHaas book. One trick is make sure the threads are good and clean and use anti-sieze on them.  Had trouble once after a 10 yr. layup--took the barrel off, ran the screw all the way in to clean out the threads--didn't want to use a thread chaser and remove any metal.  Put the barrel back in and antisieze on the threads and screwed it back in good and tight--barrel has been tight now for 3 yrs.
Slumlord, believe it or not, I did use both rear sights for those groups.  It was a tiny sight picture, but you really knew when it was "on".  Lately for bench rest I've take to using the rear Lyman 144 and removing the disk on the front 44L reciever sight, and using the 44L as a "ghost ring". 
Someday I'll get around to playing with a circle aperture insert on the front sight, rather than a lollipop and a 6 O'clock hold.  That'll probably be next summer when it warms up!
Another thing I've played with is using the front sight for 50 yd. work and the rear sight for 100 yd zero's but overall I do like the 144 best for eye relief and the longer sight radius.
PS--my Dad was still using this to pop the occasional racoon after his pet geese 12 yrs ago with just the reciever sight with disk removed (as a ghost sight)
« Last Edit: Nov 27th, 2011 at 9:13pm by »  
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slumlord44
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Re: the Steven's series of singleshot rifles
Reply #6 - Nov 27th, 2011 at 11:48pm
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Anti-sieze is a wonderful thing. Sort of messy like snott on a doorknob but it is always a good idea to use it on anything that you may want to take apart again. Is my memory slipping or were some of these supposedly made with threaded barrels? I have to agree that they are  accurate. Mine in .22 short is a ball with good ammo. I find the .25 Rimfire to be not nearly as accurate as the .22 but then there are not many options on ammo for it. Mostly shoot the Canuck.
  
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