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Very Hot Topic (More than 25 Replies) Information on Stevens Rifle (Read 11840 times)
Rupertus
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Information on Stevens Rifle
Dec 30th, 2012 at 1:06pm
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I've been lurking for awhile trying to learn a few things and decided I need some help. Attached is a .22lr Stevens rifle handed down without any history. I am thinking I have a Walnut Hill, but not sure exactly what model number. 

From what I can tell, the iron sight was removed (or maybe never installed?) and a scope from the same period was mounted. I read that many of the Stevens rifles were custom made, so I am doubting I can locate this specific rifle in a catalog. 

I'm not sure about the fore stock; it looks original, but I have not seen a Stevens with the addition of a metal tang on the barrell to mount an extended stock that large. It looks like the rear stock may have been cut and the original swiss plate removed?

The engraving looks unique also with a deer that's quite chubby and a background that looks almost like bead blasted.

I haven't figured out the barrel numbers signify.

Please open your minds and let me in. I'm new to the single shot rifle, but am quite intrigued thus far. I welcome any thoughts you have on my rifle.
  
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frnkeore
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #1 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 1:32pm
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there may be some good info on your rifle. it looks like it is a C.C. Johnson reline.

ask about your rifle here.

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frank
  

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Rupertus
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #2 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 2:07pm
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Thanks! I've sent an e-mail and am anxiously awaiting a response. It is amazing that C.C. Johnson's grandson would share his history to help others. That really makes my research all the more interesting! In the mean time, I'm still open for any other discussion on this rifle.
  
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J.Francis
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #3 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 4:53pm
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I'm thinking your rifle was modified for indoor 3 or 4 position smallbore matches at 50'.These were extremely popular from the 1920's on and almost every decent sized town had a team that competed against neighboring towns. This game was so popular that scores and match results were often printed in the local newspaper. I currently shoot in a 4 position league on Thursdays and a 3 position league on Friday nights- they get me through the cold upstate N.Y. winters.
  
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Rupertus
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #4 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 6:57pm
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With help from Jerry Johnson, a service record from 1937 was located where CC Johnson had relined the barrel and installed scope blocks for $23.68...Wow! What an amazing guy Jerry is to help out with records like that! Who would ever think that something like that would be found from that long ago.

I'm still studying the rifle if anyone has any other input.
  
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frnkeore
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #5 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 8:22pm
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is the trigger a plain trigger or single set? the frame is cut and drilled for the dst plate.

frank
  

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Rupertus
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #6 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 8:44pm
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Sorry, but I think you've gone over my head. Not sure how to tell about the trigger, it's very light and I don't know of any kind of preset or adjustment it has. What is a a dst plate? 

It seems hard to identify the specific model. Jerry called it a 44. I have yet to find a Stevens with a 5 screw pattern like mine. 

Barrel mark question...what does the 1 signify on the barrel? From what I've been reading, I'm guessing there are different weights maybe?
  
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Rupertus
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #7 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 9:09pm
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Trying to answer my own question, I am guessing dst is a double set trigger or two triggers? Mine does not have that, but that calls for a closer examintation. I found a model 50 on an auction website and it surprisingly appears to have the exact same screw pattern and engraving that mine has. That rifle has the double trigger...hmmm.

It's about 5 up from the bottom @...
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boats
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #8 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 9:11pm
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While Stevens would build about anything most rifles were ordered from catalogs that listed all possible options. Custom yes, from the option list generally. 

Reproduction catalogs are available and well illustrated.  Worth buying to go along with that nice rifle. Somebody chime in with a good place to obtain the catalogs. Mine bought so long ago I can't recall were. Looking at my 1911 catalog # 53 and catalog # 52  rifle model numbers jump from 49 to 51 both on the 44 1/2 action  Yours is on the 44 action.

Boats

« Last Edit: Dec 30th, 2012 at 9:21pm by boats »  
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frnkeore
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #9 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 10:30pm
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the single set trigger is a single trigger that "sets" (makes it a hair trigger) when you push it forward and will have a adjustment screw through the trigger (to the rear), itself. i can't see that feature on your trigger so, unless it will push forward and try to catch, i believe you have a plain trigger. probably not the way it came.

your lever will work with a dst so, it's something you might want to consider, down the line. they can be bought at cpa, the stevens rifle maker.

frank
  

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BP
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #10 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 11:54pm
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Boats, 

Here's a link to Cornell publishing. Is this who you were thinking of?

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The single set trigger in the Stevens has a set sear spring that is mounted in the tang forward of the trigger, which is retained by a screw that threads from the inside outward. Looks like there might be the tip of the screw showing in the picture.

  

There are three kinds of men: The ones that learn by reading, the few who learn by observation, and the rest who have to pee on the electric fence and find out for themselves.
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slumlord44
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #11 - Dec 30th, 2012 at 11:54pm
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44 action as stated. Engraving looks like period Stevens. #1 barrel indicates heavy barrel. #2 was standard if memory serves me right. Hard to tell what model it was originaly since the stock and forearm have been changed. Neat rifle. Great that you were able to confirm who did the work. Have you shot it? Would think it is extremely accurate. Great find!
  
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jfeldman
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #12 - Dec 31st, 2012 at 12:08am
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Grant in his book, says that #50 was the same as #49 with upgraded wood etc.  This on the 44 action.  It's possible you might find the model number stamped on the face of the action.  Forearm must be removed to see. I'd agree that it was ordered with the double set triggers.  Nice find!

Regards, Joe
  
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waterman
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #13 - Dec 31st, 2012 at 2:41am
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The Stevens Model 47 with a 44 action had a loop lever like that.  The front of the action should tell you the Model #.

If the rifle was re-done for 3 or 4 position gallery shooting in 1937, the original DST might have been swapped for a single trigger at the same time.  IIRC, in the 1950s, many local leagues did not allow DSTs.  Also, the DST might not be very handy when strapped into leather or canvas coat, sling, etc.
  
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MAD MIKE
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Re: Information on Stevens Rifle
Reply #14 - Dec 31st, 2012 at 3:16am
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More than likely a 49 Walnut Hill on a 44 action. The 49 came standard with a single (plain) trigger & the engraving is actually acid etched. It would be a nice gun to restore, (restock in factory style) finish on the barrel & action look good. I didn't notice the screw pattern, but since it's an original 22RF didn't they have an extra screw for an ejector?  NICE find!!    ...MIKE...
  
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