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.

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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

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...

If it was mine would be on the way to CPA for a correct stock & DST's   Rest leave as is. Nice rifle as is wonderful rifle restored

Boats

Thanks for all the responses. I followed your lead and found the number 49 stamped on the face of the action (see pic)...so I guess I have a model 49 Walnut Hill with a 44 action? Any idea on what year that would be?

I found what looks to be the set screw on the trigger and it doesn't look like there is room for another trigger (see pic) so if I'm getting the terminology right that is a single set trigger?

Otherwise, the scope is a R.A. Litschert model C with adjustment for 50 ft, 50 yds, 100yds, 200yds or over. There are no cross hairs; is that normal? That may make aiming a little difficult.

I have not shot it yet, but I'm looking forward to it after giving the barrel a good looking at. Off topic, but any advice on shooting it or just put in a standard .22lr and go?

I think it would look great with the correct stock, nice butt plate and all...I'll have to look into that. I first thought there was a permanent mount to attach the front stock, but I've found that is just a loose ring that was soldered in a loop, not to the barrel itself.

Still learning, but you guys have got me off to a good start. Thanks again fellas!
Chuck

Paul Shuttleworth at CPA Rifles is the go to guy for Stevens parts repairs restorations stocks etc. Not only manufactures a reproduction is one of the real experts on Stevens as they were built by the Factory. 

From looking at the photos that rifle would only need new wood & you could keep the old wood in case it ever needed putting back like it is. 

Johnson probably floated the barrel or attached in a different way from Factory. At most it would need the fore stock attachment holes added.  The Johnson barrel nice as it is, is not original so adding holes hidden by the stock should not hurt the value. 

My 1911 Catalog list the # 49, on a 44 1/2 frame. Might be interested to know the engraving was 5 dollars extra. I would call that a good investment considering what it will do to todays value. On the 44 frame I would go along with Leadballs pre 1903 opinion

Or you could just sell it to me.

Boats

The extractor looks to be at 7:00.

There is a little play in the trigger, but I don't feel like it's trying to do anything when I push it forward.

I do see a little thread in the scope as if it was attached at some point. I'm gonna try to get that sorted out.

Boats, I'll keep you in mind if I ever part with it...I would say in today's market it is probably worth at least 3 high capacity mags

From your picture of the bottom of the frame and lower tang, I think you have a single-set trigger. The Stevens single-set operated as an over-center design.

If you look between the trigger and the lever cutout, you will see the tip of the sear spring screw at the very front of the lower tang, which threads from the inside outward. The head of the screw is inside against the spring.