Page Index Toggle Pages: [1] 2  Send TopicPrint
Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Stevens 44 vs 441/2 (Read 18364 times)
Booger
Newbie
*
Offline



Posts: 5
Location: Ballwin,Mo.
Joined: Sep 10th, 2012
Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Sep 7th, 2014 at 10:44am
Print Post  
I am new to collecting and have noticed model 44's being described as model 441/2. I came to this conclusion based on the location of the breech block screw in the forward portion of the action. This should not be present on the 441/2. Am I correct in this or is there a version of the 441/2 having this feature? There are currently a couple of rifles in the for sale forum. Should this be corrected? Would some of you please enlighten me?
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
creedmoormatch
Ex Member


Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #1 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 11:09am
Print Post  
Good morning Booger--

You are correct in your understanting that the two J.Stevens actions are quite different.  The M-44 came first and was of the "swinging block" design and the M-44 1/2 came later and is of the "falling block" design.

I shall not differentiate the two designes right now, other than to stay that the falling block action is stronger by virtue of the fact that the breech block is provided more strength by it's supporting mortise walls. 

There are other nuances in the way J.Stevens used model numbers to catalog the two style actions.

The CPA action is a modern reproduction modeled after the J.Stevens M-44 1/2 made in Pennsylvania and used for schuetzen, and other disciplines of competitive shooting.

Welcome to the ASSRA forum and hope you enjoy your time here.

C.M.M.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
creedmoormatch
Ex Member


Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #2 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 11:27am
Print Post  
Hi again Booger --

I am posting a photo of a M-44 1/2 action which is part of a rifle currently advertised for sale on the Forum.

forum.assra.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.pl?num=1409377263

(Second Photo Down)

First, you will notice that the falling (breech) block is seem protruding in it's mortise out of the bottom of the action. 

Secondly, you will not see a second screw forward of the one finger lever pivot screw.  The absent screw would been seen on the M-44 action and it is present on those style (swinging block) action as the pivot point upon which the breech block swings backward and away from the chamber end of the barrel during loading and again on extraction of the fired cartridge case.

Let me know if you have any questions that one of us may help you with further.

C.M.M.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
shovel80
Oldtimer
*****
Offline



Posts: 896
Location: Sonora,CA
Joined: Jun 6th, 2011
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #3 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 11:55am
Print Post  
CMM,
I believe 44 1/2 actions which were originally made for the .22 RF etc...have that forward screw. Something to do with an ejector...?
Terry
  

ASSRA Member # 11021
Back to top
IP Logged
 
creedmoormatch
Ex Member


Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #4 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 12:13pm
Print Post  
   Thanks Terry for mentioning that.

   I have heard that more than once previously, but never have had an opportunity to either confirm or deny the fact.  Now may be the opportunity to do so.  I have many J.Stevens 22's on the M-44 action and the extractors are engaged by the operation of the under finger levers.

I'm interest in learning about what you've stated.

C.M.M.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Ciao998
Senior Forum Member
****
Offline



Posts: 263
Location: Kennewick, WA
Joined: Oct 23rd, 2013
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #5 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 12:15pm
Print Post  
Best way I've figured to tell them apart every time for sure is the receiver wall is higher and more rounded on a 44 1/2 where it drops down from the receiver ring.

John
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Quarter_Bore
Oldtimer
*****
Offline



Posts: 817
Location:   
Joined: Dec 16th, 2005
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #6 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 4:29pm
Print Post  
I have owned several Stevens 44 1/2's with the extra screw. They were .22RFs and the screw is used as a spot to push off the ejector. It's not that uncommon. The best way to tell a 44 from 44 1/2:
The 44 breechblock does not come out of the bottom of the action. The 44 1/2 does.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
slumlord44
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline



Posts: 2850
Location: Lebanon, Illinois 62254
Joined: Dec 21st, 2007
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #7 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 6:48pm
Print Post  
Quarter Bore has the easiest way to tell. Just look at the bottom of the receiver and it is a no brainer. From the side is a little more difficult but once you get familiar with them the profile is definitely different. The extra screw on the .22 is there and makes it a little more difficult to tell if it is a .22. The centerfire's do not have the extra screw and also make it easier to identify the 44 1/2. It took me a while to figure it out when I first got into the 44 and 44 1/2's.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Ciao998
Senior Forum Member
****
Offline



Posts: 263
Location: Kennewick, WA
Joined: Oct 23rd, 2013
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #8 - Sep 7th, 2014 at 7:02pm
Print Post  
And then there is the 044 1/2.

Muhahahah!

John
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
40_Rod
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline


Extremism in the persuit
of accuracy is not a
vice

Posts: 4285
Location: Knoxville, TN
Joined: Apr 20th, 2004
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #9 - Sep 8th, 2014 at 8:03am
Print Post  
What you are finding is that most auction houses, like most gunsmiths are woefully ignorant about single –shot rifles, actions and especially equipment. Even a casual look through almost any catalog will show easily identifiable mistakes. That doesn’t even account for scopes that are sold as X20 or X24 and show up clearly marked X15. The current attitude is sell it at all costs and see if the buyer will be angry enough to send it back. 

40 Rod
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
KAF
Ex Member


Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #10 - Sep 8th, 2014 at 10:10am
Print Post  
In ads for auctions in my area I see MANY auctioneers list a so and so rifle with a HEXAGON barrel.

I have called and asked if it is a RARE manufacture.........
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
creedmoormatch
Ex Member


Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #11 - Sep 8th, 2014 at 4:49pm
Print Post  
Quote:
In ads for auctions in my area I see MANY auctioneers list a so and so rifle with a HEXAGON barrel.


Great idea, but I'm going to have mine made up with  1/2 PENTAGON and the other 1/3 fully round;
The remaining 1/6 will be cut off as scrap.

No, it would be a DoD contract.

CMM
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
marlinguy
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline


Ballards may be weaker,
but they sure are neater!

Posts: 16289
Location: Oregon
Joined: Feb 2nd, 2009
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #12 - Sep 9th, 2014 at 12:53pm
Print Post  
Sometimes the uneducated look through their bluebook of gun values and see the difference in what the 44.5 vs. 44 are estimated at. They will invariably error towards their gun being a 44.5, as that makes their gun worth more when it goes up for sale. 
I'm not sure that many of those sellers don't know the difference, but hope the buyer doesn't know the difference.
  

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
slumlord44
Frequent Elocutionist
*****
Offline



Posts: 2850
Location: Lebanon, Illinois 62254
Joined: Dec 21st, 2007
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #13 - Sep 9th, 2014 at 7:28pm
Print Post  
The flip side is that sometimes they think it is a 44 and it is a 44 1/2 and price it accordingly. Cabellas had one like that several years ago and someone snapped it up before I could jump on it. Another one that is often misidentified and hard to recognize if you are not familiar with it is the 418, 418 1/2.
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Booger
Newbie
*
Offline



Posts: 5
Location: Ballwin,Mo.
Joined: Sep 10th, 2012
Re: Stevens 44 vs 441/2
Reply #14 - Sep 9th, 2014 at 7:56pm
Print Post  
Thanks for all the response. I am a little less confused..The guns I referred to are still listed. Both have the forward screw and are listed in caliber e not recommended for the 44. I guess the next question should be " can a 441/2 22 be converted to cf?  Thanks for all the responses. Booger
  
Back to top
 
IP Logged
 
Page Index Toggle Pages: [1] 2 
Send TopicPrint