Grisen,

  I have not shot it yet (weather not great) but according to the lay-out dye the lug is taking some load.
  Time wise the measure twice - cut once method really slows down the process, but a real machinist wouldn't take long (I just like to tinker)
Tools needed -- milling machine,end mill,numbered drill bits & a worn out bit used as a pin & 1/4 " key stock, files, stones & felt tipped marker (works well to show contact) 
As far as my dimensions, they won't do Dave any good, as I purchased a blank breech block from Dave and machined it myself - so not o.e.m. specs. 
  Was a fun little project
         Brian

Grisen,

No I meant breech block!  Dave had a casting laying around, not sure where he acquired it.
Mass produced is a strong word (words) as each block & hammer need to be custom fit no matter if a new hammer is made by EDM or mods done to an  original hammer. As I said I like to tinker so I chose the mod way that I can do myself--GRATIFYING 
    Brian

Hi Brian & Phil!

You guys are keeping me on the low, steep part of learning curve about M44s and their parts supply! Please don't stop!!

Still, I keep getting impression that "mass produced" for M44 parts starts at something like a few "10"s. Still awaiting info about someone producing "100s" per run.

Regards,
Grisen

Thanks for calibration Phil!!

I had been looking for a nice range/target rifle in 32-20 for some time. My 32-20 Low Wall hunting rifle will put first few shots with HV hunting loads, from cold barrel, into sub MOA  but, then POI starts moving off POA quite significantly, like some of my other favorite hunting rifles. This Stevens M47 on 44 receiver was first nice 32-20 range rifle that came along at a price I was willing to pay. So far, the strange bore diameter is the only bothersome aspect, and I am still able to get into or near to sub MOA groups for at least 7-8/10 shots at 100yds. Functionally, mechanically and ergonomically, I could have spent $1000s more and not have a better shooting rifle for my use.

However, I would not have bought a plain M44 or 44,5, especially in 22RF.

Regards,
Grisen

Chev.

The key stock I used would be used for machines for keyed shafts or shear point etc. But in this application the force exerted is to the key length, approx. 5/8" rather than 1/4" (if this makes any sense) and in turn exerted on the hammer pin/screw and that dia. is quite small and not meant to carry a load. So the weak link of this lugged hammer would be the hammer screw   not?
  As far as fitment I did mine as you described, upon primer ignition the hammer won't drag, but an empty case w/no primer the hammer makes contact yet will not bind under block. 
  This is not meant to be a Rem RB as that hammer & pin are intended to carry the load, This should only share a very small part of the load and only if the rest of the action is up to a standard mild loaded cartridge.
  Also the lug and block angles need to match (as on a quality Rem RB) because of rebound of hammer by loose or blown primer or main spring failure etc. etc.

  Just my thoughts  (maybe not worth much)

          Brian

Brian, Phil, others,

Given the geometric analogy with Remington rollers, as well as the amount of metal around the hole in hammer for load-bearing screw, it seems that hole could be made larger and a larger, stronger screw fitted. Yes, no, maybe? Pros and cons? IF "yes", how much larger could screw be made?

Are holes in Stevens made lugged hammers larger?

Another thought entered my mind. Can the Stevens hammer and firing pin function as inertial firing pin (perhaps with weak retraction spring on firing pin)? That is, does hammer hit firing pin forcefully enough for reliable ignition, even if lug on hammer retards forward movement of hammer in latter 50% or so of hammer travel??? IF so, could this allow tighter fitting of hammer lug to breechblock???

Why stop "halfway" in strengthening our M44 actions?

Regards,
Grisen

Brian,

QUOTE " I am only interested in trying to replicate what Stevens has done. I'm sure you could enlarge the hole and istall a larger pin/screw,but to what end, this is still only a cast action."

Are you implying that walls of cast receiver, where hammer pin/screw is, are so much thinner/weaker than where pins for lever & breechblock are, that little would/could be gained by installing a larger diameter pin/screw? I have not had mine apart to extent that I could determine wall thickness in area of hammer pin/screw.

I have no issue with your desire to only reproduce what Stevens did. Whether the logic of strengthening the new load-bearing point, that is a logical result of installing a hammer lug, leads to a significant increase in safety margin seems beyond any evidence yet presented in this discussion.    Also, at this point I have seen NO info about actual, verified issues with cast receivers for M47s, M49s, etc. on M44 receivers.

Regards,
Grisen

Brian,

I am coming from somewhat different background and presumptions, although our final goals for our Stevens rifles are much the same.

Yes, I know about that cast ballard. What % of cast ballards in apparent excellent condition, in 40-65 or similar cartridges, even with 20K++ psi nitro loads, have not failed? THAT is evidence I prefer.

I am also presuming that M44 receivers for much higher $$ rifles were made with more care and/or verification that they are sound than run-of-mill, low $$ M44s. Some of my best made firearms were produced in 1890s and heavily used in the 100++ years since, in part by me. They remain good, reliable shooters with ammo for which they were designed. I expect this Stevens M47 is another.

I am also much impressed by the metallurgical advances in 1880s and 1990s and the many quality designs of firearms from those decades. Mannlichers, Mausers, Sauers, Savages, Winchesters, Rigbys, H&H, Brownings, Stevens(?), Husqvarnas, Remingtons, to name a very few.

In addition, I expect that your approach to making a lugged hammer for M44s will prove viable, especially for individuals that have machining skills similar to yours.

We really don't have major differences in goals, even though our paths may differ.
Grisen