Hi all, I was a member of ASSRA back in the 1990s, and shot my Shiloh in many regional and national matches in Raton, since we lived in New Mexico.  But I moved, got busy with family, and didn't really shoot single shots for the past 18 years or so.  Getting back into shooting now, and after I bought a 1930s Winchester 52 with Lyman Targetspot scope, I shot in a couple smallbore silhouette matches to get warmed up.   It's just as fun as it used to be, and I may get my daughter into sil also.  But ever since I was in my early 20s, I loved studying single shots like in the old "More Single Shot Rifles" books.  I ordered that Shiloh when I got out of the Navy, during the time of the 4+ year waits.  

This weekend I'm hoping to purchase a nice Stevens 44 1/2 Schuetzen rifle in .22. I've looked at it once, and it was so nice I'm going back for it.  I don't know the particular model, but have learned it should be stamped on the receiver face, where the forearm goes.   It's got checkered wood, hooked butt, all the trimmings that I can tell.  I'll confirm it's a 44 1/2 because I was too excited to do more than look at the rear screw near the wood...thinking that clinched it.  Now I'll look for the rounded top of the breachblock, and the ears of the block extending down when cocked.  Check the ejection/extraction (which would it be?) and a firing pin strike, is there anything else to check?  Thanks all.

LONG RANGE wrote on Dec 6^th, 2016 at 2:26pm:


Thanks.  Like you said, you don't know what it is, nor the asking price.  I know enough to know it's a deal. That's why I'm here, to get some specifics.  I've been collecting antique guns for 40 years.  Stevens seem to be less documented than many other obscure things I collect.  I do know values, and quality, and condition, and originality, and tang sights, and the Unertl scope on it.  I don't know the specific model (such as is it a 45, 52, etc), but it's a fine looking rifle, and has several fancy features.  

Your statement "I know there are many on this site who love single shot rifles, me included but we are in the minority." confuses me.  If this site and section isn't for questions on a single shot Stevens schuetzen rifle, I guess I'll ask at Rimfire Central.  But I always found the ASSRA back in the 90s was full of experts on these guns.  

To someone that knows Stevens:
1. Will the model number always be stamped at the front of the receiver?
2. Do the most .22 Stevens 44 1/2 frame rifles have ejectors? 
3. Most of the high end models have ring or loop levers.  This one has a standard S lever, does that mean it's a model 45 with fancy wood (it has a cheekpiece)?  Or a 51 or 52 with a "plain" lever?
4. It only has one trigger.  Did Stevens make a single, push-to-set, set trigger?

Sure, here is what I noticed when I first looked at it.

1. Premium walnut stock, with lots of figure.  Obviously original.
2. Checkering at pistol grip and forearm (I believe at front, anyway)
3. Carved cheek piece
4. Swiss buttplate, appears silver plated
5. Regular "S" or one finger lever
6. 2 barrels, both with matching serial numbers.  One in .22 LR, one .22 short.
7. Tang sight.  On this, I forgot to see if it was a Stevens.  Could have been another make, it had a fairly large eyepiece, certainly not a little Lyman with a small loop.   

I didn't take the forearm off.  I don't know how, nor how to take the barrel off.  I've read there is a locking  set screw, but I'm not touching that until I learn the technique.  But can the forearm come off by just taking a screw out?  Thanks!

AZ, I am sorry if you found my remarks offensive. I was simply trying to say that if it were me I would try to be as informed as possible before buying any rifle. You asked some questions and I tried to be as helpful as I know how. I you want details about various models of any American mad single shot rifle, you can find no better source than the book, Single Shot Rifles by James Grant. It will give you no help as to value since it was written in the 1940s. I believe it is still be printing. Sorry again for the misunderstanding.

Great! Thanks for the additional info.  So it sounds like I really have to ask the guy to let me remove the for-end, which I'll do.  Now that I'm in buying mode and will have cash with me, I'll have to really check it out carefully, but his price is good.  I think if I made a mistake, and it's just a model 44, I may back out.  But otherwise, the deal is on. I'll show it if I get it.

waterman wrote on Dec 6^th, 2016 at 9:17pm:


Cleaning?  You clean "ordinary" (as opposed to the best BR barrels capable of one-hole groups at 50 yds) .22RFs?   

But I agree with your opinion of 44s, though that doesn't mean they're worth as much (in terms of filthy lucre) as 44-1/2s.

You asked if original Stevens had a single set trigger. The answer is yes.  Way to check if it is on the gun you are contemplating is to push the trigger forward and see if it sets.

I have on on an original 28-30-120 model 44 1/2.  When I first got the gun it was working and was very nice.  It is currently not working and is at a gunsmith for repair.   

From what I have read, these triggers were very prone to stop working.

You are correct, setting the SST trigger only required a pound of two.

Mine still was able to be shot even without the SST being able to set.

If it does have a SST  and you need it worked on Lee Shaver is knowledgeable on these triggers and a very good craftsman.  That is who has mine now.