I made up this graphic to help people identify the two Stevens actions. The 44 and 44 1/2 are often confused, and a picture is worth a thousand words. 

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Thanks Randy, another good difference you pointed out.

That is pretty obvious to most people.  I can draw up a diagram of types of people though.

Thank you for taking the time to show a beginner like me the difference between the two actions.  I really like the computer graphics! 

I had heard there is sometimes a similar screw up near where that one goes, even in the 44 1/2s, used for some special ejector.  So I didn't want that to be a definitive recognition point.

Yes, .22 Rimfire Model 44 1/2 had a screw that is part of the "ejector" mechanism.   But it's higher, farther back, and smaller than the Model 44 breechblock pivot.

uscra112 wrote on Mar 27^th, 2017 at 5:34pm:

No way!!
Babies are gonna grow up to have a tough enough time as it is without having to experience any of that candy stealing kind of nonsense!
Wait til they have to pay taxes!    

I'm glad I was able to help some people that aren't "world class Stevens Collectors" level.  Which was my intent.  I'm pretty sure some of you that collect these already know how to tell.

The diagram would help when someone is looking at pictures of a rifle, but cannot handle it to look at the breechblock.  Such as when you see one for sale on the internet, and know it's priced to sell fast.  Or when a friend of a friend has "an old Stevens for sale." and sends you one blurry picture.  That's how I got my first whiff of what turned out to be a No. 56....  I now look at them a lot on the internet, and very seldom does a seller show the bottom, or the lever lowered.  If they did, it would be easy.  

I'm an Instructional Designer and training project manager by trade.  So when I see a problem, I like to provide the simplest, error-proof solution.  And I learned long ago that there will always be a class clown that tries to shoot holes (no pun) in whatever you are teaching.  It doesn't bother me.  

[email from cousin Fred]: "Quick, Great Aunt Nellie has put this up for sale at her garage sale in Oklahoma, should I get if for you? Nellie won't let me take any more pictures or handle it any more...said take it or leave it." What is it?
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[email from coworker]: "You said you wanted a 44 1/2 to make a centerfire .32-40, will this one do?  Only picture I have, but I can get it today while on vacation here..." Is it?
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[Armslist posting]: "$350 for old single shot action, I think it's a Stevens 44."  Is it? Be sure to check the breachblock.  Wait....
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