So tactfully put, Redsetter. You could have said that since you have the rifle don't worry about the screws just open the action and if the breech block extends out the bottom it is a 44 1/2. Now, the questions begging are, was the 22 ejector an option? Or, was not having it an option? Or, is this a centerfire action that has been reworked for a 22?

It's subjective comparisons like that that are a problem. If you want to ignore the breech block extension, how about the top of the down hammer nose being below the action sides?

Redsetter, since my vision and brain are so screwed up, I supplied the photo. You are obviously the expert: what do I have - a 44 or 44 1/2? You didn't bother to say. Thank you for that. Most online auction houses supply limited photos to determine the difference. Besides "counting screws" how do you tell from a small side photo which it is? Relying on the write ups the auction houses supply is about worthless. I don't want to buy a "parts rifle" if the stock won't fit whatever model it is I have.

The point of the "BS" was:
1. Confirm that my too-good-to-pass-up .22 Stevens Model 45 was in fact a 44 1/2 action. It is, thank you.
2. Confirm if a crescent stock from a 44 1/2 or 44 could fit on my Model 45 without undue modification to the Model 45 so it would be legal for BPCR matches. Evidently the just the 44 1/2 stock will swap out, thank you.
3. Gain enough knowledge from experienced Stevens collectors and shooters to identify from poor on-line auction photos a Model 44 1/2 whose stock will work for my rifle instead of a Model 44 whose stock will not fit my rifle. I don't want to waste my money on one that won't fit.  Working on it. 
Thank you all for a very informative thread.   

Fogman wrote on Feb 18^th, 2018 at 11:03pm:



Did you miss my post earlier?   A 44 stock will fit onto a 44 1/2.