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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx (Read 6625 times)
chowboy
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Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
May 2nd, 2020 at 7:45pm
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Barrel is properly marked.  Anyone know more or less when this might have been built?  I know the records were burned,   but any guesses are helpful.  Also, does anyone suspect the gun as been rebarreled/Rechamberedin this caliber?
  
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uscra112
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #1 - May 2nd, 2020 at 11:14pm
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I have never seen or even heard of a 44 in .38-40, (I'm assuming you mean the Winchester version, not the Remington-Hepburn). 

Stevens started chambering the .38-55 in the 1894-1896 series having three-digit model numbers. They stopped building the 44 with .32-40 and .38-55 barrels in 1903.  I have quite a few .32-40s and a couple of .38-55s logged in the range of 20,000 to 31,000, with the highest # seen so far 30924.  Best guess for yours is 1901, but it's only an educated guess.   

Unlikely that it's been rebarreled if it's got Stevens markings. If it's truly a .38-40, it would have to be a custom order.  Look for the little "lug" on the face of the hammer, which slips under the rear of the breechblock when the hammer is down.  This feature was only supplied for the .32-40 and .48-55. The 44 toggle design is too weak for either cartridge, and ditto the .38-40; this lug was a band-aid fix.  If you choose to shoot it anyway, use only very light subsonic loads and light bullets.
« Last Edit: May 3rd, 2020 at 12:15am by uscra112 »  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #2 - May 2nd, 2020 at 11:20pm
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For my Model 44 database, I'd like to know:

Complete serial number
What sights it's fitted with
Whether it has the lug or not

Photos would be welcome.

Phil W.
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #3 - May 3rd, 2020 at 12:14am
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I had to go look.

The 1900 catalog does offer the Model 45 "Range Rifle" in .38-40 WCF so yours is probably that, and not custom.  Look at the face of the receiver, with the forearm taken off to confirm.
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #4 - Sep 17th, 2020 at 6:29pm
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38/40 WCF lot less cartridge than 32/40 or 38/55. Does not suprise me Stevens would chamber the 44 for it.

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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #5 - Sep 17th, 2020 at 7:19pm
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FWIW, I have one in 44-40

Aaron
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #6 - Sep 17th, 2020 at 8:56pm
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Way, way back, the .44-40 and later the .38-40, both introduced for the relatively weak 1873 Winchester, were black powder cartridges and were deemed safe for the various revolvers that also shot them.  Therefore, I'd think you could've gotten away chambering a Model 44 for those cartridges.

HOWEVER with the coming of the 1892 Winchester, and especially smokeless powder, several ammo manufactures began beefing those rounds up, marketing them as "high velocity" or sometimes just "rifle" loads (their other versions assumed to be still safe for "pistols").  Those more potent rounds, whether factory- or hand-loaded, would've likely shot a Model 44 loose in short order, even with a lugged hammer.

Bill Lawrence
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #7 - Sep 17th, 2020 at 10:58pm
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The diameter of the case head is what determines the thrust against the breechblock, all else being equal.   The 44-40 and 38-40 share a head diameter of .471", which is even larger than the .32-40/.38-55 case at .422".   No surprise that the .44-40 and .38-40 Model 44s are so rare today.   No matter how many they may have sold, guns of those chamberings would have shot themselves to rubble in a very short time, even at black powder pressures. 
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #8 - Sep 17th, 2020 at 11:05pm
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Aaron, I don't have your .44-40 in my database.  Would you fill me via P/M?  S/N especially?   

Phil

  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #9 - Sep 18th, 2020 at 5:44pm
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I have a Model 92 Takedown in 38-40. It had been shortened to just over 18" barrel. I planned to re-barrel it as the bore was kind of rough. But just for fun decided to shoot it. Loaded with a stiff load of 2400 and Jacketed bullets it shot cats eye size groups at 75 yds. Forgot about re-barrel and hunted with it in Maine.
Killed two deer with it and they went down like they had been pole axed and never got a leg under them again. Pleasant memories. Will keep it. FITZ, OLD TUCK Smiley
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #10 - Sep 18th, 2020 at 10:37pm
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Published 38/40 loads about a third of 32/40 & 38/55 pressure.  It’s true somebody can load one heavy but stick to Alliant cowboy action data , Unique & lead bullets, its a very mild cartridge. I shoot a lot of 38/40 in a original Marlin 1894 using that data. Neck size only no case body expansion.

Having said that 44 is not a strong action, some say do not shoot them at all. Or any 19th century rifle.

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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #11 - Nov 5th, 2020 at 5:14pm
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Both the .38-40 and .44-40 cartridges were listed in the early catalogs. Very rare to find rifles chambered for them. The .38-55 had a lot more horse power.  I know of two tip-ups chambered for the .45 2 4/10 Sharps
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #12 - Nov 5th, 2020 at 11:52pm
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I have a friend that was a full-time gunsmith for over 50 years that barreled a 44 with a. 454 barrel and chambered it in .45 long colt. He has hosted big bore matches for 20 years and has put over 3000 rounds through that 44 and it's still just as tight as could be. Not advocating, just saying. I have seen and fired the gun many times. 
Lee Gibbs
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #13 - Nov 6th, 2020 at 2:03am
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Nominal pressures about the same as .44-40.  Did his gun have the lugged hammer?
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #14 - Nov 6th, 2020 at 10:57am
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I've owned Stevens 44's in both .38-40 and .44-40, factory chambered and matching numbers. Both were in nice condition, and tight as new lock up.
  
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Re: Stevens model 44, cal 38-40, s/n 27xxx
Reply #15 - Dec 2nd, 2020 at 12:21am
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I picked up a .44-40 barrel a few years back for a 44 1/2 as I recall. It fit on one of my actions with no issues. Haven't shot it much.
  
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