I just acquired a Stevens 414 22LR at a LGS. I've looked online for any reference to it's design and proper function..... no joy.

I've found a few reference books available online (De Haas...) but I will ask here for starters while I wait for some old books to get here:

When closing the action, is it proper function that the hammer does not remain back in the cocked position and requires manual cocking?

Regards, and thanks!

D.

This community knows as much or more about the old Stevens 44 family than any book I have ever found.  And is always happy to help.

It is important that the rifle be at half cock whenever handled or carried with a loaded chamber.  If the hammer is let down, it rests via the firing pin directly on the primer.  Any sharp blow on it will fire the gun.  People today are accustomed to hammer guns having a hammer block mechanism, like S&W and Ruger revolvers, but the old 44 design is from a time when that  concept hadn't even surfaced yet, so the half-cock habit must be strongly encouraged. 

Preaching to the choir, I hope . . . . . . .