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Hot Topic (More than 10 Replies) Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock (Read 4470 times)
JLouis
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #15 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:06am
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Hope this helps and you can expand the pictures to see the parts as being called out. Best I could I do as far as the pictures unfortunately.

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S99VG
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #16 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:10am
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I've had a Chapman screwdriver set for years I just can't find the bit that fits the tension screw.  I haven't been into this gun yet (too many other priority projects going on), but for all I know somebody could have monkeyed with it years ago.  It's an early three digit serial number gun so that make it what, about 115 years old?  But for now, the rigger pull is atrocious.
  
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S99VG
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #17 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:11am
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JLouis - Thanks!
  
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ssdave
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #18 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:39am
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Sure shot wrote on Mar 8th, 2021 at 4:49am:
That screw adjusts the tension on the mainspring, not the trigger, it might help with the trigger pull and then again it might not. I am a bit surprised that your trigger pull is that horrible, it seems unusual on a Stevens.


Unless it's been stoned by somebody trying to improve it.  Cut through the case, and you get a sticky, awful trigger that can only be repaired by recutting to correct angles, re-case hardening it, and then slight polishing.    Hardended steel on steel is the smoothest trigger you can get.

I see the same thing with people trying to improve a rolling block trigger.  You have to replace the trigger and the hammer to fix their "trigger job".  And, replace the hammer spring if they've thinned/lightened it to try to help.

  
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JLouis
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #19 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:46am
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S99VG you are welcome several years back my wife bought me the below book for a Birthday present. Copywrite 1993.

A History & Digest of:
The J Stevens Arms And Tool Company
Manufacturers Of
Fine Single-Shot Target and Sporting Rifles
Single Shot Pistols, Shotguns, Sights Etc.
Fine Mechanical Tools 
Chicopee Falls, Mass. USA

By Harold E Strong 

Also has a few cars they also made but most importantly all of the parts for all of the firearms that they made. 

The old contact information and not sure if it is still good is.
Don Norton
116 North Lark Lane
Carbondale, Illinois 62901
1-618-457-2169
dnorton@midwest.net

Mine is a signed copy from Mr. Strong.
Book has 217 pages.
And a nice two page hand written letter from Mr. Norton.
« Last Edit: Mar 8th, 2021 at 10:54am by JLouis »  
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S99VG
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #20 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 11:06am
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Thanks again, I'll have to get a copy of that book.  I got interested in single shots just about the time the pandemic hit last year and have wandered the map from high/low wall, rolling block, and Ballard to Stevens and finally settled on the latter being a Savage 99 fan from way back.  I also like the change barrel function of these guns and the "economy" of having multiple barrels for one action.  After I get the 044 1/2 up and running I'd like to find either an original 44 1/2 action or go with a CPA for larger cartridges.  38-55 would likely be my max but the CPA would have to be the option if I ever saw myself stepping up to something like a 40-65.  But until then it's about getting the 044 1/2 on line.  Thanks again
  
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JLouis
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #21 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 11:15am
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If you ever get to a CPA and you happen to have a lathe they are one of the simplest for one to re-barrel himself. A milling attachment is also handy for cutting the extractor and the slot if not having a mill also on hand. I actually still cut mine on the lathe for me its easier than do it on my mill because that is how I first started out.
  
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ballardhepburnmich
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #22 - Mar 8th, 2021 at 11:36pm
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With most double set triggers you can still use them as a regular trigger. 
Lee Gibbs pres.ASSRA
  
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boats
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #23 - Mar 9th, 2021 at 5:53am
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Early CPA rifles had slot screws keeping with original guns. Now they are all hex, better system.  Hex on hammer spring and takedown screw is the way to go. Keep the slot screws so the 044 1/2 can be put back original.

Another tip put plenty of Kroll on the screws & give it time to work before removing. By time I mean daily application several days. Smaller and harder to find replacement longer Kroll application before using the screwdriver. 

Boats 

  
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S99VG
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Re: Stevens 044 1/2 DST, ST or Stock
Reply #24 - Mar 18th, 2021 at 12:16pm
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As a follow up to this conversation I backed the trigger spring screw all the way out and the pull on my 044 1/2 breaks at a "clean" 6-lbs,4-oz.  Seems kind of high but maybe not for the "English Model", or perhaps  a gun "monkeyed" with by a previous owner in its 100 plus year life.  Many thanks to all you guys for your help and advice!

PS - I have a request in to CPA for an estimate on barrel, finish and stock work on this gun.  I'm looking forward to Gail's response.
  
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