Removing the forend will expose the plug screw for the breech block spring and plunger.  You can remove the spring and push back the plunger, in case it's hanging things up. I would then try pushing the breech block assembly back up with the lever in the closed position and the hammer at full cock.  Then try to lower the whole assembly down and out the bottom.

Regards,
Joe

First I must say thanks for all who contributed so far to coming up with a resolution.  Each person added a piece to the puzzle.  Well the %** thing came out.  I took the handguard and the buttstock off the rifle to get a look at the workings and springs.  The diagram that was sent helped me figuring out how it works and how it was put together.  The issue was the plunger and screw.  The barrel put on the rifle is a larger octagon barrel.  When they put it on they must have turned the screw on the plunger in as far as possible.  The heavy octagon barrel covers at least 20% of the screw.  Laurie G had looked at the posts, called, and asked if it turned out at all.  It did back out about 3/4 of a turn.  I gave the action a pull and blop there it sat in my hand.  I think I invented about 8 new Latin curse words in the last 24 hours.  Now I can go back to the original problem of the light primer strike.

Am curious Angus, if you were able to find and fix the problem of light primer strikes?  Would be interested in the cause of same.

Regards,
Joe

I ordered 2 new firing pins and 2 new springs from CPA online.  They just came today.  Neither fit.  The springs were my fault.  They are for a CPA made rifle.  The new firing pins are the same diameter but lack a small machined cut about 2/10ths of an inch behind the tip of the pin.  The spring just fits on and is retained on the firing pin by this cut.  From the tip of firing pin back to the thicker shank it makes a slight bend.  When I saw this I assumed it was bent and that was my issue so I ordered the new ones.  The new firing pins are the same length but, lack the bend and the machined cut for the spring.  Called Gail at CPA.  Original Stevens 44 1/2 rifles did not have springs.  Any ideas?  If I can figure out how to post pics I will post them.

Pics of two firing pins. Bottom is new.  I think you can see the slight bend in the top firing pin.  The top/old pin will protrude from the breech block if pushed simulating hammer strike.  The new pin will not fit all they way into the breech.