Hi all,

Hopefully this is the right sub forum, of all of the forums that I frequent it seems that this one has the most info on stevens rifles. I'm working on acquiring another falling block rifle. I've bought from this individual's collection before and he is generally fair on price. I'm discussing with him purchasing this 44 1/2 in 22 Hornet (.223 dia) and trying to come up with a fair price. It's in pretty clean condition, has peep sights and a round barrel. I only found pictures of one similar one on here (stock and forearm combo) and it was referred to as a semi-military. Can anyone weigh in on a good ballpark for this rifle? TIA 

Thank you for that input RD, in my many google searches I was coming up with some sold examples in the 7-900 range for models without high grade stocks, but then some random ones 12-1300. I just didn't know if this particular configuration is desirable for any reason.

Wondering if anyone else has an opinion otherwise?

Smoke wrote on Jun 26^th, 2024 at 6:39pm:


No idea, I didn't think they came from the factory in 22H. I thought it was a 22LR barrel rechambered but I just don't know enough about them. It definitely requires .223 bullets for reloading.

Thank you for the input, I'll ask for some more pictures tomorrow. Would those attributes affect the price much?

Sure shot wrote on Jun 26^th, 2024 at 7:35pm:

With the J Stevens Arms marking, rather then the earlier J Stevens A&T marking, it's possible that the rifle was sent back to Savage owned Stevens for re-barreling sometime in the 1930's or so. Someone might have re-barreled it using a model 44 barrel . If the barrel is 26" long or longer I'd guess Stevens re-barreled it. Does the serial number on the barrel match the receiver? The serial number is likely under the forend. That buttplate style was typically used on Stevens shotguns, so there's a good chance that the stock is original. 
Most likely this was someone's wood chuck rifle back in the day.

I think it's worth $900.

More pics

Since the last 44 1/2 was made about 10 years before the 22 Hornet was developed, it was definitely rebarreled, or also converted from 22 LR. The markings on the barrel might suggest factory work.

My guess would be an early conversion using an available barrel. Using a 44 barrel that was offered would need to have the shank cut off, a shorter than normal barrel might be a clue.

As far as being collectible, that’s debatable. There is an interest in early varmint rifles and wildcat cartridges. The rifle as is would likely fall into that category, but harder to find the right buyer. 

Of course if it shoots well, that in itself would help the value. Just buy it as a shooter and enjoy it.

It’s still a part of history, a lot of single shots met this fate between the wars.