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J.Francis
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Stevens 418 and 418 1/2
Oct 21st, 2024 at 5:19pm
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Is  there a difference in the muzzle diameter between the 418 and the 418 1/2? The 1933 Stevens catalog lists a "26" heavy tapered round barrel tested for accuracy" for the 418 and a"26" tapered round barrel tested for accuracy" for the 418 1/2. Both models were supposed to come with 7/8ths" sling swivels. I have three of these rifles, a 22 short,a 22 WRF and a 25 rimfire. All of the barrels are about the same diameter and the 22 short has 1 1/4" swivels. I don't know if I have model 418's or 418 1/2's or both. I guess my real question is-what's the difference between a round tapered barrel and a heavy round tapered barrel. My barrels measure between .658 and .661. Any help would be appreciated.
  
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oneatatime
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Re: Stevens 418 and 418 1/2
Reply #1 - Oct 21st, 2024 at 6:23pm
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J., a quick look around the web suggests that the 418 was the target model and the 418 1/2 was a sporting model (hence a shorter lighter barrel).
  
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Sure shot
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Re: Stevens 418 and 418 1/2
Reply #2 - Oct 21st, 2024 at 7:22pm
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The .22 wrf and .25 Stevens rf are both 418 1/2 models,as those calibers weren't offered in the 418. Your rifle in .22 short is a 418,as the .22 short wasn't offered in the 418 1/2. Besides calibers, the main difference between the two models is what sights they came with. The 418 came with  the Lyman 144,and the 418 1/2 came with the Lyman 2A. I believe that they had the same weight barrels. Somewhat scarce guns being a more expensive model made for young shooters during the depression.
« Last Edit: Oct 21st, 2024 at 7:29pm by Sure shot »  
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slumlord44
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Re: Stevens 418 and it was 418 1/2
Reply #3 - Oct 23rd, 2024 at 9:34pm
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Sure shot has it right. Thee difference is in the sightsee and the calibers offered. I got into these a long time ago and collected all the variations. Many people don’t know what they are because there are no model markings on them. I got a great deal on the first one I bought because the seller didn’t know what it was.
  
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J.Francis
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Re: Stevens 418 and 418 1/2
Reply #4 - Oct 24th, 2024 at 6:28am
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I got the last one I bought at a great price for the same reason. What confused me was the catalog description of "round tapered barrel" and "heavy round tapered Barrel," when they're both within a few thousandths of an inch of each other. I guess it would be impossible to tell what model you had if you came across a scoped 22 lr with the iron sights removed.Just one more reason to love these great old rifles.
  
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Sure shot
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Re: Stevens 418 and 418 1/2
Reply #5 - Oct 24th, 2024 at 6:45am
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My info comes from researching the old catalogs. I think some of the confusion about the barrel weights also comes from the 417 and 417 1/2 Walnut Hill rifles. As the sporting version of the 417 1/2 does have a lighter weight barrel. You are absolutely correct about the confusion Stevens created by not stamping the model number on these guns.

I have one 418,in .22 short. It has the speed lock hammer and the firing pin strike at 9 o'clock,along with the original leather sling.
  
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