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1Hawkeye
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Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Jun 2nd, 2025 at 2:30pm
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I've been offered an early stevens model 44 in .32-40 but... I know that the 44's don't do too well in .32-20 and .38-55. The rifle is in good condition but it has some things that might be red flags. Like it's a low serial number 
With the 7 o'clock extractor and the original barrel doesn't have a caliber marking and l think there's a thin shim between the end of the barrel and the receiver face. Also although it locks up tight the hammer doesn't go to half cock on closing. It's also a lugless hammer. I only have one 44 so I don't know about whole lot about them. Does this sound like one to avoid or is it kinda a good piece?
  
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Dellet
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #1 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 3:11pm
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Depends on how much you want to shoot it. Just for fun occasionally or a match or two a month.

A couple things to look at. 
What is the actual serial number and does it match the barrel? 

If they match the next thing to look at is the cut of the action where the breech block meets the barrel. Is it aware or rounded?

Then check under the forearm. There may be a caliber stamp there.

There were three Ideal rifles before the 44 1/2. The first was a model with a removable sideplate. Then the 100 series. These had the square cut in the action at the barrel to breech block area. All three of these used the 7 o’clock extractor.

The 100 series, 107, 109, were not stamped like an 44. The barrels were stamped, and no cartridge designation on the flats. Again other than the serial number all the markings are under the forearm.

If it’s a 100 series, it’s even weaker than a 44, but fairly collectable. Only a couple thousand made. That’s why occasional shooting with reasonable loads is suggested.

Photos and or serial number would be helpful.
  
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Sure shot
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #2 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 4:20pm
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Dellet covered it pretty well. What would make me the most nervous about it is if it does have a shim between the barrel and receiver.
  
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marlinguy
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Ballards may be weaker,
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #3 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 4:21pm
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Any factory 44 in .32-40 should be a low number as they dropped the .32-40 chambering later. So I'd be concerned if it wasn't a low serial number as that would indicate a barrel swap.
They scare people, but I've had a couple friends who own and shoot them with low pressure loads and have done so for decades. Just use discretion about keeping loads down for it.
  

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frnkeore
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #4 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 7:25pm
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I have a 7 O'clock extractor, 44 in 32/40, SN 10551. I bought it in 1985. It has the hammer lug. I shot it a fair amount in the first two or 3 years I had it. 

It has a small groove, of .319 and a .315 bore. All the metal is pristine, including the CC as well as the inside and outside of the barrel. My loads were duplex BP, with 3 gr 4759, fixed, using the Hudson bullet, 12.2 gr 4759 or 13.0 gr 4227, breech seated with the 319247, 165 gr bullet.

All with either F150 or Rem 2 1/2 primers, they are very mild loads.

with the duplex loads the rounds were loaded with a Ideal tong tool, to see what might be expected with a average hunting type load. As I remember, it was 2 - 2 1/2" groups at 100, using a tang sight. The BSed loads ran 1 - 1.5". The 12.2 gr, 4759 load (or 20 gr BP volume) was Harvey Donaldson's go to load for 32/40.
« Last Edit: Jun 2nd, 2025 at 7:37pm by frnkeore »  

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1Hawkeye
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #5 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 8:43pm
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The barrel and lower tang serial numbers match 8308 if l remember right but there's no model number on the lower tang and I couldn't get the barrel to unscrew to check for a number on the receiver face. It's not a sideplate model. I  don't plan to hotrod it l just use smokeless loads that are equivalent to black powder pressures  say a cast 170 or 200 grain. I will probably shoot it a good bit and may use it in matches.
  
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Dellet
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Re: Stevens model 44 in .32-40 will it be a safe ?
Reply #6 - Jun 2nd, 2025 at 9:47pm
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The model number will be on the face of the action. It will be 44 series. No need to pull the barrel, just the screw that holds the forearm on. The model number on the tang did not start until much later than this rifle.

Low pressure hand loads are fine. The problem is buying off the shelf ammo that is available.

The shim isn’t really a problem, better to clock correctly than be loose. I have a 28-30 that’s been shimmed,i shoot it with  confidence. As long as it headspaces correct, it’s not a problem.
  
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