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SteveStevens
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Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Jan 15th, 2026 at 5:41pm
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I am currently building up a Stevens 44  Both finger lever bores are worn. Thought I'd ask if anyone knows what the original center to center distance was before I take my best guess.
  
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bobw
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #1 - Jan 15th, 2026 at 6:07pm
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If I understand correctly what you are asking for, I have the 44 1/2 but not the 44.  Also, in case you haven’t thought about it, that hole spacing determines lock up of the breech block. If off one way the head space could be off, the other it may not close.  Also moving the firing pin contact on the primer.
Also, if it has the 6 o’clock extractor there is a bushing on one side of the lever pivot.  This fills the cut out for the extractor pocket.
Bob
  

Robert Warren
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SteveStevens
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #2 - Jan 15th, 2026 at 6:22pm
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Yes it does determine head space on the 44. One hole is the lever pivot the other one is the link pivot. Here's what is going on.   I bought what appears to be a never used  25-20 Single Shot barrel at Phillio Way's estate auction and also a model 44 action  to build on. Getting the hole spacing close works if installing and chambering a new barrel, I've done that in the past.  I'm hoping to avoid needing to set the barrel back and the required chamber work by getting the lever and link in spec. I have a new CF breach block from Lee Shaver.
  
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bobw
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #3 - yesterday at 12:54pm
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I didn’t mention this in my first answer thinking someone might have a dimensions you are wanting.   
As far as I know there are no drawings of any Stevens single shots.  This is probably the reason for no other reply’s.  I searched extensively for drawing on the 44 1/2 but never found anything a few years ago.  I only have the 44 1/2 numbers because I measured all the parts of an original set trigger action.  And then built a rifle from scratch.  The only way to get the number would be to find an original, in like new or new shape, and get usable measurements from it.  I have 44 action apart currently, waiting for case harden, that I have built a rifle around.  I could measure it if you would like.  My lever has the plunger in it in case that makes a difference.  But, it more than likely is off a few thousands one way or the other.
Many folk believe these companies had links with different hole spacings available for final set up of the rifle.  If that’s the case no measurement will help you, unless you get lucky.
Bob
  

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Sure shot
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #4 - yesterday at 2:36pm
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I thought of replying but I don't think that I could get accurate enough of a measurement. Typically on a #44 the holes in the link get worn oblong, or the link pins are worn, and possibly the lever and breech block receiver pivot/screws have wear. I think that you might be better off finding another lever that won't require repair to the holes for the link or the lever pivot.
  
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SteveStevens
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #5 - yesterday at 8:05pm
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Thankyou for all that information, I really appreciate it. It's pretty easy to see how the forces are applied and which direction the wear would occur. I did indeed find another lever that is supposed to be in real good shape, waiting on it to be delivered. I do plan on upgrading the smaller link pins to 5MM using hardened dowels per Phil Ways postings and Lee's CF breach blocks come with new hardened pivot pins. If I need to set the barrel back to reset the headspace and rent a reamer it's not the end of the world. Trying to make an old barrel fit is harder than installing a new one. This is a 44 I built about 25 years ago in 25-20 WCF 
« Last Edit: yesterday at 8:11pm by SteveStevens »  
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TomKlinger
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Re: Stevens 44 finger lever pin spacing?
Reply #6 - yesterday at 9:27pm
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Steve Stevens,

Your bench looks waaaaay to organized!😁



Tom Klinger
  
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