Author Topic: Need input (Read 455 times)

Horn · « **on:** September 13, 2003, 02:57:36 AM »

Ok, Ive been kicking an Idea around for quite a while and need to run it by some people with the education to either egg me on or rein me in.
I have an old Stevens Favorite action and I want to make a .22 Hornet out of it.
Any one done it, Pro's and Con's Thanks
Mike

John Traveler · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2003, 03:26:23 AM »

Mike,
As much as I love those old Stevens Favorite rifles AND the .22 Hornet cartridge, there is only ONE word for you?

"DON'T!!!"

The old Stevens Favorite action was made of "wrought iron", and never intended for anything other than the .22, .25, and .32 rimfire calibers it was chambered for. The barrel was very soft, low-tensile strength steel. It simply will not hold up to ANY firing from even a mild cartridge like the .22 Hornet.

The prop-up locking system will not resist the backthrust of any centerfire cartridge, nor even something warmish, such as the .22 WRM. Yes, I know, the modern-made Stevens Favorites are probably chambered in .22 WRM, but they are made of modern steel.

As a matter of fact, the scaled-up Stevens Number 44 and 44 1/2 rifles were finely made and finished, and many had a bad reputation for poor heat treatment and not holding up to extensive firing of mild BLACK POWDER centerfire cartridges of the late 19th century.

For your .22 Hornet project, please wait for and find a more suitable action. It's a really neat cartridge and shooter, but only in a properly made firearm.

HTH
John

Horn · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2003, 05:34:43 AM »

John, Thanks, I kind of figgured that this would be the case thats why I asked, the reason that I wanted to do this project is because it is a Favorite, My Grandfather collected Stevens for years and this was one of his actions, I guess I will make a 22 lr barell for it and trick it out or something. Any Ideas??
Mike

gunnut69 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2003, 11:14:03 AM »

John is absolutely right. These little rifles are in no way strong enough for anything hotter than a 22 LR and even then the HighSpeed LongRifles will cause problems at times. Especially with older worn rifles. I would consider the tapered octogon barrels made by Montana Rifle Company, as sold thru Brownells. With custom wood and a rework they would make a classy little 22..