Author Topic: How to tell a Stevens 44 1/2 action from a 44 action?? (Read 1744 times)

geronimo.tn · « **on:** November 01, 2003, 01:04:40 PM »

Anybody have any idea to tell the difference between the Stevens 44 1/2 action from the older 44. I know that internally they are significantly different, but how does one tell by just looking at a rifle on a dealers table at the local gun show??

Double D · « **Reply #1 on:** November 01, 2003, 01:41:20 PM »

The 44 1/2 is made from a forging the 44 from a casting. If you can get a look at the interior and it looks like cast iron it is a a 44.

The 44 1/2 also has a milled recess for the block to ride in. The 44 block pivots on a hinge.

With the levers open you will see a toggle and link conecting the lever to the rotating block with the 44.

The 44 1/2 has the lever connected to the block pulling it down

marlinman93 · « **Reply #2 on:** November 02, 2003, 01:34:50 PM »

The 44 action drops deeper at the rear of the receiver. If you notice the two pictures that Double D provided, you'll see the 44 has most of the area behind the chamber open, when viewed from the side view. The 44 1/2 is cut at more of an angle, to strengthen the area of the sidewalls.

First Shirt · « **Reply #3 on:** November 03, 2003, 04:52:38 AM »

There's also the large pin that the breechblock swings on, just forward of and above the lever pin on the 44. Since the 44 1/2 is a true fallingblock, it doesn't have this pin. This can be seen with a glance, and doesn't require opening the action (which you can't always do at a gunshow).

Greg

geronimo.tn · « **Reply #4 on:** November 03, 2003, 06:40:05 AM »

Thanks guys
the next time I see either at a gun show , I should be able to tell the difference. Kinda always wanted a 44 1/2, although I've seen some tagged as 44 that look good.
geronimo.tn

marlinman93 · « **Reply #5 on:** November 03, 2003, 03:45:52 PM »

I too have a yearning for a 44 1/2. I've got several 44's in various calibers from .22 to .44-40, but the strength of the 44 1/2 action is what I'm looking for. I actually like the looks of the 44 better, but it just is too marginal for a .32-40, or .38-55, even though they did build them in those calibers. I'm always amazed that my original in .44-40 is still so tight!

jeff · « **Reply #6 on:** November 09, 2003, 03:37:44 AM »

I like the 44 1/2 too!

Mine is new production, by CPA in Pennsylvania, www.singleshotrifles.com and has three barrels. Lots of options on wood, caliber and barrels (Douglas, Badger, Shilen, etc). When you buy used, you are limited to what was already made. Consider having one built the way you want.

Wildcat Crazy · « **Reply #7 on:** November 11, 2003, 04:23:54 AM »

I consider the hieght of the hammer to be the easiest way to tell the difference between the 44 and the 44 1/2.

Note the position of the hammers in relation to the frames.On the 44 1/2
the top of the hammer is approximately even with the frame,on the 44 the
to of the hammer is considerbly above the frame.

WC