Stevens · Rifle
Stevens Model 44
Falling block · .32-40 Winchester · introduced 1894
Also known as Stevens Ideal No. 44, Stevens Ideal Model 44, J. Stevens Ideal 44
About the Stevens Model 44
The Stevens Model 44 is an American single-shot falling-block (drop-lever) target and sporting rifle introduced in 1894 by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. Operated by an underlever that lowers the breechblock, it was offered with a heavy part-octagonal barrel in a wide range of rimfire and centrefire chamberings including the popular .32-40, and became a mainstay of the golden age of American single-shot Schuetzen and offhand target shooting. Its interchangeable-barrel design and reputation for fine accuracy made it one of Stevens' most enduring rifles, with roughly 100,000 produced.
The Stevens Ideal single-shot rifles defined American Schuetzen and offhand target shooting around the turn of the 20th century, and a Model 44 once owned by sharpshooter Annie Oakley remains one of the most prized examples of the line.
Stevens Model 44 specifications
General
- Type
- Rifle
- Action
- Falling block
- Firing mechanism
- Hammer-fired
- Trigger
- Set trigger
- Calibres
- .32-40 Winchester
- Magazine capacity
- 1 rounds
- Magazine
- Internal
Dimensions
- Barrel length
- 660 mm (26.0 in)
- Overall length
- 1020 mm (40.2 in)
- Weight (empty)
- 3.29 kg (7.25 lb)
Barrel
- Rifling
- Right hand
Materials
- Barrel
- Steel
- Receiver / frame
- Steel
- Stock
- Walnut
- Finish
- blued
Performance
- Muzzle velocity (typical)
- 435 m/s (1427 fps)
- Muzzle energy (typical)
- 1011 J (746 ft·lb)
- Effective range
- 200 m
History
- Introduced
- 1894
- Discontinued
- 1916
- Production status
- Discontinued
- Country of origin
- US
- Designer
- Joshua Stevens
Features
- Single shot
- Octagonal barrel
- Underlever
- Interchangeable barrel
- Tang sight option
- Schuetzen target rifle
Safety
- Half cock hammer
The lighter No. 44 action handled target loads well but tended to shoot loose under the heavier .32-40 and .38-55 hunting loads, which led Stevens to introduce the stronger 44½ falling-block action. A Model 44 owned by Annie Oakley sold at auction for $528,900.
