Stevens · Rifle

Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2

Name: Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2
Brand: Stevens

Falling block · .22 Long Rifle · introduced 1903

Also known as Stevens 44 1/2, Stevens Model 44 1/2 Ideal

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About the Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2

The Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2 is an American single-shot falling-block rifle produced by the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company from 1903 to 1916. Introduced as a stronger successor to the No. 44 with a redesigned action rated for smokeless powders, its breech block tilts back and down when the finger lever is thrown, chambering a single cartridge. Offered in rimfire chamberings such as .22 Long Rifle as well as centerfire cartridges, and prized by target and small-game shooters for the accuracy of its heavy part-octagon barrel.

The improved 44 1/2 action arrived just as legendary barrelmaker Harry M. Pope went in-house at Stevens in 1901, and rifles combining the strong Stevens action with Pope's match barrels, marked "Stevens-Pope," became some of the most coveted single-shot target rifles in America.

Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2 specifications

General

Type: Rifle
Action: Falling block
Firing mechanism: Hammer-fired
Trigger: Single stage
Calibres: .22 Long Rifle
Magazine capacity: 1 rounds

Dimensions

Barrel length: 610 mm (24.0 in)
Weight (empty): 3.17 kg (7.00 lb)

Barrel

Rifling: Right hand

Materials

Barrel: Steel
Receiver / frame: Steel
Stock: Wood
Finish: blued barrel, color case-hardened receiver

Performance

Muzzle velocity (typical): 330 m/s (1083 fps)
Muzzle energy (typical): 141 J (104 ft·lb)
Effective range: 100 m

History

Introduced: 1903
Discontinued: 1916
Production status: Discontinued
Country of origin: US

Features

Part octagon barrel
Removable barrel
Crescent buttplate
Two piece walnut stock
Target sights available

Safety

Half cock hammer

The 44 1/2 action is far scarcer than the earlier No. 44; roughly 13,000 were made against approximately 100,000 of the No. 44. The stronger action is closely associated with the Stevens-Pope target rifles built with Harry M. Pope's barrels and rifling after he joined Stevens in 1901.