Stevens Ideal No. 44 1/2
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: Stevens 44 1/2, Stevens Model 44 1/2 Ideal
Overview
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.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 3175 g (112.0 oz) |
| Barrel Length | 610 mm (24.02") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 330 m/s (1083 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 141 J (104 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 100 m (109 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued Barrel, Color Case-Hardened Receiver |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock Hammer
- Features: Part Octagon Barrel, Removable Barrel, Crescent Buttplate, Two Piece Walnut Stock, Target Sights Available
Variants
- Stevens Ideal No. 44 - Predecessor Rolling Block
- Stevens Ideal No. 044 1/2 (English Model) - Export
Service history
Operators
- American civilian target and small-game shooters
Production
Estimated total produced: 13,000 · Production years: 1903-1916
Far scarcer than the ~100,000 No. 44 rifles; figures are collector estimates
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1916
Notes
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.
Background
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.