Stevens No. 49 Ideal Walnut Hill
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1896
Also known as: Stevens Ideal No. 49 Walnut Hill, Stevens-Pope No. 49, Stevens 44 1/2 Walnut Hill No. 49
Overview
The Stevens No. 49 Ideal Walnut Hill is a single-shot falling-block target rifle built on the famous Stevens No. 44 1/2 action and chambered for cartridges such as the .32-40 Winchester. Introduced around 1896, it was the top of the Ideal line, named after the Walnut Hill range near Boston and intended for Schuetzen and offhand competitive shooting. It featured a heavy part-octagon barrel, double-set triggers, an elaborate hooked Schuetzen buttplate, a high-comb walnut buttstock, and fully adjustable vernier target sights.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 4990 g (176.0 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1170 mm (46.06") |
| Barrel Length | 762 mm (30.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Double Set |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Muzzle Velocity | 435 m/s (1427 fps) |
| Muzzle Energy | 1011 J (746 ft·lbf) |
| Effective Range | 200 m (219 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Walnut |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .32-40 Winchester · primary — also known as .32-40 Ballard, .32-40 WCF, .32-40
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Safety mechanisms: Half Cock
- Features: Double Set Triggers, Part Octagon Barrel, Vernier Target Sights, Schuetzen Buttplate, High Comb Stock, Palm Rest
Service history
Operators
- American Schuetzen Shooters
Production
Production years: 1896-1916
Part of the Stevens Ideal target-rifle line; Walnut Hill configurations offered roughly 1895-1930
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company
Discontinued: 1916
Notes
Many No. 49 rifles were fitted with premium barrels, including those by Harry M. Pope, producing the highly collectible Stevens-Pope Walnut Hill rifles. Offered with 28-inch or 30-inch part-octagon barrels in a range of target chamberings.
Background
The Walnut Hill name comes from the famous rifle range at Walnut Hill in Massachusetts, home of the Massachusetts Rifle Association, where Stevens Ideal rifles dominated Schuetzen competition at the turn of the 20th century.