Stevens No. 54 Schuetzen
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1903
Also known as: Stevens Ideal No. 54, Stevens No. 54 Schuetzen Special, Stevens-Pope Ideal No. 54
Overview
The Stevens No. 54 Schuetzen is a high-grade American single-shot falling-block target rifle from the Ideal line of the J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company of Chicopee Falls, Massachusetts. Built on the stronger Model 44 1/2 action that could handle smokeless-powder pressures, it was the top Schuetzen offering in the Stevens catalogue and was typically chambered for the accuracy-renowned .32-40. Standard features included a heavy part-octagon barrel, double set triggers, a ripple case-colored frame, a Pope-style underlever, and a finely figured black walnut perch-belly stock with cheekpiece, schnabel-tipped forend, palm rest, and nickel-finished Schuetzen buttplate. It represents the pinnacle of the golden age of American offhand and Schuetzen match shooting in the early 1900s.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 6000 g (211.6 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1220 mm (48.03") |
| Barrel Length | 813 mm (32.01") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Set Trigger |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Muzzle Velocity | 430 m/s (1411 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 | Case Hardened |
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 Hammer
- Features: Single Shot, Octagonal Barrel, Underlever, Double Set Triggers, Perch Belly Cheekpiece Stock, Schnabel Forend, Palm Rest, Schuetzen Buttplate, Globe Front Sight, Tang Sight Option, Case Colored Frame, Schuetzen Target Rifle
Service history
Operators
- Civilian Schuetzen and offhand target shooters
Production
Production years: 1903-1916
Hand-finished top-grade Schuetzen rifle; total production was small. Built on the 44 1/2 action introduced around 1903; Stevens-Pope barreled examples date roughly 1901-1913.
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: Joshua Stevens
Discontinued: 1916
Notes
The No. 54 was the highest-grade Schuetzen rifle Stevens offered. Many examples were fitted with Stevens-Pope barrels (often with a false muzzle and bullet starter) after barrel maker Harry Pope joined Stevens in 1901; such rifles are stamped STEVENS-POPE and are among the most prized American single-shots. As a hand-finished target rifle, production was very limited.
Background
The Stevens Ideal No. 54 Schuetzen, especially in its Stevens-Pope form, is regarded as one of the finest single-shot target rifles of the American Schuetzen era, prized by collectors for its hand engraving, fitted false-muzzle Pope barrels, and offhand-match accuracy in .32-40.