Stevens Semi-Military No. 404
J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company · Rifle · Discontinued · 1913
Also known as: Stevens No. 404, Stevens 404 Semi-Military
Overview
The Stevens Semi-Military No. 404 is a .22 Long Rifle single-shot rifle built on J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company's falling-block action. Introduced around 1913, it was designed by a professional shooting instructor as an affordable prone-position target rifle for NRA-affiliated clubs, university and high-school shooting teams, and Boy Scout companies. Fitted with a military-style stock and target sights, it marked Stevens' shift away from its earlier Schuetzen standing-position target rifles. Production was cut short by the outbreak of World War I, making surviving examples scarce.
Specifications
| Barrel Length | 711.2 mm (28.00") |
| Action Type | Falling Block |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 1 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Internal |
| Effective Range | 90 m (98 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | Right Hand |
| Frame Material | Steel |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- .22 Long Rifle · primary — also known as .22 LR, 22 LR, 5.6x15mmR
Features
- Firing modes: Manual
- Feed systems: Single Shot
- Features: Single Shot, Military Style Stock, Target Sights, Prone Position Design
Service history
Operators
- National Rifle Association affiliated clubs
Production
Estimated total produced: 250 · Production years: 1913-1915
Very limited production; estimated ~250 made before World War I ended manufacture
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Discontinued: 1915
Notes
Estimated production of only around 250 rifles before World War I halted manufacture. Chambered for the .22 rimfire and built on the Stevens No. 44/44-1/2 falling-block target action.
Background
Marketed to NRA clubs, college and high-school rifle teams, and Boy Scout troops, the No. 404 helped push American competitive shooting from the standing Schuetzen tradition toward the modern prone-position target discipline - but WWI cut its run to roughly 250 rifles, making it a rare collector's piece today.