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Stevens 044 1/2 22LR Set Triggers

2K views 3 replies 4 participants last post by  grcsat 
#1 · (Edited)
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I have just purchased ( $750 AUD) my third stevens and believe it to be a no. 56 in 22lr built on the 044 1/2 frame ( 1" wide ) with double set triggers and finger hook style lever . It is definitely a true falling block, but has the number 55 stamped on the front of the frame below the barrel. the number listed by the dealer as the serial no. is 2517 and appears at the end of the lower tang. The barrel is numbered 33857 2 with the 2 being hidden by the forend. It has a heavy profile with a Beech front sight, blanking dovetail in place of rear sight and tang mounted vernier sight with no screw in aperture.The ladder of this sight hits the nose of the comb and will not fold flat with the upper tang. Where the barrel is marked J STEVENS A & T CO there are what appear to be English proof marks before and after ie either end and 22LR appears on the LHS angled barrel flat The stock is a pistol grip style with a flat butt plate surface and fine decorative checkering.The number 517 is stamped into the stock underneath the butt plate It has the most incredible "tiger striped " walnut I have ever seen which is totally ruined by heavy estapol (correction French Polish) refinishing and ill fitting wooden butt plate. Both barrel and frame appear to have been re blued with some of the barrel bluing being worn off. Any help with ID and value would be well received. Cheers
 
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#2 ·
I would agree that it looks to have been re-blued, and that butt plate is definitely "ill fitting".

It appears that the current market value is $750 Australian ;)

I'm sure someone more informed than I and less inclined to making jokes will be along soon. Welcome to the Firearms Forum.
 
#3 ·
Other than knowing the 44 1/2 is a desirable rifle I can't tell you a lot about it. If in decent shooting condition they aren't cheap. You probably know more than me but I think the 44 1/2 was only made for something like 3 years(?). I agree it's been re-blued and restocked. It does appear there's plenty of wood left to re-shape the stock to something more becoming and fitting.

If you aren't aware I can explain the British proof marks. If you are I apologize for stating the obvious. Evidently the rifle was imported to England and as the US does not nor has ever had a government proof house, consequently no reciprocal agreement with Great Britain, British proof law requires or required all imported firearms be proofed.

The ladder sight hitting the top of the comb is a common occurance.
 
#4 ·
Hi, and welcome from Canada.

That is a nice example of the 44 1/2 target rifle.
The butt stock has been replaced and the rifle appears to have been reblued.
Given its currant condition , I would say you have done quite well at $750AUD or $500US if the barrel is in good shape. If the barrel is shot out then you paid the market going price. The barrel can be relined if need be but that is rather expensive and surprisingly does not hurt the value of the rifle very much if done properly. A period correct liner such as a parker hale liner is worth about $450 plus installation. ( parker hale made liners for Target Rifles )
Normally I don't say this, but this is a rifle well worth being restored to original factory condition.
 
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