Stevens 44 1/2 Info Needed
- Thread starter Sky Dog
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tark
Member
Just google "Stevens 44 1/2 rifle and you can learn everything you could desire.
Briefly, it was considered the strongest and best SS action made by Stevens. It was a totally different action from the 44, greatly improved. Frank De Haas spoke well of it in his classic "Single Shot Rifles", although he had numerous small criticisms. He said it could handle up to 50,000 PSI (His figure, not mine!) but it was not will suited to large diameter rounds (45-70) at higher pressures because of it's small diameter barrel shank.
It was made from about 1904 to 1916. With your four digit number you might have a first year gun. I couldn't find an actual figure of how many were made, just dates.
That 28-30 cartridge is quite interesting, and it was a favorite of Pope's. It looked almost identical to a 32-40. It fired a 120gr. bullet using 30 grains of black powder. Velocity was 1500. Google 28-30-120 Stevens.
I'm guessing it is worth a tidy sum, especially if the barrel IS a Pope. Would like to give you a number, but pictures would be priceless.
Hopefully, your rifle is factory original and as it was when it left Pope's shop. Its originality is a critical factor. If it has been screwed with, like the one for sale on Armslist, it is worth only a few hundred dollars. If unmodified, especially if you have accessories, perhaps thousands.
Pictures please.
Briefly, it was considered the strongest and best SS action made by Stevens. It was a totally different action from the 44, greatly improved. Frank De Haas spoke well of it in his classic "Single Shot Rifles", although he had numerous small criticisms. He said it could handle up to 50,000 PSI (His figure, not mine!) but it was not will suited to large diameter rounds (45-70) at higher pressures because of it's small diameter barrel shank.
It was made from about 1904 to 1916. With your four digit number you might have a first year gun. I couldn't find an actual figure of how many were made, just dates.
That 28-30 cartridge is quite interesting, and it was a favorite of Pope's. It looked almost identical to a 32-40. It fired a 120gr. bullet using 30 grains of black powder. Velocity was 1500. Google 28-30-120 Stevens.
I'm guessing it is worth a tidy sum, especially if the barrel IS a Pope. Would like to give you a number, but pictures would be priceless.
Hopefully, your rifle is factory original and as it was when it left Pope's shop. Its originality is a critical factor. If it has been screwed with, like the one for sale on Armslist, it is worth only a few hundred dollars. If unmodified, especially if you have accessories, perhaps thousands.
Pictures please.
tark
Member
The stocks are not original but that is still a beautiful gun. I wonder if Pope did stock work as well? If they are his stocking jobs you have a true gem in your possession. The rifle looks to be in superb condition. Most target rifles were very well cared for.
I know a man named Clarke Ehlers, who is the single shot cataloger and resident expert for the Rock Island auction company. He is a hard man to run down ( he is very active in Schutzen matches nationwide) But if I find him I'll show him your pics. He can smell a Pope barrel at five hundred yards in the rain in the dark. He can probably tell just by looking at the pic.
I hope to be sending you a PM in the next few days.
I know a man named Clarke Ehlers, who is the single shot cataloger and resident expert for the Rock Island auction company. He is a hard man to run down ( he is very active in Schutzen matches nationwide) But if I find him I'll show him your pics. He can smell a Pope barrel at five hundred yards in the rain in the dark. He can probably tell just by looking at the pic.
I hope to be sending you a PM in the next few days.
tark
Member
I could use a pic if possible (Not mandatory) of the makings on the barrels, all of them please.
Sun Tzu warrior
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Very nice, + your grandfather is/was a talented man, I know you are proud of him!
STW
STW
Gordon
Member
If a Pope Factory barrel it will look like this
http://www.pbase.com/halp/image/86325026
If a Pope aftermarket barrel it will have block letters H M Pope
http://www.pbase.com/halp/image/86325026
If a Pope aftermarket barrel it will have block letters H M Pope
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