Large Frame Models

Stevens had, in fact, 3 large frame actions: the 44, the 44 heavy Schuetzen, and the 44 ½ actions. The availability of these actions on the various models is noted below. The 44 Heavy Schuetzen Action has limited references in the Stevens catalogs, it adds about half a pound in weight to the rifle compared to a 44 action. Specific information with regards to the 44 Heavy Schuetzen action is very limited. The Heavy Schuetzen Action is wider and deeper than a standard 44 action.

44 Model

The Ideal No. 44 was the base model Stevens rifle, a no-frills model. It was last listed in the 1932 Stevens catalog in rim fire cartridges only.  Generally configured with a rifle butt, single trigger, and barrel sights. Extras included double-set triggers, longer barrels, and upgraded sights.

44 ½

The ideal No. 44 ½ was the base model rifle but made with the 44 ½ action, as opposed to the 44 action.
The 44 ½ action was the “new action” and replaced the 44 action on virtually all high-grade models
during its time of production from 1903-1916. As a model, the 44 ½ was the based model of sporting rifle,
configured with a rifle butt, barrel sights, and a single trigger. Offered in centerfire and rim fire
cartridges. Special order items included double-set triggers, longer barrels, and upgraded sights.

45 Model

The Ideal No. 45 Range Rifle was the entry-level target rifle, fitted with a Swiss butt plate, Beech front sight, and sliding tang peep sight. Offered in both the 44 and 44 ½ actions.

46 Model

The Ideal Range No. 46 is an upgraded No. 45, these rifles are rare and were first listed in 1896 and only made for a few years. Built only on the 44 action. Upgrade features include a large Swiss butt plate, Vernier screw rear sight, and fancy wood.

47 Model

Ideal No. 47 Range Model, later called the Modern Range. This was the beginning of the true target rifles. Standard configuration was with no rear barrel sight. Fitted with a pistol grip frame and stock, Swiss butt plate and often a loop lever. This rifle is commonly seen with double set triggers.  Offered in the 44, 44 Heavy Schuetzen, and 44 ½ actions.

48 model

The Model Range No. 48 is an upgraded No. 47. It was offered from 1896 to about 1898. This is a rare rifle, built only on the 44 action.

49 model

Ideal No. 49 “Walnut Hill” Rifle. This Rifle is the beginning of the embellished rifles. It is engraved, and the stocks are checkered. It was offered with a false muzzle for muzzle-loading bullets even before Pope came to Stevens. Double-set triggers were an extra and often added. Built on both the 44 and 44 ½ actions.

50 model

Ideal No. 50 “Walnut Hill” was introduced in 1898, and again it is an upgrade of the No. 49. These rifles are extremely rare. Offered in the 44 and 44 Heavy Schuetzen actions.

51 model

The Ideal No. 51 Schuetzen Rifle was outfitted with fancy checkering, a straight grip stock, a heavy Swiss butt plate, engraving, double set triggers, and a finger spur lever. Options included a false muzzle, double-set triggers, and a palm rest. Machine rest tested. Offered in the 44, 44 Heavy Schuetzen, and 44 ½ actions.

52 model

Ideal No. 52 “Schuetzen Jr.” This pistol grip target rifle was the most popular of the high-end rifles offered by Stevens. It had the same features as a standard model 51, but in a pistol grip configuration. Offered in the 44, 44 Heavy Schuetzen, and 44 ½ actions

53 model

The Ideal No. 53 “Schuetzen” Rifle. This is a Model 51, but came standard with a palm rest. Very rarely encountered. Only offered on the 44 and 44 Heavy Schuetzen actions.

54 model

Ideal No. 54 “Schuetzen Special” Rifle. First introduced in 1897, this Rifle was the top-of-the-line target rifle. Initially, all were offered with a false muzzle, later an option. Extra fancy walnut stocks, engraving, special lever, double set triggers, heavy Swiss butt plate, and checkered. Wind gauge front sight and vernier tang sights standard.  Offered in the 44, 44 Heavy Schuetzen, and 44 ½ actions.

Pope model

Introduced in 1902. Early guns were on the 44 and 44 heavy Schuetzen actions. Starting in 1903, it was built on the 44 ½ action. The standard model did not have engraving but came with Pope Rear Sight, Special stock with Pope Butt Plate, Double Set Triggers, Fancy Wood, Pope Palm Rest, Pope Three Finger Lever, and Muzzleloading outfit. Included was a Pope De and Re-Capper, Pope Powder Throw, Pope False Muzzle, Loading Rod, Bullet Mold, and Pope Bullet Starter. Of course, the rifles had Pope rifling.

404 Model

The 404 model marks the change in target rifles offered by Stevens from standing rifles or Schuetzen style, to a prone position rifle. Schuetzen was out of fashion after WWI, and the prone rifles were what Stevens offered in that time period. The model 404 is the initial offering and was made before WWI. It was first listed in the 1911 catalog and was in production until 1916. Early rifles were on the 44 action, and later ones were made on the 44 ½ action. The 44 action is the scarcer variation. These rifles were especially outfitted for prone shooting, and the use of a prone shooting sling. Offered in .22 LR with 28-inch barrels, beavertail fore-end checkered, smooth butt stock, and target sights. Production was very limited.