Old gun info needed

[Lupinus]

So today I was feeling a little nostalgic and pulled out one of the old guns to clean and oil up which was owned by my Great Grandfather that I in turn got when my grandfather passed away. Thing is I never knew much about it and wanted to learn a bit about it.

First of it has no model number which would be helpful, but naturally doesn't...why make life easy eh?

It has only three marking's. One is for the manufacturer on the left side-
J. Stevens Arms and Tool CO.
Chicopee Falls Mass, USA

On the rights it reads-
Trade Mark
Stevens
Reg US Pat Off & FGN

Aside from markings for the manufacture there is one more marking on top of the barrel near the breech which says 44-shot.

Which I could post pics but I haven't got a camera so to describe it it's a lever action breech loader with wooden stock and what seems a relatively short wooden hand piece on the bottom of the barrel in front of the lever/trigger guard. I am assuming shotgun since there is no rifling in the barrel and the sights consist of just a simple button type thing I have only ever seen on shotguns.

Now here is the question what the heck is 44-shot? I have never heard of this for a cartridge let alone for a shotgun?

Any other info anyone can give would be extremely helpful.

 

[Third_Rail]

Are you SURE it doesn't say .44 short?

 

[Lupinus]

if it was worn or further spaced I might say possibly.

But it is clear as day on it 44-SHOT the fact it is clear combined with the fact the o and t are right next together makes me pretty sure...unless metal learned to kick out an R and move the O and T closer to each other.

 

[mnrivrat]

It appears you likely have a model 44 or 44 1/2 Made for the 44-40 shot round.
The shot round would be the same as the 44 - 40 cartridge with a load of fine lead shot capped off with a wad or sometimes crimped .

The guns were a single shot rolling block action and were made in calibers from .22 RF to 44-40 caliber. With smooth bore they were being made for shot cartridges only.

 

[Subby]

From Fjestad's Blue Book, 24th edition, page 1420.

Tip-Up Rifles, Model 101, .44 shot cartridge, built on the No. 12 Marksman action, lever action opening, straight grip stock, 26" barrel, manufactured 1914-1920.

It also shows a "Pocket Rifle" in .44, but doesn't specify shot, so I'm guessing that would be an actual rifle.

Sub

 

[deadin]

Could be a Stevens "Featherweight" Rifle No.101 made 1914-1916
Caliber 44XL, 44 WCF shot and 44 Game-Getter. 26" shotgun bbl and shotgun sights. Scarce. app 5000 made. See Flayderman 5H-080. I don't have a current Flayderman so can't give you a value on it.

Dean

 

[Lupinus]

thanks

Do either of you know anywhere online that might have more info or that I could start searching for?

And riv rat....so it takes something like a cross between a rifle cartrige and shotgun shell?

It is well kept so and is in good condition, little old and worn as can be expected but not damage beyond a few nicks on the wood and the metal has no pitting or rusting, only "damage" might be considered fadding of the finish so if I could actually find the ammo for it firing it off a bit would be something I would highly consider doing.

 

[mnrivrat]

And riv rat....so it takes something like a cross between a rifle cartrige and shotgun shell?

Most I have seen are simply a 44-40 case (also known as the 44 WCF)that contain a wad over the powder and another over the shot load. Then a small roll crimp to hold the end wad from coming forward. I believe they also made some where the whole end of the vase was sort of star crimped over the shot load.

If the rifle is in good condition you might be able to have someone handload some 44-40 cases with now available plastic shot capsules .

Subby & Deadin may well be more correct than I on the model . Particularly if the barrel tips for loading.

 

[Lupinus]

between here, another forum, and some more research I have tracked it down to what is pictured here- http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976469441.htm

Now the question. All I can find is a 44 mag shell- http://www.cheaperthandirt.com/ctd/product.asp?sku=64454

I did find loading instructions for shotshells in a 44 mag shell also. Would those work?

 

[mnrivrat]

.44 mag shot shells will likely not work as they will not chamber in the gun. The plastic .44 cal shot capsules may well work if loaded into a 44-40 case.

One load I ran across for 44-40 shot loads used a 44-40 case and used a .44 cal gas check on both sides of the shot to contain it into the case. In other words : powder , followed by gas check, followed by shot, followed by gas check. I believe they were using a very fine shot and like 8 grains of unique.

 

[Lupinus]

My best bet may be to just find 44-40 brass because I can't seen to find 44-40 shotshells. I have found 44-40 but only with standard bullets and not as shotshells. I think I might just pick some of those up and make my own shotshells out of those following a similer process to the one in the link.

 

[mnrivrat]

I don't think anyone offers modern made 44-40 shotshells so the best choice is to make them or have one of your cowboy shooter friends make them.

Originals haven't been made for some time and all I have seen are considered collectable and bring too much $ to shoot anyway.

Good luck - sounds like a fun project .

 

[Lupinus]

I managed to find some 44-40 brass so if I make my own I should be alright. Powder and shot arn't to terribly expensive