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*SCARCE STEVENS 44-1/2 HEAVY SCHUETZEN-STYLE SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE WITH EXTRA STEVENS-POPE BARREL

Currency:USD Category:Antiques / Firearms & Armory Start Price:2,000.00 USD Estimated At:4,000.00 - 6,000.00 USD
*SCARCE STEVENS 44-1/2 HEAVY SCHUETZEN-STYLE SINGLE SHOT TARGET RIFLE WITH EXTRA STEVENS-POPE BARREL
SN 9177. Cal. 22 Short & 32-40 (could be 33-40). The 22 caliber bbl mounted on the rifle is 29-3/4", heavy oct about #4 weight with scope blocks. Front sight has been removed and there is no rear seat. Tang sight also has been removed. Mounted with very nicely figured, streaky American walnut with checkered schnable tip forearm that has a mushroom palm rest in a nickeled base, mounted nearly in the center. Toward the rear of the forearm was where it was originally mounted and now has the outline of the base with an empty hole. Buttstock has raised side panels and checkered serpentine grip with deep cheek piece and heavy perch belly Schuetzen butt that has a nickeled brass Schuetzen buttplate. All visible attached parts are matching numbered to the rifle including bbl, forearm, buttstock and buttplate. Receiver has Schuetzen double-set triggers and a nickeled Pope-style lever. Extra bbl is 32", about #4 weight, oct and marked on the top flat toward the rear "STEVENS-POPE / J.STEVENS ARMS & TOOL CO. CHICOPEE FALLS, MA. U.S.A.". Front sight has been removed, there is no rear seat. it is also mounted with target scope blocks. Bottom flat of the bbl, under the forearm has the Pope SN "1825" & rifling is typical Pope left hand style. Muzzle of the spare bbl is drilled and machined for a false muzzle, which is missing. Also accompanied by the center fire breech block 32-40 extractor & a nickeled Pope-style finger lever. Altogether a very rare and desirable Stevens target rifle. CONDITION: Very fine plus, all matching except spare bbl, as noted. 22 bbl retains 96-98% strong orig blue with a few minor, tiny nicks with bright, shiny bore. Receiver retains about all of its strong orig case colors, moderately faded on the forward half, less faded towards the rear. Top & bottom tangs are gray patina. Lever retains about all of its milky nickel. Wood is sound with light nicks, scratches & one gouge and overall retains about all of its fine orig varnish. Checkering shows light diamond point wear with bruise on the right side of the wrist. Buttplate retains 65-70% orig milky nickel. Spare bbl retains 98-99% strong orig blue with brilliant, shiny bore. Center fire breech block retains most of its orig bright blue with some freckles of rust on the sides. Spare lever retains about all of its bright restored nickel finish. A most unusual set that is suitable for the collection or would make a wonderful shooter. 4-49229 JR276