#281 • **J. Stevens No 404 Model 44 1/2 Single Shot Rifle

Part of The Ray Howser Firearms Collection, 1931-2026 (timed auction by Lewis & Grant Auctions)

Starting at $1,000.00

Status: Available

Live bidding starts Nov 20, 2026 10:00 AM EST

22 L.R Caliber, 28" round barrel, S/N 11835. The J. Stevens No. 404 Model 44½ Single Shot Rifle, also known as, the "No. 404 Walnut Hill" Target Rifle is regarded by single-shot enthusiasts as the best for J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company. Introduced around 1903, the Model 44½ action was specifically designed to fix the structural weaknesses of the earlier Model 44. Instead of relying on a weak lever-and-link mechanism, the 44½ utilizes a massive, ultra-strong falling-block design with vertical sliding mortises, making it strong enough to handle potent smokeless powder cartridges. Finished with a blue barrel and case colored frame. Checkered forearm but with plain buttstock. There is a hard rubber Stevens logo buttplate. Factory mounted with a long scope. The markings are offset to see them with a mounted scope. The scope is a Malcolm scope 18X. The frame and lever retaining nearly all of the bright case colors. The barrel retains almost all of the original blue finish.  The stock and forearm are excellent with minimal nicksand dings.  The tang is mounted with a Stevens tang sight.  This rifle is outstanding Stevens model 4040 of which only 250  was produced.