J. Stevens A.&T. Co. Model Ideal 44 .25-20 Single Shot 26″ Rifle MFD C&R
SOLD FOR: $1275
LSB#: 211209JS01
Make: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Co.
Model: Ideal No. 44
Serial Number: 37776
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1932
Caliber: .25-20 Single Shot
Action Type: Falling Block Single Shot Breech Loading Rifle
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “J.STEVENS A.&T. CO. / CHICOPEE FALLS MASS. U.S.A. PAT. APR. 17 94”. The left shoulder of the barrel is marked “.25-20”. The bottom of the barrel and bottom tang are marked with the serial number “37776”.
Barrel Length: 26″ Half Round & Half Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a german silver blade in a slotted base is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear of the barrel has a dovetail cut with a flat filler installed. The rear sight is a flip-up aperture peep sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, and crescent metal buttplate. There is a crack on the right side of the forend at the rear. There is some discoloration on the edges of the wrist against the receiver. There are some scattered light handling marks. The LOP measures approximately 13” to the back of the buttplate. The buttplate has some scattered light handling marks. The stocks rate in about Excellent overall condition as professionally restored.
Type of Finish: Blued & Case Color
Finish Originality: Professionally Restored
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp where not interrupted by erosion. There is scattered erosion in the bore and a little patch of pitting.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 98% its metal finish. The rifle has been professionally restored. There are a few scattered light marks from handling. There is a bit of faint thinning on the edges of the barrel. The screwheads are sharp and the markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Excellent condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. The lockup is tight. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is an article on bullet molds, an article on the caliber this rifle is chambered for, disassembly instructions, information on the rifle, Brownell’s screwdriver bits, and two filler screws for the top tang.
Our Assessment: Stevens produced a variety of single-shot rifles, but the majority were little affordable lightweight boys rifles like the CrackShot or Favorite series. This is one of their full-size target rifles, the Ideal No. 44. Stevens was well known back in the early 1900s for the quality of single shot target rifles they produced and they were one of the main names alongside Ballard and Winchester. They had an extensive custom order catalog for those seriously into the sport and could configure rifles just about any way the customer wanted. This one is chambered for .25-20 Single Shot and has a 26″ half octagonal barrel. It has been professionally restored and the job is so well done it could honestly pass as original. The lockup is tight and the action functions well. This is a beautiful rifle and will absolutely make a great addition to your C&R or single-shot rifle collection. Please see our photos and good luck!