[T.D.C.]

I have a Stevens single shot .22 LR falling block. Patend date is 1894. The exterior is nice the bore is toast. I am considering relining it but came up with another idea. Drill it out smooth bore to .22 mag and use it with bird shot as a garden gun. Do you think the action can handle the pressure of the 22 mag?

 

[toiville2feathers]

Is the bird shot load have the same amount of powder as the rifle bullet?

 

[toiville2feathers]

Is the bird shot load have the same amount of powder as the rifle bullet?
Wasn’t the Stevens falling block also chambered in 25-20?

 

[T.D.C.]

I am not sure on the chambering. That is something to look into. So far as powder charge. I do not know. I would expect the pressures of the shot cup to be lower than the solid projectile.

 

[Lucky Shooter in SC]

Action

What is the model number on your action----Favorite, Model 44,
Model 44 1/2 etc ?

This might have some bearing on what you want to to with the rifle.

A. Weldy

 

[T.D.C.]

Pretty sure it is a Favorite, but it is not marked.

 

[Lucky Shooter in SC]

Stevens Actions

The reason I asked is because I have a Stevens Walnut Hill 22LR target rifle, which is built on a Model 44 action.

I considered converting this rifle to 17 HMR but it's current value convinced me to leave it as is.

Not all Stevens falling block actions are equal. Just wanted to let you know that you might have better options for this rifle.

A. Weldy

 

[Doug Roberts]

30g

Several years ago I had a Savage Model 30G in .17 HMR. It was called the Favorite but it wasn't my favorite by any means. I think all Savage did was rebarrel a .22lr action. The action was obviously strong enough but it wasn't long enough for the HMR cartridge. You had to cock the hammer, lever the block down as usual, then hold the hammer back beyond full-cock in order to load a live round. Very awkward, two-handed operation. Sold it to a guy on another forum and about two weeks later it showed up for sale on consignment at a local shop.

I think Savage dropped the HMR and WMR versions around 2008-2009. How about having the barrel relined to .17 HM2?

 

[T.D.C.]

Doug, relining is being considered. I want to pin down what model that I have and go from there. A garden gun in less that rural areas appeals to me. The rifled barrel has a tendency to open up what little shot pattern that you have. It is war on chipmunks.

 

[RickB]

Might just work BUT !!

What about after your gone and the New owner might just pop a Full 22 mag in it and the impact in all directions would be Fierce !!

I know you would never fire a full solid load in it, but we always have to think about the next guy, Don't we ??

Be Safe,

Rick B.

 

[T.D.C.]

I did some testing on the breech and it is too old and too brittle. I will sleeve it as a .22. The condition is not collectible.