Make: J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company
Model: "Ideal" No. 44
Serial Number: 24581
Year of Manufacture: 1894-1915 / ATF Classification: C&R
Caliber/Gauge: .22 Long Rifle
Action Type: Single shot, pivot block
Barrel Length: 26", sleeved bore
Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into the barrel. The front sight bead has broken off. The rear sight is a pair of folding v-notch sights dovetailed into the barrel. The folding sights are a bit loose. Mounted to the upper tang is an adjustable folding aperture.
Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The furniture is two piece wood with a straight-wrist grip, smooth contoured forend, straight comb, and a serrated synthetic buttplate. The buttplate has moderate handling wear. The furniture shows scattered drag lines and pressure dings. The LOP measures 13.75" from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. There is a crack on the rear left side of the forend as well as one running from the left of the buttplate. There are also a couple of open grain lines on the left of the buttstock that do not extend to any edges. The furniture rates in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Antiqued blue
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The barrel has been sleeved. The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. The only notable marks is some tool chattering across the lands. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 90% of its nonoriginal antiqued finish. The finish shows edge wear and scattered blemishes (most of which are under the current finish). The screw heads range from unmarred to lightly tooled and retain turnable slots. The current markings and engravings are clear and complete. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
Our Assessment: This custom engraved Stevens A&T Co. "Ideal" No. 44 was manufactured between 1894 and 1915 and qualifies as a Curio and Relic firearm. Produced by J. Stevens Arms & Tool Company, the Ideal No. 44 became one of America's most popular single-shot target and sporting rifles. Its compact pivoting breechblock action, excellent balance, and inherent accuracy made it a favorite among target shooters and small game hunters during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This example has been tastefully customized, reflecting the long tradition of embellishing Stevens single-shot rifles for target shooting and collecting.
Chambered in .22 Long Rifle with a 26 inch barrel, this rifle has been fitted with a sleeved barrel, providing a renewed bore while preserving the original barrel profile. The receiver has also been custom engraved, adding a distinctive appearance that complements the rifle's classic lines. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 9 out of 10, indicating excellent internal condition with strong rifling. The action functions correctly.
The furniture rates in Good condition with a few cracks appropriate for its age. Approximately 90% of the non-original antiqued blued finish remains, presenting an attractive period-inspired appearance. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition and represents a beautifully customized Stevens Ideal No. 44 that combines tasteful engraving, a quality barrel sleeve, and one of America's most respected classic single-shot actions. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids!
