I've been looking at doing a custom highwall project and a poster from the single shot forum over at ASSRA recommended CPA built Stevens 44 1/2 rifle. Any information or personal experieces regarding these type rifles or how they compare to the 1885's. Thanks.

Bill:

One of the guys that I shoot BPCR silouette with has one set up for .40-65, .45-90, and .22 LR. The gun looks great, with excellent fit and finish. It also shoots well. The advantage of the CPA 44-1/2 is that you can quickly change calibers, as barrels can be changed in about one minute or the barrel and breech block changed in about five minutes. I was originally going to replace my current BPCR Silouette rifle with a highwall, but after seeing and playing with a CPA 44-1/2, that is the route that I am going.

Dave

I have the CPA 44 1/2.

Thought about the 1885, and it's a mighty fine piece of hardware. Went with the Stevens because of the ease in changing barrels. I'm slow, and it's about two minutes with just a screw driver.

http://groups.msn.com/BPCR/jeffsstuff.msnw

Retired Jeff,

Nice looking rifle! What does the 218 weigh? I've been looking at the CPA's as well. Paul Shuttleworth sure seems like a stand up kind of guy.

Andy

I know for sure that the rifle with scope and the 30" 38-55 barrel weighs in at 12.5 pounds. Never checked the weight with the 218 barrel...

I'll check it out tomorrow.

jeff

I have a friend that has a Stevens 44 1/2 action that looks almost new it has been bushed for center fire cart., He was wondering what calibars he could rebarrel this action for that would be safe. He does alot of varmit hunting.

Rodger,

Take a look at

www.singleshotrifles.com

They have a caliber listing for their 44 1/2 actions.

Andy

Weight with the 218 Mashburn is 10 1/2 pounds without the scope. This was from my bathroom scale and it only registers in 1/2 pound increments.

Roger

There are two 44 1/2 actions that I'm aware of: The original made by Stevens up to about 1915 and the current production made by CPA (marked on upper tang). The current production is much stronger than the original and I would suggest that caution be exercised in a rebarrel and/or rechambering plan. I would defer to the experts at CPA (singleshotrifles.com) for their recommendation or consult with the folks at the assra.com board. The folks there are extremely knowledgable as well.

Jeff,

Which contour is your 30/40? Interestingly enough, that's one of the barrels I'm considering. Thanks for the info!

Hey Guy's thanks for the assistance, I will pass on to my friend. The is an original Stevens action. Thanks again

Andy

I believe that it's a #4.

1.125" at the flats and 1.00 at the muzzle. The first 10.5" from the action is hexagonal, the rest is round

I have ordered the CPA Silhouette rifle in 38-55 and it should be ready in June. Can't wait. A friend of mine has several single shot rifles like Winchester and Ballard and some I can't remember the names of. After I ordered my CPA he was on the phone to CPA thinking of placing an order for a .22LR Scheutzen. He was surfing the net while on the phone and came across a great deal on a CPA just like he wanted in .22LR with a 25-20 and 32-40 barrel. Without hesitation he told CPA he would think about it and then bought the one off the internet for $2,000.00. That is just slightly less than I paid for mine with one barrel. Lucky guy he is. He got his rifle and mounted a Lyman Target Spot scope on it and the thing shoots great. I am really excited now. After looking at his Winchesters and Ballards he says the CPA wood to metal fit is not nearly as good, but he likes the rifle very much.

Rodger
Paul Shuttleworths CPA 44 1/2 is a beefed up action compared to the original Stevens 44 1/2. He did this so that the BPCR crowd could use it for the big bores. I have both an original Stevens 44 1/2 and a CPA 44 1/2. The barrel shank on the original is .875. The CPA has a barrel shank of .925. That said the Stevens 44 1/2 is a fine forged action. The original Stevens 44 1/2 receiver is 1.1" wide. The CPA 44 1/2 receiver is 1.25" wide.