https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1029/2334/unknown-single-shot#detailI have no interest in this rifle, just have a question for the single shot experts. Rock Island is calling this a 44 1/2 in .224 Clark. My understanding is that the .224 Clark is a 257 Roberts necked down to 22 and designed to use very heavy bullets for hunting deer sized game. Wouldn't this be a bit much for the 44 1/2 action?
Not my cup of tea, but the carving looks better than average we well.
John
Since that caliber is a handloader's cartridge, it should be fine for those smart enough to know the 44 1/2's limitations. If it was a caliber that factory loads were available, then one needs to be careful. But since nothing can be purchased over the counter, the owner needs to simply load for the strength of that action.
It is a very nicely done stock, but I'd probably strip the blue off the receiver and have it cased if I owned the gun.
I own CPA rifles, modern interpretation of the Stevens 44 ½ with some changes to make them more capable. Bushed firing pin, gas escape hole bottom of the breech block. Bit wider action allows larger barrel shank, and modern steel. Originals don’t have any of the upgrades. They are Switch barrels and one of my guns has had a 219 Zipper barrel and now carries a 25 Kraig and a 30 Kraig. Either case can be loaded pretty hot if you so desire.
Action design is strong block rocks on closing which cam’s in cases well, but has limitations. The CPA, Wider and better steel is a big improvement over original Stevens which were known for “ soft” metal. Any single shot is not going to extract as well as a bolt action, not as much leverage . If a case lets go the block hole will help but gas is going to escape between the block & barrel. Case head is not captured within the action like a bolt gun. The 44 ½ action was one of the first to be “wildcatted” with necked down 30 Kraig, was probably the first action chambered for the 25 Kraig. Lot done way back when that’s not safe today’s thinking. I think it’s about 2nd in strength to a Winchester High Wall, but not a close 2nd. Even with my upgraded actions I don’t push the 25 or 30 Kraig cases much at all. You could do the same with a wildcatted original load it light.
2nd Barrel for original 44 ½ is fairly inexpensive and easy to obtain from CPA rifles in many calibers. I don’t think the Clark is suitable for it though. If you think the gun is nice buy it and get a modest cartridge new barrel. 1500 with the scope it would be well bought. CPA list all suitable cartridges on their web site, figure little over 600 for a 2nd barrel. 44 1/2 works well with 30/30 case head cartridges. This all opinion somebody else may have a different one.
Boats
AND I have a set of dies for the 224 Clark
And since it is a schuetzen gun I would suggest a cast bullet
breech seat gun made for .224 CAST heavy bullets and low chamber pressure.
No high pressure, high speed jacketed bullet loads here
Mike
Boats, do you really think the 44 1/2 is stronger than a Hepburn, or a Sharps '74? I personally would put the 1885 High Wall, Sharps '74, and Hepburn, all above the 44 1/2 in strength.
Well it is my opinion, not any established fact. I probably should have said suitable for modern high pressure cartridges not strength. No doubt about it the 1885 Winchester is the strongest and most suitable for conversion to modern cartridges. The Sharps has a lot of metal for sure but vertical sliding breech block design and firing pin don't lend themselves to varmint rifle calibers. Hepburn is a good design for straight wall cases but the vertical sliding block does not cam and my opinion they don't extract well either. It's probably plenty strong. You hardly ever see Sharps or Hepburn's in Varmint conversions. You do see a lot of High Walls and 44 1/2's converted.
The 44 1/2 is the most modern American single shot action design, 1907, and Incorporated improvements on the older designed actions. It's weak point is the metal and built for 38/55 case head cartridges. Stay with something on that basic case it's a very good Acton. Exception the 1885 none of the single shot actions are as strong as most bolt guns and including the 1885 don't handle escaping gas well at all. They are all good shooters if you understand the limitations and keep the pressure reasonable.
Boats
Thanks for the information. I have no intentions to bid on the rifle, just thought it was an odd combination. There are a few other lots in the auction worthy of a look for those interested in classic sporting rifles.
John
IMHO, I think that this is the original Stevens barrel, lined and set back several inches and a new forend. The rifle is most likely a model 47.
I also think that this is the original butt stock and the carving is more likely a tracing with a combination of light carving/stamping and wood burning. The deer design I have seen before. If memory serves me right, Brownell's had stuff like this in their catalog in the 1970's.
You can really see the effects of the hot blue turning the lever casting purple.
That being said, I would still buy it as a parts gun if it was priced right. I've always been a sucker for every "silk purse" hiding in that "sow's ear".
It could be a nice rifle if reworked. That carving offends my eye. Might be able to sand it out. The Fecker would sell for 400 to 500. 44 1/2 actions about 600. Considering the stock shape it would be very unpleasant to shoot as chambered. Could possibly cut back again and chamber for the Hornet. Easiest thing to do would be re barrel to what ever caliber suits the buyer.
Not for me though I sold all my original single shots, only shoot the CPA reproductions . Trouble free and plenty strong.
Boats
I could live with the carving easier than the blued receiver! That purple effect that hot bluing over cased metal gets is fugly! They have it listed as "professionally refinished". Wonder what "professional" decided to hot blue it, instead of casehardening it?