Stevens Ideal No. 49 WALNUT HILL .22 LR – ENGRAVED SCHUETZEN, CIRCA 1901

The Stevens No. 49 “Walnut Hill” represents one of the more desirable sporting and target rifles from the golden age of American single-shot shooting. Introduced as an embellished member of Stevens’ Ideal line, the Walnut Hill combined extensive engraving, finely checkered walnut and specialized target furniture with the company’s famous single-shot action. The No. 49 is documented as having been produced on both the early Model 44 and later Model 44½ actions.

This handsome example, serial number 14821, is an early rifle built on the Stevens Model 44 rocking-block action. Collector research into surviving Model 44 serial numbers and mechanical changes places this rifle very near the turn-of-the-century transition period, and its No. 49 configuration on the Model 44 action indicates manufacture prior to Stevens’ adoption of the 44½ for its higher-grade rifles. We believe circa 1901 is an appropriate date of manufacture.

The receiver is extensively decorated in the distinctive flowing scroll associated with Stevens’ better target rifles. Under the forearm, the receiver is correctly stamped “49,” identifying the Walnut Hill grade. It is accompanied by a finely checkered pistol-grip Schuetzen stock, Swiss-style buttplate, elaborate loop lever with wooden palm insert and double-set triggers, the set trigger releasing with an exceptionally light pull.

Equally appealing is the rifle’s period target sight equipment. A Stevens vernier tang sight with patent-marked rotating multi-aperture eyecup provides precise rear adjustment, while the barrel carries a period globe front sight with flip-up contrasting bead.

At some point after its original manufacture, the rifle was fitted with its present 26″ J. Stevens Arms Company .22 Long Rifle barrel. The Arms Company marking dates the barrel to the later Stevens era and establishes that it is not original to the circa-1901 receiver. Because the barrel itself is Stevens manufacture, a period factory replacement is certainly possible, but in the absence of surviving factory records we make no claim as to who performed the installation.

Weighing 8 lbs. 10.5 oz., the rifle retains the wonderfully steady feel for which Schuetzen rifles were designed. The .22 LR chambering also makes it far more practical to enjoy today than many surviving Walnut Hills chambered for obsolete Stevens target cartridges.

A beautiful and unusually interesting survivor from Stevens’ early target-rifle era, combining the No. 49 Walnut Hill grade, early Model 44 action, extensive engraving, double-set triggers and period precision sights with the shootability of .22 Long Rifle.

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