Stevens Walnut Hill 22 RF Target Rifle---questions

L

Lucky Shooter

Guest
Looking for info and possible advice.

I have a pretty nice Stevens Walnut Hill, built on the Stevens Model 44 falling block action.

I'd like to consider rebarreling this rifle in 17 HMR or 17 HM2 but don't know if the action is strong enough for these rounds. Anyone here know about this ?

Can I expect the existing extractor to work with the 17 HMR and HM2 rounds.

I'm also concerned about removing the existing barrel without marring any of the finish. I'd like to keep it looking good in case I want to return to the 22 RF barrrel. I've found a set screw under the action that seems to bear on the barrel tenon and it can be backed out.

Are these barrels difficult to remove ? What are my chances of removing this barrel without damage to the finish ?

I've never chambered a rimfire barrrel but figure I can get enough info here. I first must get past my concerns about action strength and and damage to the finish.

Would appreciate and info and advice.

A. Weldy
 
I'd buy a modern made 17 rather than work on the Stevens. Walnut Hills have collector value and yours being "pretty nice" falls into that category. You can probably find a new 17 cheaper than having someone re-barrel the 44. If you're DIY, there are plenty of junkers to dink with.

That said, the 44 is set up so the barrel can be swapped pretty easily. I've seen some that were tough to get apart due to solidified grease/dirt/rust on the barrel threads & set screw. Make a new fore end, don't dink with the original.

Regards,
Ron
 
Its strong enough but you're making a mistake in messing with it.
As has been written above, keep it as a .22 and just buy a .17 if you want one.
 
Lucky Shooter said:
Looking for info and possible advice.

I have a pretty nice Stevens Walnut Hill, built on the Stevens Model 44 falling block action.

I'd like to consider rebarreling this rifle in 17 HMR or 17 HM2 but don't know if the action is strong enough for these rounds. Anyone here know about this ?

Can I expect the existing extractor to work with the 17 HMR and HM2 rounds.

I'm also concerned about removing the existing barrel without marring any of the finish. I'd like to keep it looking good in case I want to return to the 22 RF barrrel. I've found a set screw under the action that seems to bear on the barrel tenon and it can be backed out.

Are these barrels difficult to remove ? What are my chances of removing this barrel without damage to the finish ?

I've never chambered a rimfire barrrel but figure I can get enough info here. I first must get past my concerns about action strength and and damage to the finish.

Would appreciate and info and advice.

A. Weldy
Click to expand...

Mr. Weldy,
I will buy you a very nice 17 cal. rimfire in trade for that Walnut Hill. Please dont rebarrel that rifle.

John
 
Thanks for all the replies.

I have a 17 HMR but thought this particular rifle would be a lot of fun to shoot as a 17 HMR.

I'm very much aware of the relative scarcity of these old rifles and would never risk damaging the finish to rebarrel it. This rifle is remarkably accurate after all these years and is just fun to shoot.

John, I appreciate your offer but this gun has a home with my family and will someday go to one of the grandkids.

Thanks again for all the replies.

A. Weldy
 
Lucky


Do you have any pictures of your fine old rifle ?

Its always nice to see quality firearms.

Hal
 
Hal, I have a few pictures of it but don't know how to post pictures.

A. Weldy
 
Lucky Shooter said:
John, I appreciate your offer but this gun has a home with my family and will someday go to one of the grandkids.



A. Weldy
Click to expand...

As it should be. I wish I had some grandkids to hand my rifles down to, no I am not soliciting offers for "loaner grandkids".
 
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