Another old timer, Stevens 101 .44 Shotshell

[David LaPell]

I picked up another oddball recently, a Stevens 101 in .44 Shot shell, which is nothing more than a .44-40 smoothbore. I got some .44 shot capsules and loaded them with #7 1/2 shot, it adds up to about 1/3 ounce or so over 6.8 grains of Unique. I tried the loads out at 15 and 25 yards. It's kind of a neat little gun from a time when these were popular around the house and farm.

[6518John]

David—I believe these types of guns in various calibers were the forerunner of the S&W Governor. A ranch neighbor has chickens, ducks, rabbits, as well as cattle. He is a long-time Colt SAA carrier—his only revolver until he received a Governor for a present. He says it is the perfect farm and ranch gun.

He uses size 6 shot shells for egg-suckers/stealers like snakes, vermin, coon, possums, etc. Has a buckshot load for foxes and coyotes and big coons. A .45 Colt load or two thrown in for insurance.

[runted]

My father had one of these for years. Matter of fact he had it when he was a youngster and they shot low brass short 410 shells out of it. But unfortunately someone stole it in the early 80's with a bunch of his other guns and none have been found. It was always an unusual little gun. Weighs nothing.

Glad to finally see another one. Enjoy it.

[2152hq]

Neat old Stevens.
Built on the 'Marksman #12' rifle action that was a .22 rf (and I think also offered in 25rf) boys type rifle.

Pretty nice pattern at 15yrds!

These are getting hard to find in decent condition.

[bigmoose]

Fun with the .44 SHOT
Click on above link.
I Love My Stevens 101. It was my great Uncle Bill’s gun and he always referred to it as a ‘squirrel gun’. I reload for it and I gotta say, the results are quite impressive for such a small shot shell.

[Squarebutt]

I have a similar piece from Harrington & Richardson, known as a "Garden Gun" and a few of the original shells with the wooden capsule containing the birdshot. Haven't fired it since I was a kid practicing my wingshooting on barnyard pigeons, using .410 shells. Might have to try a few reloads for fun.