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.

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Vaya con Dios

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.

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No school like the old school.

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.

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.

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.

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.