The frame is somewhat thicker than the original, being about 1 1/4" thick rather than the 44 1/2 action's 1 1/8". This has allowed the use of somewhat larger barrel shank threads. These are 15/16-16, the same as the Winchester high wall, and larger cartridges can be used, up to the ability to load a case past the hammer. Some but not all parts are interchangeable with original Stevens Model 44 1/2 actions. Please contact us if you would like more specifics.

The action and all its components were designed in a solid model with a CAD system. The flat drawings were derived from the solid model, and are the basis for the machining programs used by the vertical machining center used to machine all the non-round parts. Screws, pins, and other round parts are made on conventional Brown & Sharpe screw machines. The frame, breechblock, hammer, lever, extractor, and link are made from 8620 investment castings. These parts are then fully machined for proper fit, and all but the lever and extractor are heat treated. The Schuetzen frame is also not heat treated, but has a tensile strength of about 90 KSI after case coloring. The triggers, sear, lower tang, and trigger spring are machined from solid oil hardening tool steel and heat treated as required. Pins are hardened and ground, and all screws are hardened. All working parts are hardened for strength and wear resistance, so this action has a very long life expectancy. In every part used, the material and heat treatment is superior to the original. The finish provided on the parts is equivalent to the original action.