Planning on moving up to my first "precision" rifle and am considering the Stevens 200. All reports seem to be good as far as the basic rifle and I have seen various upgrades available for the rifle. What would be a good calibre to start out with. I was thinking about 5.56/223 as a first attempt.
- Thread starter boatsman
- Start date
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
223/556 is a great starter rifle...
223/556 is a great starter rifle...
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Depends on how you are going to use the rifle for? I.E. just paper punching, hunting or varmint ect. Choose a caliber to do what you intend it for. A Stevens is a Savage with a different name, parts that will fit a Savage will fit a Stevens. There is an advantage to these rifles and that is you can change barrels and bolt heads at home as long as you have a set of chamber gauges. As far as options there are many stock makers to choose from. Different triggers drop bottom metal and so on. You also get a good warranty so long as you keep it stock for the 1 year warranty. Others will chime in with more comments also. I own a Stevens 200 or i should say the action is all i kept. I like them but to me the back of the bolt looks like the north end of a south bound skunk.MM
Depends on how you are going to use the rifle for? I.E. just paper punching, hunting or varmint ect. Choose a caliber to do what you intend it for. A Stevens is a Savage with a different name, parts that will fit a Savage will fit a Stevens. There is an advantage to these rifles and that is you can change barrels and bolt heads at home as long as you have a set of chamber gauges. As far as options there are many stock makers to choose from. Different triggers drop bottom metal and so on. You also get a good warranty so long as you keep it stock for the 1 year warranty. Others will chime in with more comments also. I own a Stevens 200 or i should say the action is all i kept. I like them but to me the back of the bolt looks like the north end of a south bound skunk.MM
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
A Stevens 200 in 223 should shoot sub-MOA out of the box with Hornady 75gr Steel Match or Federal 69gr Gold Metal Match, and will serve as a good basis for a build depending on what your wants and needs are.
Not sure what your budget is, but if you're asking about Stevens you're probably a poor broke guy like most of us! So, here are my recommendations to get started
1. Rifle (Bud's Gun Shop is probably the cheapest)
2. EGW or Weaver 20MOA scope base
3. Burris XTR rings
4. Quality "budget" optic (Bushnell 3200 10x, Weaver 3-10x, SWFA SS, Vortex Viper, etc)
5. Ammo for practice!
As funds permit, I'd first upgrade the stock (because its GARBAGE) then the trigger...though some would reverse that. For stocks the Bell & Carlson A2 Medalist and Choate A5 Tactical are popular choices in the $200 range, though you can get a Manners or McMillan of your choice. For triggers, most folks prefer either the Rifle Basix SAV-1 or the SSS Competition trigger. I have a SAV-1, like it a lot, never used a SSS trigger but I'm sure its great.
You might consider paying to join the SavageShooters forum to access the Classifieds; there are some good deals to be had there but ya gotta check often.
A Stevens 200 in 223 should shoot sub-MOA out of the box with Hornady 75gr Steel Match or Federal 69gr Gold Metal Match, and will serve as a good basis for a build depending on what your wants and needs are.
Not sure what your budget is, but if you're asking about Stevens you're probably a poor broke guy like most of us! So, here are my recommendations to get started
1. Rifle (Bud's Gun Shop is probably the cheapest)
2. EGW or Weaver 20MOA scope base
3. Burris XTR rings
4. Quality "budget" optic (Bushnell 3200 10x, Weaver 3-10x, SWFA SS, Vortex Viper, etc)
5. Ammo for practice!
As funds permit, I'd first upgrade the stock (because its GARBAGE) then the trigger...though some would reverse that. For stocks the Bell & Carlson A2 Medalist and Choate A5 Tactical are popular choices in the $200 range, though you can get a Manners or McMillan of your choice. For triggers, most folks prefer either the Rifle Basix SAV-1 or the SSS Competition trigger. I have a SAV-1, like it a lot, never used a SSS trigger but I'm sure its great.
You might consider paying to join the SavageShooters forum to access the Classifieds; there are some good deals to be had there but ya gotta check often.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Caliber all depends on what you want to do with the gun. I have a Stevens 200 built in .308 it has seen many changes. Now wears a varmint contour barrel, a Choate tactical stock, and a Vortex Viper HS 5-15x and a Rifle Basix Sav-1. I just upgraded as money would allow. I am thinking of a rebarrel to .260 Rem or a Manners stock. The possibilities are endless.
If you list you use for the gun and price range I think we could be of more help in helping you empty your wallet
Good luck and have fun with it, I know I did!
Caliber all depends on what you want to do with the gun. I have a Stevens 200 built in .308 it has seen many changes. Now wears a varmint contour barrel, a Choate tactical stock, and a Vortex Viper HS 5-15x and a Rifle Basix Sav-1. I just upgraded as money would allow. I am thinking of a rebarrel to .260 Rem or a Manners stock. The possibilities are endless.
If you list you use for the gun and price range I think we could be of more help in helping you empty your wallet
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
If Remington would add a barrel nut and floating head bolt, yet still make the action as fast/smooth as a Remington is.. they would have a winner in my book.
Or..
If Savage could get a their existing product to have a smoother/faster throw and up their aftermarket to match the 700.
If Remington would add a barrel nut and floating head bolt, yet still make the action as fast/smooth as a Remington is.. they would have a winner in my book.
Or..
If Savage could get a their existing product to have a smoother/faster throw and up their aftermarket to match the 700.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If Remington would add a barrel nut and floating head bolt, yet still make the action as fast/smooth as a Remington is.. they would have a winner in my book.</div></div>
Remington 700 action + Northland Shooter Supply "Rem-Age" Criterion barrel and barrel nut = winning!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If Savage could get a their existing product to have a smoother/faster throw and up their aftermarket to match the 700. </div></div>
Its been said that Savage could make fairly minor tweaks on the assembly line to greatly reduce the bolt lift on their actions, and that they've been told exactly what needs to be done, but for whatever reason (probably cost) they choose not to.
As for the aftermarket...it would certainly help if Savage would quit making changes for change's sake.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Hawk45</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If Remington would add a barrel nut and floating head bolt, yet still make the action as fast/smooth as a Remington is.. they would have a winner in my book.</div></div>
Remington 700 action + Northland Shooter Supply "Rem-Age" Criterion barrel and barrel nut = winning!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If Savage could get a their existing product to have a smoother/faster throw and up their aftermarket to match the 700. </div></div>
Its been said that Savage could make fairly minor tweaks on the assembly line to greatly reduce the bolt lift on their actions, and that they've been told exactly what needs to be done, but for whatever reason (probably cost) they choose not to.
As for the aftermarket...it would certainly help if Savage would quit making changes for change's sake.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wahoowad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know the Stevens stock is plastic but is the barrel floated or does it make contact at the forend? </div></div>
It should be floated but, because it is cheap plastic there is no guarantee of that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wahoowad</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I know the Stevens stock is plastic but is the barrel floated or does it make contact at the forend? </div></div>
It should be floated but, because it is cheap plastic there is no guarantee of that.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
My Stevens 200 in .308 was the absolute smoothest action I have ever owned. The bolt lift modifications that I made, very inexpensively, has made a HUGE differnce in my Savage Predator.
I recommed stiffening the stock and shooting with it, and then get a Manners when funds will allow. Nothing but Manners for mine!!
DK
My Stevens 200 in .308 was the absolute smoothest action I have ever owned. The bolt lift modifications that I made, very inexpensively, has made a HUGE differnce in my Savage Predator.
I recommed stiffening the stock and shooting with it, and then get a Manners when funds will allow. Nothing but Manners for mine!!
DK
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.
Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build. </div></div>
I would recommend the Stevens I have 4 and 3 of which where purchased for the action. But the thing is I have the trigger, barrel and stock of my choosing not what the factory chooses. The one that is still a complete Stevens rifle is a .223 that has been tinkered with. The barrel was chopped to 18", action smoothed, stock rebuilt and bedded and will out shoot almost anything I have ran across. It is averaging >.5 moa with 75gr A-Max's that it is not supposed to shoot and s 3-9x50 Weaver Classic scope. Not bad for a truck gun.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build. </div></div>
I would recommend the Stevens I have 4 and 3 of which where purchased for the action. But the thing is I have the trigger, barrel and stock of my choosing not what the factory chooses. The one that is still a complete Stevens rifle is a .223 that has been tinkered with. The barrel was chopped to 18", action smoothed, stock rebuilt and bedded and will out shoot almost anything I have ran across. It is averaging >.5 moa with 75gr A-Max's that it is not supposed to shoot and s 3-9x50 Weaver Classic scope. Not bad for a truck gun.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Another +1 for a Stevens 200 in 5.56/.223. Plenty of upgrade parts available, cheap to shoot, and .223 is a great round to learn how to reload with. My tightest group I've ever shot was out of my .223 Stevens 200, .241" center to center with the factory barrel. Load was 5.56 MAL brass, CCI small rifle primers, 25.1 grains of Varget powder, pushing a Hornady 68gr. BTHP projectile.
Here's a picture of the five shot group in question.
Another +1 for a Stevens 200 in 5.56/.223. Plenty of upgrade parts available, cheap to shoot, and .223 is a great round to learn how to reload with. My tightest group I've ever shot was out of my .223 Stevens 200, .241" center to center with the factory barrel. Load was 5.56 MAL brass, CCI small rifle primers, 25.1 grains of Varget powder, pushing a Hornady 68gr. BTHP projectile.
Here's a picture of the five shot group in question.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
I can attest to the Stevens. I have built two on the 200 action. One in .223AI and another .308. The AI shoots .5 inches all day at 100. I haven't stretched it out yet and the .308 is almost complete with a 18" heavy Criterion barrel. I bought two new guns in .243 for $240 each. The .223AI barrel and everything needed for the swap ran me about $200 thanks to a ER Shaw group buy. I have the AI finished with a Choate Tactical stock, CDI bottom metal, OD Cerakote (being done now), Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP. All in all it rounds out to about 2k for an outstanding rifle/glass. The .308 has a bit more work done to it. I went all out ;-). Ill post pics when I get some.
Its getting there....
[img:center]http://
[/img]
I can attest to the Stevens. I have built two on the 200 action. One in .223AI and another .308. The AI shoots .5 inches all day at 100. I haven't stretched it out yet and the .308 is almost complete with a 18" heavy Criterion barrel. I bought two new guns in .243 for $240 each. The .223AI barrel and everything needed for the swap ran me about $200 thanks to a ER Shaw group buy. I have the AI finished with a Choate Tactical stock, CDI bottom metal, OD Cerakote (being done now), Vortex Viper PST 6-24 FFP. All in all it rounds out to about 2k for an outstanding rifle/glass. The .308 has a bit more work done to it. I went all out ;-). Ill post pics when I get some.
Its getting there....
[img:center]http://
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223
Can't go wrong with .223 for ease of finding ammo, ammo components, reloading components and people who have reloaded thousands to help you get started there.
That being said... I've heard of many dudes that showed at a long range competition with heavy .223 rounds and spanked.
Good luck on your build!
Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223
Can't go wrong with .223 for ease of finding ammo, ammo components, reloading components and people who have reloaded thousands to help you get started there.
That being said... I've heard of many dudes that showed at a long range competition with heavy .223 rounds and spanked.
Good luck on your build!
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts. </div></div>
I have swapped several savage/stevens bolt faces. Like Boiler said. It is super easy. After doing it a few times it becomes a 5 minute ordeal.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts. </div></div>
I have swapped several savage/stevens bolt faces. Like Boiler said. It is super easy. After doing it a few times it becomes a 5 minute ordeal.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWV</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts. </div></div>
I have swapped several savage/stevens bolt faces. Like Boiler said. It is super easy. After doing it a few times it becomes a 5 minute ordeal.</div></div>
I didn't realize it was that simple and cost effective. I was initially just considering the cost of a barrel and bolt face, but I guess even the cost of a decent barrel would be way less than you would save using a considerable amount of. 223 for practice as opposed to. 308.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JWV</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BoilerUP</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: dormandefense</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like you've got some pretty sound advice so far.
I'm heading down the same road you are.
I think .308 would be a good caliber if you ever plan to turn your "beginner" rifle into a competition piece. If your only plan is to make a good beginners/practice stick than I say go with the .223</div></div>
With a Savage/Stevens, you can convert from a .473 (308) bolt head to a .378 (223) bolt head or vice versa for about $20, an allen wrench and small punch, and 10 minutes of your time.
Its very reasonable to get a 223 Savage/Stevens to 'start' with, and if you want a 308/260/Creedmoor/7-08/whatever down the road, simply buy a bolt head and swap the parts. </div></div>
I have swapped several savage/stevens bolt faces. Like Boiler said. It is super easy. After doing it a few times it becomes a 5 minute ordeal.</div></div>
I didn't realize it was that simple and cost effective. I was initially just considering the cost of a barrel and bolt face, but I guess even the cost of a decent barrel would be way less than you would save using a considerable amount of. 223 for practice as opposed to. 308.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.</div></div>
I call BS on this. I have 3 Stevens 200s and all 3 are sub MOA shooting 10 shot groups with the factory stocks and triggers. Cannot say that for the Remingtons or Rugers I have owned that cost 2 to 3 times as much.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.</div></div>
I call BS on this. I have 3 Stevens 200s and all 3 are sub MOA shooting 10 shot groups with the factory stocks and triggers. Cannot say that for the Remingtons or Rugers I have owned that cost 2 to 3 times as much.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
And here I have a model 10FP in .308 i am trying to convert to .223 for my kid to start shooting.... anyone wanna swap barrels?
Edit: i hope that didnt violate rules about selling before 100 posts. if so let me know and i will edit or a MOD can...
Edit 2: Like I could stop a MOD from editing if I wanted to....
And here I have a model 10FP in .308 i am trying to convert to .223 for my kid to start shooting.... anyone wanna swap barrels?
Edit: i hope that didnt violate rules about selling before 100 posts. if so let me know and i will edit or a MOD can...
Edit 2: Like I could stop a MOD from editing if I wanted to....
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.</div></div>
I call BS on this. I have 3 Stevens 200s and all 3 are sub MOA shooting 10 shot groups with the factory stocks and triggers. Cannot say that for the Remingtons or Rugers I have owned that cost 2 to 3 times as much. </div></div>
Even if you spent slightly more upgrading the Stevens. You now have a fully match barrel/trigger/stock/etc. I have a Savage 12 VLP, while it is a great shooting rifle(204 ruger), it can not hang with any of my rebarreled rifles.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mnhntr</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 223Rem</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Stevens and "precision" do not go hand in hand. They were the Savage entry level rifle before the Axis/Edge. There is not a huge demand for used Stevens parts when you ready to upgrade, so expect to store stuff in the closet.
If you are looking for a out "of the box" budget precision rifle, I could not reccommend the model 12BVSS or VLP enough. By the time you upgrade the trigger, barrel and stock on the Stevens (and you will), it will have cost more than the model 12.
By the time you can out shoot the stock model 12, you will ahve plenty saved up for the next build.</div></div>
I call BS on this. I have 3 Stevens 200s and all 3 are sub MOA shooting 10 shot groups with the factory stocks and triggers. Cannot say that for the Remingtons or Rugers I have owned that cost 2 to 3 times as much. </div></div>
Even if you spent slightly more upgrading the Stevens. You now have a fully match barrel/trigger/stock/etc. I have a Savage 12 VLP, while it is a great shooting rifle(204 ruger), it can not hang with any of my rebarreled rifles.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
I own 6 Savage rifles & will say don't listen to the nay sayers as they have no idea as stated above...BS
Parts buying & selling are easy & every place, especially the site that caters to them.
My own 6x45 build in the original 1985 stock will pop 700 yds with no problem, same with my .223/.243s.
On top of that fact they shoot out of the box you dont have to "time&true" them like a remmy.
I own 6 Savage rifles & will say don't listen to the nay sayers as they have no idea as stated above...BS
Parts buying & selling are easy & every place, especially the site that caters to them.
My own 6x45 build in the original 1985 stock will pop 700 yds with no problem, same with my .223/.243s.
On top of that fact they shoot out of the box you dont have to "time&true" them like a remmy.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
I have a 10FP that other than replacing the factory 3 screw trigger with a timney is still bone stock. I traded into iit on a whim as I wanted a heavy barrel 308 to learn how to shoot with. It has far exceeded my expectations on its abilities. When the barrel needs replacing, then I will change it and not before. I would like to see how good it would do with a real marksman behind the trigger.
I have two Stevens 200's both in 223. One is centerfeed and the other is stagger feed. The centerfeed is a very good shooter also. I put a Timney in it also.
The staggerfeed rifle is ok. Not bad, but nothing exceptional. It will become the donor action for a 223AI build.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with the Savage/Stevens rifles.
Good luck with your decision and build. You are in the right place to get good information.
I have a 10FP that other than replacing the factory 3 screw trigger with a timney is still bone stock. I traded into iit on a whim as I wanted a heavy barrel 308 to learn how to shoot with. It has far exceeded my expectations on its abilities. When the barrel needs replacing, then I will change it and not before. I would like to see how good it would do with a real marksman behind the trigger.
I have two Stevens 200's both in 223. One is centerfeed and the other is stagger feed. The centerfeed is a very good shooter also. I put a Timney in it also.
The staggerfeed rifle is ok. Not bad, but nothing exceptional. It will become the donor action for a 223AI build.
In my opinion, you can't go wrong with the Savage/Stevens rifles.
Good luck with your decision and build. You are in the right place to get good information.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
I think that if you insist on building a rifle, the Stevens 200 is not a bad choice for a donor action. 308 or 223 to start, but the basic rifle will be very basic, with a mediocre trigger and a barrel that's much more suited to taking a deer than to putting ten on a target in close formation.
I think that when you're done doing the ugrades; you'll likely have spent least as much as you might have by just buying the Savage model that's closest to your needs. Goodness knows, if they don't have it; there's very little market for it.
Hard to find fault with the 12 BVSS 223 or 308, I've recommended it to a lot of folks over the years.
Greg
I think that if you insist on building a rifle, the Stevens 200 is not a bad choice for a donor action. 308 or 223 to start, but the basic rifle will be very basic, with a mediocre trigger and a barrel that's much more suited to taking a deer than to putting ten on a target in close formation.
I think that when you're done doing the ugrades; you'll likely have spent least as much as you might have by just buying the Savage model that's closest to your needs. Goodness knows, if they don't have it; there's very little market for it.
Hard to find fault with the 12 BVSS 223 or 308, I've recommended it to a lot of folks over the years.
Greg
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bruno86</div><div class="ubbcode-body"> </div></div>
I'm sorry if I missed this, but can you tell me what stock this is? I really like it. I recently bought a Savage 10 and would like something similar to that.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Bruno86</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'm sorry if I missed this, but can you tell me what stock this is? I really like it. I recently bought a Savage 10 and would like something similar to that.
Re: Savage/Stevens 200
Looks like a Stockade Woodchuck...
Looks like a Stockade Woodchuck...
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