Not-so-budget Stevens 200 project

[SpookyPistolero]

I love to fiddle and tinker, so I couldn't resist building a Stevens 200 precision gun. I've also always wanted a 223 precision rifle. I ended up scouting out what I believe to be the last Stevens in KY! With help from a few people (notably Jim from Northland Shooters Supply, awesome people & service), it's done. Taking it out with some new reloads tomorrow, terribly excited!

Stevens base
Criterion barrel, 26" (it was on the shelf vs many weeks wait), varmint contour, ultra tactical black spray paint (if you know of what I mean.... I mean....Wait...)
Northland shooters supply recoil lug and barrel nut
Glades Armory bolt handle
Rifle Basix trigger
B&C stock, going to modify to take cheeks off and add spacers for LOP
SWFA 12x, which I very much like

I started with the intent to stay 'cheap', but it didn't quite turn out that way. I'm not patient enough to wait a couple of months for a used stock or barrel to pop up. So it's all new. The action vise and barrel but wrench are small costs but worth it to have been able to do it myself. I've never bedded a rifle but I'll be giving that a try in a couple of weeks.

Thanks for looking, I'll update tomorrow with range results.

 

[TexAZ]

very nice build! As I like to say "the pride I have for something I built surpases the doubt that I could have bought something ready made of similar spec. I will always value my projects over purchases"

 

[Smokin250]

That's awesome. What twist barrel did you go with? My buddy has a 223 stevens we have been thinking about doing exact same thing with. Very interested to see your range report.

 

[Lrdchaos]

Great looking rifle, It looks like it will do work if needed.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

Thanks guys! Got it out to the range today despite a downpour. When it drizzled instead of poured, I shot. Reloads were 23 gr of IMR 4064 pushing Hornady 69gr hpbt. I had about 30 rounds with 52gr hpbt as well.

Overall, I freaking love this rifle. Smooth to operate with this bolt handle, no recoil, great grip geometry, and it shoots like a lazer. I did get a little overzealous, as usual, and over heat the barrel which is when groups started opening up. Before that it was shooting like a champ. Several shooter induced fliers did ruin a few.

Five shot, one hundred yards

Same; vertical stringing from barrel heating up

3 round 200 yards with half mil hold over

300 yard 3 shot with 1.75 mil holdover ; clearly a little more than needed

Overall very happy. Going to run a few more blends on the reloading bench and see if there is room for improvement. With a better shooter I know this can shoot better. I may also pick up a higher power optic for it down the road. A detachable mag would be awesome, but by the time you add the costs I could just sell this and get an XLR. But honestly I've found I like this style grip at more than an AR type on a chassis system, or even on my Viper skinned AICS.

 

[CriterionBarrels]

That's a good looking Stevens you've got there. We're in the process of putting together a user submitted build and group photo gallery on our website, and I was curious if you would be interested in sharing any these photos. Please feel free to email me at [email protected] with any questions.

 

[Smokin250]

What twist did you go with?

 

[KYS]

The Gun Warehouse in Lexington does have some Stevens and Savage action in their cases on the very back wall….. that's how I put my fire forming gun together for my 223AI cartridges.

 

[SpookyPistolero]

What twist did you go with?

Ended up going with 1/9. I don't have access to enough distance to make use of heavies, and I have my 308 for that. Also wanted to be able to use lighter rounds according to shortages.

The Gun Warehouse in Lexington does have some Stevens and Savage action in their cases on the very back wall….. that's how I put my fire forming gun together for my 223AI cartridges.

Yeah that is where I found the Stevens! Also, do you do training?? I'll be sending a pm shortly if so.

 

[KYS]

Ended up going with 1/9. I don't have access to enough distance to make use of heavies, and I have my 308 for that. Also wanted to be able to use lighter rounds according to shortages.




Yeah that is where I found the Stevens! Also, do you do training?? I'll be sending a pm shortly if so.

I shoot at K&M Precision Rifle down in Florida a lot. Just support them as the owners are friends as well.
PM me if you need some help though, I will do what I can.

 

[brodriguez88]

Very nice stevens project! I did something very similar! 26'' heavy varmint barrel with 1-10

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