[politicalgeek]

I know my handguns well enough, but not my shotguns...

Found a stevens model 238 or 258A bolt action at the local Gander Mountain, 100 and change for it. This one has been there a while and everytime I go to Gander Mountain, I keep coming back to it. I am considering getting it and turning it into a nice little deer gun for the winter.

My questions:

Can the barrel be swaped out for any old 20 gauge barrel? I would probaly want to switch to a rifled barrel.

Are there any known issues with these models?


How available are parts?

Thanks,

Andrew

[Oldnamvet]

Unless it was in super good condition and I was going to use it "as is", I'd pass on it. Changing barrels would be a job for a gunsmith, if you could find an extra barrel. With the money you would then have into it, you could potentially have enough for a new Mossberg or 870 Express with a suitable barrel.

[Big Az Al]

I know prices are going up, and I see all the time that $29 firearms of my childhood going for $39 in my youth, going for $69 later, I am only a 40something, that old stevens for $100 well I am a grampa now but darn that makes me feel old!

Just beware of the $30 it takes to replace the magazine, on these, if it's there it may well be worth, you can always turn the mag to some one in need for cash!

Al