Stevens 200 vs. Ruger American

WoodchuckAssassin · December 5, 2012, 07:51 AM

Yep, it's another budget rifle question.

I just got a 30-30, and now I'm looking at a .270 for those 250+ shots. Thinking about one of these two (or, as I'm sure will happen anyways, you can make another recommendation).

The American stock seemed a little flimsy, but the trigger was nice. The bolt was smooth and I like the 3 lugs, but it didn't feel as good as other Savages that I've held/owned.

I am told the Stevens/Savage has a nice, slick bolt and a heavy trigger, but I've never had the chance to handle one.

Thoughts?

Ky Larry · December 5, 2012, 08:06 AM

I looked at the Savage Axis, the stevens, the Ruger American and the Marlin XS7. I bought the Marlin in .22-250 and .243. All were pretty good rifles for the $$$ but I liked the Marlin ProFire trigger better than the rest. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them.

sansone · December 5, 2012, 08:21 AM

agreed all three are fine budget guns, the marlin xs7 and svage/stevens shoot very accurately out of box... the ruger barrels have slightly less accuracy lately.

for general hunting all 3 would be great choices

Sav .250 · December 5, 2012, 08:21 AM

What I like and what you might like could be worlds apart. I`d suggest you go to Bass Pro,Gander Mountain (if you have any local) and check out
everything. There are a lot of rifles available that I`m sure will meet your "budget" amount. Nothing "eye-balling" the product.

Kachok · December 5, 2012, 08:39 AM

Owned several Savage rifles over the years, all have been impressive. Not one has given me trouble, if you ever want to customize it the Savage/Stevens has one of the best aftermarkets of any rifle, and the absolute best design for someone who wants to do it himself.
I am sure the Ruger is a very functional rifle too, but me and Savage have a long history.
My Savage 110 30-06 shoots 3/4" or less at 100 with 150gr atop RL-19

BeJaRa · December 5, 2012, 10:32 AM

I recently looked at a savage 10, rem 700 and the ruger american. I got the ruger and can't be happier. The front part of the stock is the only real gripe I have with it as it is pretty flimsy, but it is free floated and I cannot make it touch the barrel even when pushing on it. It gave me .9" group @ 100yrds from a bench using a bi-pod and Win 150gr power point ammo from wal-mart. I can't wait to see what it will do with my handloads. I liked the stock on savage a little better than the ruger, but the ruger's bolt was smooth as silk compared to the savage and rem 700. I found the trigger to be very nice with almost no creep and a pull of somewhere around 4lbs I guess. I don't have trigger guage so I don't know exaclty what the pull is.

Texaszach · December 5, 2012, 11:21 AM

The trigger on my stevens was VERY heavy from the factory.

I installed a Rifle Basix myself in about 30 minutes and now it is a great hunting rifle, and in .270 as well. It is light, but recoil is very manageable.

The stock is somewhat "cheap" feeling, but it is pillar bedded, free floated, and perfectly functional for my type of hunting.

I recently topped it with a redfield revolution 3-9x40, and will be taking it hunting on the 15th.... I'm ready for some meat in the freezer!

richie · December 5, 2012, 11:23 AM

Field & Stream just had an article by David Petzel about these lower priced rifles, MarlinX7,Ruger American, TC Venture, Howa hogue m1500,Savage mod.11, and Weatherby Vanguard. He rated Marlin#1, Ruger#2,TC Venture#3. Of the guns tested Howa, and weatherby had the biggest 5 shot groups, the rest were under an inch.

ssyoumans · December 5, 2012, 11:37 AM

I have a TC venture and a Marlin XS7. Both under $400. Both very accurate. The Marlin has a fantastic trigger out of the box. The TC Venture, crisp, short, but real heavy around 8.5 lbs. both have very smooth actions, slight edge again to the Marlin.

firesky101 · December 5, 2012, 02:22 PM

between a savage/stevens without an accutrigger or an american, I would go with the Ruger hands down. With the accutrigger an argument could be made for either. I still went with the Ruger and have been very pleased but all the savages I have shot have been great too. I wanted something my buddies did not have.

Kachok · December 5, 2012, 03:32 PM

Tikka used to be the best value in the rifle world, but word got out how good they are now what cost me $408 would now run me almost $700, still a great rifle for the money but it has to compete with a whole differnt class of guns at that price.
Almost everybody builds a budget gun now, but I still like the Savages the best at the under $400 mark, the budget gun I liked least was the one I paid the most for my Browning A-Bolt synthetic 7mm-08, fits me nice but I had a hella hard time trying to get it to shoot streight.

MCgunner · December 5, 2012, 05:50 PM

Quote:

I am told the Stevens/Savage has a nice, slick bolt and a heavy trigger

I've been told it was the same rifle as my old non-accutrigger Savage 110. If so, the bolt feels like it's running on sand paper, but the trigger is adjustable down to three crisp pounds, where I set mine. I have no gripes about the trigger. It could have a smoother bolt, but I reckon I'm just used to my Remingtons which DO have slick bolts. The smoothest bolt I own is on an old German M88 commission rifle. You can really feel the old world craftsmanship in THAT old rifle.

hardluk1 · December 5, 2012, 05:54 PM

I own a ruger but would not own a american. Buy the Stevens 200 . Its just the old savage model 10 and there a big aftermarket for it to change or upgrade if needed as the time go by.. Aftermarket for the ruger is ZERO. No stocks nothing. Not a design than lends it slelf to the aftermarket well. Stevens 200 can be bought for at or under 300 dollars too. For equal compairison think ruger american and savage axis. Still the 200.

magizine test stink at best.

Kachok · December 5, 2012, 07:47 PM

American Rifleman (or Hunter I cannot remember which) did a wright up on the American, they talked it up like the best thing since sliced bread. Their range report did not thrill me though, best avarge group with match ammo was 1.23" I don't see that as fantastic accuracy, my Savages will do better then that with regular ol core-lokts even being the el-chepo pre-Accustock models. I will say though that anything better then 2" is adaquate for hunting at real world ranges (under 300yd) and anything that can group under 2" with factory ammo I can get below 1" with handloads in my experence.
I do love the design of the American, it is sleeker and much more modern then the Savage 110, from which is outright stole 90% of it's design (action, barrel nut, and trigger) only the stock and magazine are noticably different.

WoodchuckAssassin · December 6, 2012, 08:17 PM

Thanks for the input! I shot a friend’s TC Venture in .308 a couple weeks ago, and I was really impressed. I’m tempted to buy one…but can’t bring myself to do it. I find myself leaning towards the Savage. I’m a Ruger fan to the n’th degree, but there’s just something about that savage bolt and dime-size grouping!

I saw a used Savage 11 in .308 (synthetic stock and accutrigger) and a Savage 10 in 7mm-08 (wood stock with NO accutrigger), both an even $400 after taxes. Since I doubt I’d be able to resist dropping in a new trigger assembly, I’m wondering if I’d be worth it to buy one of the second hand savages.

I know I originally wanted a .270, but there’s something about that 7mm-08 that intrigues me. And to be honest, I don’t think I’d kick a .308 outta bed either! God I love buying guns. It’s becoming a real problem

MCgunner · December 6, 2012, 10:14 PM

My Savage is very picky about what bullet it likes. I can get it down to MOA with a 150 Sierra Game King and RL22 or a 160 partition same powder. I've had otber bullets, light to heavy, group more like a shotgun pattern, frustrating. It will shoot with the right bullet. The only factory load I've fired in it was Federal Premium loaded with the 160 partition a guy at the range gave me one day. It shot MOA, not bad for factory ammo.

I tried to get Barnes bullets to work in it, but it just doesn't like 'em. I've put a different stock on it, Ramline, floats the barrel. That helps it keep from stringing vertically. That's what got me down to MOA with the Sierra Game Kings.

This is an old 110 in 7 rem mag, bought it new about 1992.

Ar180shooter · December 7, 2012, 11:34 AM

I bought a Stevens 200 for the hunt earlier this year and threw a Timney trigger in it. The best trigger I own is in one of my cheapest rifles, lol! It shoots really well too... Under 1/2 MOA is possible.

jmr40 · December 7, 2012, 12:22 PM

The newer Stevens have non-adjustable triggers, but that is a non issue, I'd probably replace either. I like the Stevens better than the Ruger. i had a Ruger for 1 range trip and got rid of it. Magazines are too flimsey and the stock left a lot to be desired. No replacement parts like on the Stevens or Savage.

In the budget guns I like the Marlin and TC the best. I'm not really a Savage fan, but they have too good of a repuation as shooters to discount. While I don't want one, I'd never advise anyone not to buy one. Unlike the disposable guns like the Ruger American, Remington, 770 and a few others you at least have somehing to work with on the Savages.

petrey10 · December 7, 2012, 12:57 PM

get the stevens... easily upgraded.... you could get barrels for different calibers to try out and swap them as you want.

With Stevens you are basically buying the action, which is a dang good platform to get a shooter out of.

I got a Stevens in 25-06... right now its the only rifle I own and I enjoy shooting it. But I have upgraded the scope and now the stock. Next will be the trigger... then probably the barrel.

Skyshot · December 7, 2012, 01:10 PM

Get the Stevens, replace the factory. Mine has a timney and breaks nice at 1 1/2 lbs. IMO better than the accutrigger.

hardluk1 · December 7, 2012, 07:07 PM

Rifle Baix trigger for that rifle is 85 dollars , SAV-1 model nunber direct or at EABCO. Simple to change and great trigger system. The stevens 200 we have is a 223 and is a sub moa rifle easily.

viking499 · December 7, 2012, 07:08 PM

What is the twist of the Stevens?

scythefwd · Yesterday, 02:25 AM

Jumping in late. The stevens uses a 2 screw trigger. Its adjustable to roughly 3 lbs. If you can grab a 3 screw trigger bar from someone that upgraded to a rifle basix, it can be dropped down to 2 lbs safely with NO creep or over travel.

The Ruger American is roughly the same price.. at least around here as the savage. I am a tinkerer and prefer the savage for that reason. I dont think you'd be wrong to go either way in this decision.

Also, if you do go the savage route.. let me know. I make reduced power springs for the 2 screw and 3 screw trigger bars (the spring that returns the trigger). It'll help drop the wieght down some on the two triggers mentioned.

I see you're down in lynchburg. If you're ever up in NOVA.. let me know and I'll let you feel the trigger pull on a polished and adjusted trigger on a savage.

Fire_Moose · Yesterday, 02:52 AM

Dunno if it's been mentioned, but if you can find a t/c venture, its a slick piece. 5r rifling, 1" mia guarantee, think it weighs in at 7is lbs, felt a lot more solid then all the others I found in the price range, 399 I think.

There is a recall on many of them, after about 250 flawless rounds I sent mine in and got it back in 3 weeks, super easy.

Let us know what Cha get.

Sent from my CZ85 Combat

03Shadowbob · Yesterday, 07:35 AM

If you are not a competition shooter and only using for plinking and hunting, the American is better than the Stephens/Savage entry level guns, IMO. Removable magazine, 3 lug bolt, Marksman adjustable trigger, nice bolt release, tang mounted safety, recoil pad that tames the 30-06 in a light rifle, etc. there are plenty of people who are clover-leafing with the American.
All this said, I like my Savage just fine and is an excellent gun also. Read great things about the Marlins but couldn't find one in the caliber I wanted. The TC was heavy and not as appealing to me.

December 5, 2012, 08:39 AM	#5
Kachok Member Join Date: October 3, 2010 Posts: 3,953	Owned several Savage rifles over the years, all have been impressive. Not one has given me trouble, if you ever want to customize it the Savage/Stevens has one of the best aftermarkets of any rifle, and the absolute best design for someone who wants to do it himself. I am sure the Ruger is a very functional rifle too, but me and Savage have a long history. My Savage 110 30-06 shoots 3/4" or less at 100 with 150gr atop RL-19 __________________ Tikka T3 because 1/8th MOA is much better then I can ever shoot in the field anyway, and heavy rifles are a pain to carry around all day. 6.5x55 because they only get so dead, and recoil/muzzle blast are highly overrated.

December 5, 2012, 10:32 AM	#6
BeJaRa Member Join Date: October 3, 2006 Location: Florida Posts: 195	I recently looked at a savage 10, rem 700 and the ruger american. I got the ruger and can't be happier. The front part of the stock is the only real gripe I have with it as it is pretty flimsy, but it is free floated and I cannot make it touch the barrel even when pushing on it. It gave me .9" group @ 100yrds from a bench using a bi-pod and Win 150gr power point ammo from wal-mart. I can't wait to see what it will do with my handloads. I liked the stock on savage a little better than the ruger, but the ruger's bolt was smooth as silk compared to the savage and rem 700. I found the trigger to be very nice with almost no creep and a pull of somewhere around 4lbs I guess. I don't have trigger guage so I don't know exaclty what the pull is. __________________ “The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'.”

December 5, 2012, 02:22 PM	#10
firesky101 Member Join Date: November 21, 2011 Location: California Posts: 1,350	between a savage/stevens without an accutrigger or an american, I would go with the Ruger hands down. With the accutrigger an argument could be made for either. I still went with the Ruger and have been very pleased but all the savages I have shot have been great too. I wanted something my buddies did not have. __________________ Yes, it's the apocalypse alright. I always thought I'd have a hand in it.

December 5, 2012, 03:32 PM	#11
Kachok Member Join Date: October 3, 2010 Posts: 3,953	Tikka used to be the best value in the rifle world, but word got out how good they are now what cost me $408 would now run me almost $700, still a great rifle for the money but it has to compete with a whole differnt class of guns at that price. Almost everybody builds a budget gun now, but I still like the Savages the best at the under $400 mark, the budget gun I liked least was the one I paid the most for my Browning A-Bolt synthetic 7mm-08, fits me nice but I had a hella hard time trying to get it to shoot streight. __________________ Tikka T3 because 1/8th MOA is much better then I can ever shoot in the field anyway, and heavy rifles are a pain to carry around all day. 6.5x55 because they only get so dead, and recoil/muzzle blast are highly overrated. Last edited by Kachok; December 5, 2012 at 03:45 PM.

December 5, 2012, 07:47 PM	#14
Kachok Member Join Date: October 3, 2010 Posts: 3,953	American Rifleman (or Hunter I cannot remember which) did a wright up on the American, they talked it up like the best thing since sliced bread. Their range report did not thrill me though, best avarge group with match ammo was 1.23" I don't see that as fantastic accuracy, my Savages will do better then that with regular ol core-lokts even being the el-chepo pre-Accustock models. I will say though that anything better then 2" is adaquate for hunting at real world ranges (under 300yd) and anything that can group under 2" with factory ammo I can get below 1" with handloads in my experence. I do love the design of the American, it is sleeker and much more modern then the Savage 110, from which is outright stole 90% of it's design (action, barrel nut, and trigger) only the stock and magazine are noticably different. __________________ Tikka T3 because 1/8th MOA is much better then I can ever shoot in the field anyway, and heavy rifles are a pain to carry around all day. 6.5x55 because they only get so dead, and recoil/muzzle blast are highly overrated.

December 5, 2012, 07:51 AM	#1
WoodchuckAssassin Member Join Date: April 5, 2012 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 387	Stevens 200 vs. Ruger American Yep, it's another budget rifle question. I just got a 30-30, and now I'm looking at a .270 for those 250+ shots. Thinking about one of these two (or, as I'm sure will happen anyways, you can make another recommendation). The American stock seemed a little flimsy, but the trigger was nice. The bolt was smooth and I like the 3 lugs, but it didn't feel as good as other Savages that I've held/owned. I am told the Stevens/Savage has a nice, slick bolt and a heavy trigger, but I've never had the chance to handle one. Thoughts?

December 5, 2012, 08:06 AM	#2
Ky Larry Member Join Date: May 22, 2003 Location: Ky Posts: 3,203	I looked at the Savage Axis, the stevens, the Ruger American and the Marlin XS7. I bought the Marlin in .22-250 and .243. All were pretty good rifles for the $$$ but I liked the Marlin ProFire trigger better than the rest. I don't think you'll go wrong with any of them. __________________ "Suppose you were a congressman. Now,suppose you were an idiot. But I repeat myself." Mark Twain

December 5, 2012, 08:21 AM	#3
sansone Member Join Date: March 10, 2007 Location: north florida USA Posts: 2,134	agreed all three are fine budget guns, the marlin xs7 and svage/stevens shoot very accurately out of box... the ruger barrels have slightly less accuracy lately. for general hunting all 3 would be great choices

December 5, 2012, 08:21 AM	#4
Sav .250 Member Join Date: June 5, 2007 Location: Central Fla Posts: 2,115	What I like and what you might like could be worlds apart. I`d suggest you go to Bass Pro,Gander Mountain (if you have any local) and check out everything. There are a lot of rifles available that I`m sure will meet your "budget" amount. Nothing "eye-balling" the product.

December 5, 2012, 11:21 AM	#7
Texaszach Member Join Date: November 1, 2010 Posts: 229	The trigger on my stevens was VERY heavy from the factory. I installed a Rifle Basix myself in about 30 minutes and now it is a great hunting rifle, and in .270 as well. It is light, but recoil is very manageable. The stock is somewhat "cheap" feeling, but it is pillar bedded, free floated, and perfectly functional for my type of hunting. I recently topped it with a redfield revolution 3-9x40, and will be taking it hunting on the 15th.... I'm ready for some meat in the freezer!

December 5, 2012, 11:23 AM	#8
richie Member Join Date: December 1, 2006 Posts: 55	Field & Stream just had an article by David Petzel about these lower priced rifles, MarlinX7,Ruger American, TC Venture, Howa hogue m1500,Savage mod.11, and Weatherby Vanguard. He rated Marlin#1, Ruger#2,TC Venture#3. Of the guns tested Howa, and weatherby had the biggest 5 shot groups, the rest were under an inch.

December 5, 2012, 11:37 AM	#9
ssyoumans Member Join Date: January 15, 2010 Posts: 525	I have a TC venture and a Marlin XS7. Both under $400. Both very accurate. The Marlin has a fantastic trigger out of the box. The TC Venture, crisp, short, but real heavy around 8.5 lbs. both have very smooth actions, slight edge again to the Marlin.

December 5, 2012, 05:54 PM	#13
hardluk1 Member Join Date: March 27, 2009 Location: nc mountains Posts: 3,596	I own a ruger but would not own a american. Buy the Stevens 200 . Its just the old savage model 10 and there a big aftermarket for it to change or upgrade if needed as the time go by.. Aftermarket for the ruger is ZERO. No stocks nothing. Not a design than lends it slelf to the aftermarket well. Stevens 200 can be bought for at or under 300 dollars too. For equal compairison think ruger american and savage axis. Still the 200. magizine test stink at best.

December 6, 2012, 08:17 PM	#15
WoodchuckAssassin Member Join Date: April 5, 2012 Location: Lynchburg, VA Posts: 387	Thanks for the input! I shot a friend’s TC Venture in .308 a couple weeks ago, and I was really impressed. I’m tempted to buy one…but can’t bring myself to do it. I find myself leaning towards the Savage. I’m a Ruger fan to the n’th degree, but there’s just something about that savage bolt and dime-size grouping! I saw a used Savage 11 in .308 (synthetic stock and accutrigger) and a Savage 10 in 7mm-08 (wood stock with NO accutrigger), both an even $400 after taxes. Since I doubt I’d be able to resist dropping in a new trigger assembly, I’m wondering if I’d be worth it to buy one of the second hand savages. I know I originally wanted a .270, but there’s something about that 7mm-08 that intrigues me. And to be honest, I don’t think I’d kick a .308 outta bed either! God I love buying guns. It’s becoming a real problem

December 6, 2012, 10:14 PM	#16
MCgunner Member Join Date: December 3, 2005 Location: The end of the road between Sodom and Gomorrah Texas Posts: 21,563	My Savage is very picky about what bullet it likes. I can get it down to MOA with a 150 Sierra Game King and RL22 or a 160 partition same powder. I've had otber bullets, light to heavy, group more like a shotgun pattern, frustrating. It will shoot with the right bullet. The only factory load I've fired in it was Federal Premium loaded with the 160 partition a guy at the range gave me one day. It shot MOA, not bad for factory ammo. I tried to get Barnes bullets to work in it, but it just doesn't like 'em. I've put a different stock on it, Ramline, floats the barrel. That helps it keep from stringing vertically. That's what got me down to MOA with the Sierra Game Kings. This is an old 110 in 7 rem mag, bought it new about 1992. __________________ "Democracy is two wolves and a lamb voting on what to have for lunch. Liberty is a well-armed lamb contesting the vote!" Ben Franklin

December 7, 2012, 12:22 PM	#18
jmr40 Member Join Date: May 26, 2007 Posts: 5,546	The newer Stevens have non-adjustable triggers, but that is a non issue, I'd probably replace either. I like the Stevens better than the Ruger. i had a Ruger for 1 range trip and got rid of it. Magazines are too flimsey and the stock left a lot to be desired. No replacement parts like on the Stevens or Savage. In the budget guns I like the Marlin and TC the best. I'm not really a Savage fan, but they have too good of a repuation as shooters to discount. While I don't want one, I'd never advise anyone not to buy one. Unlike the disposable guns like the Ruger American, Remington, 770 and a few others you at least have somehing to work with on the Savages.

December 7, 2012, 12:57 PM	#19
petrey10 Member Join Date: May 27, 2009 Posts: 277	get the stevens... easily upgraded.... you could get barrels for different calibers to try out and swap them as you want. With Stevens you are basically buying the action, which is a dang good platform to get a shooter out of. I got a Stevens in 25-06... right now its the only rifle I own and I enjoy shooting it. But I have upgraded the scope and now the stock. Next will be the trigger... then probably the barrel.

December 7, 2012, 01:10 PM	#20
Skyshot Member Join Date: January 23, 2011 Location: Tn. Posts: 695	Get the Stevens, replace the factory. Mine has a timney and breaks nice at 1 1/2 lbs. IMO better than the accutrigger.

December 7, 2012, 07:07 PM	#21
hardluk1 Member Join Date: March 27, 2009 Location: nc mountains Posts: 3,596	Rifle Baix trigger for that rifle is 85 dollars , SAV-1 model nunber direct or at EABCO. Simple to change and great trigger system. The stevens 200 we have is a 223 and is a sub moa rifle easily.

December 7, 2012, 07:08 PM	#22
viking499 Member Join Date: February 9, 2007 Posts: 2,463	What is the twist of the Stevens?

Yesterday, 02:25 AM	#23
scythefwd Member Join Date: March 13, 2008 Location: Manassas Park, VA Posts: 3,119	Jumping in late. The stevens uses a 2 screw trigger. Its adjustable to roughly 3 lbs. If you can grab a 3 screw trigger bar from someone that upgraded to a rifle basix, it can be dropped down to 2 lbs safely with NO creep or over travel. The Ruger American is roughly the same price.. at least around here as the savage. I am a tinkerer and prefer the savage for that reason. I dont think you'd be wrong to go either way in this decision. Also, if you do go the savage route.. let me know. I make reduced power springs for the 2 screw and 3 screw trigger bars (the spring that returns the trigger). It'll help drop the wieght down some on the two triggers mentioned. I see you're down in lynchburg. If you're ever up in NOVA.. let me know and I'll let you feel the trigger pull on a polished and adjusted trigger on a savage. Last edited by scythefwd; Yesterday at 02:36 AM.

Yesterday, 02:52 AM	#24
Fire_Moose Member Join Date: December 31, 2012 Posts: 194	Dunno if it's been mentioned, but if you can find a t/c venture, its a slick piece. 5r rifling, 1" mia guarantee, think it weighs in at 7is lbs, felt a lot more solid then all the others I found in the price range, 399 I think. There is a recall on many of them, after about 250 flawless rounds I sent mine in and got it back in 3 weeks, super easy. Let us know what Cha get. Sent from my CZ85 Combat

Yesterday, 07:35 AM	#25
03Shadowbob Member Join Date: July 3, 2006 Location: West Palm Beach Posts: 1,211	If you are not a competition shooter and only using for plinking and hunting, the American is better than the Stephens/Savage entry level guns, IMO. Removable magazine, 3 lug bolt, Marksman adjustable trigger, nice bolt release, tang mounted safety, recoil pad that tames the 30-06 in a light rifle, etc. there are plenty of people who are clover-leafing with the American. All this said, I like my Savage just fine and is an excellent gun also. Read great things about the Marlins but couldn't find one in the caliber I wanted. The TC was heavy and not as appealing to me.