Cheap .223: Handi-rifle Ultra Varmint or Savage Stevens?

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GunGoBoom

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I had been intending to buy (soon) another barrel for my NEF handi-rifle - the .223 ultra bull varmint. But my past experience tells me from frame/upper combos that I ultimately tire of switching and want a dedicated stock/receiver/frame for all guns. So a complete Handi would cost almost as much as a Stevens. So now the question is, which is likely to be most accurate (and have the most practical accuracy, which entails having a good trigger) out of the box. The Stevens is free-floated and dual pillar bedded (and button rifled), but the Handi has a good reputation for accuracy. Which one will be more accurate in general (most likely), and in particular with el cheapo Winchester White Box .223, which I plan to shoot a lot of? Perhaps the NEF would with its 1 in 12 twist over the Stevens's 1 in 9? I care very very little about the single shot vs. repeater factor.

http://www.hr1871.com/firearms/index.php?cat=4&subcat=22#42

http://www.savagearms.com/st_200short.htm

Thanks!
 
I just got a Savage Model 12FVXP a couple weeks ago in a .223 cal and the accuracy out of the box has been great! I'm shooting 1/2" groups @ 100yds with no problem. I would go with the Savage if I was buying again.
 
Good Question !

I would likely try the Stevens myself because Savage/Stevens has gained a great deal of respect for producing accurate rifles. The bolt action platform may also be easier to work with in respect to lightening trigger pull and mounting scope without having to worry about having a hammer to cock . It also has a faster lock time.

With that said - I owned a handy rifle in .223 that after smoothing the trigger pull was very accurate and I would think the 1/2" groups I was shooting would be hard to beat at this level of cost. And a hammer extension isn't all that big a deal.
 
The Stevens, with its 1:9 rifling twist, will stabilize heavier bullets better than the 1:12 twist of the H&R. If you only plan to shoot lighter bullets (55gr. and below), the slower twist won't matter: but for longer-range stuff, where heavier, longer, better-ballistic-coefficient bullets come into their own, the Stevens will give you greater accuracy.
 
ok, thanks - I'll definitely look more closely at the Stevens - I hadn't thought about the lock time advantage, or ease of lightening trigger pull, which I had considered a wash. The lack of a hammer to mess with scope mounting is definitely a consideration as well - I had initially discounted that because I figured the big ol' scope I'm going to put on it would have to be hiked up to clear the objective bell anyway, but on second thought, some scopes have these monstrous ocular bells and protrubances (word?) on the variable adjustment ring back where the hammer is, so it could be an issue even with high-ish mounting. I guess one distinct advantage the NEF has over the Stevens is with the heavy varmint barrel it will likely stay more accurate as it heats up (will stay cooler and stiffer) - but just how bad would a very hot Stevens barrel string on me? The rifling twist of the Stevens does appeal to me, Preacherman, for the heavier bullets as you say.
 
I had initially discounted that because I figured the big ol' scope I'm going to put on it would have to be hiked up to clear the objective bell anyway
Click to expand...

Just a quick suggestion that whatever you choose for a scope set-up , it will work best if mounted as close to the bore as possible .
 
My Model 12 has a varmit heavy barrel, so that wouldn't be an issue either
Click to expand...

Yes, but of course I'm not talking about the model 12. I'm talking about ME and a CHEAP way to add a good .223, with the 2 in the running being: Complete NEF Handi Ultra Varmint vs. the Savage Stephens line .223. The model 12 is way more than the Stevens, and so I'd definitely get the NEF over the 12 for this CHEAP gun project, even though the 12 is a better gun than either, I'm quite sure. :neener:

I'm thinking the NEF may have to win out after all, mainly because the heavy barrel will dissipate heat better, and it IS after all, a little less $$ than the Stevens. The twist rate is not a large concern, as I have a 1 in 9 .223 (AR) if I need to go heavier - this is mainly a varmint-only proposition. So I think the Handi is going to win out UNLESS I can get some good info that the Stevens is significantly superior on one or more of: (a) lock time, (b) ease of scope mounting, (c) ease of home-'smithing the trigger, or (d) better accuracy (not likely). Thanks again.

What about this: Could I, or could I not, buy a spare part accu-trigger from Savage and drop it into the Stevens? If so, at what cost? We might just have something there...
 
I have a Savage with the new accutrigger, which is adjustable. Mine is set at 2lbs and crisp and smooth. Trigger jobs are expensive ($75-$150), so factor this into your thinking too.
 
So I think the Handi is going to win out UNLESS I can get some good info that the Stevens is significantly superior on one or more of: (a) lock time, (b) ease of scope mounting, (c) ease of home-'smithing the trigger, or (d) better accuracy (not likely).
Click to expand...
from a savage and NEF owner.....

whike NEFs are GREAT rifles for the price, their nature makes them harder to shoot concistently than a bolt action. Handis can be as accurate, IF, you do everything right. 2 things that affect acuracy are;

1. trigger pull. due to the transfer bar system, trigger must be pulled concistently(follow-through) to ensure consistent accuracy.

2. rest placement. because of the nature of the 'break-action' system, POI is affected by rest placement. changes in rest placement on a 'break action' Handi will have much impact in POI.

while on a bolt action, the affect will be minimal.
 
Update: FYI. I ordered the Handi today. Mainly because I've heard they're better with very light rounds with the 1 in 12 twist - such as cheapie WWB and other varmint style loadings; and since I already have a good 1 in 9 twist .223 rifle (AR). Plus the heavy bbl is going to be better for extended sessions. Plus it comes with a nice laminated wood stock, and still $20 less than the Stevens with a plastic stock. I dig the old school style too.

Thanks for the info, Nipprdog. I will half to concentrate on being consistent about those 2 things.
 
you will wish you bought the stevens

I have owned both. the Stevens is by far the better weapon and not much difference in price. The stevens is more accurate and not finicky as the NEF. In fact I have sold all of my NEF's and replaced them with Stevens..


steve
 
if you like to range shoot, alot , like I do, the single shot will wear on you, after a hr. or so. which is why I dumped my single shot, break opens. Much less hassle with a standard type rifle.
 
My 223 Stevens always shot WWB into a less than 1" group at 100 yards. It's just a Savage with a different trigger, and I ended up changing mine out to a Timney. And the stock to a B&C. Then I changed the barrel to a stainless fluted varmint countour 1-12 .223 Ackley. Took 30 minutes, cost $129. The Stevens and Savage are infinitely upgradable as you can afford it. YMMV.
Got a second Stevens action now, and a Shilen 6.5x47 Lapua barrel. Gonna be sweet........
 
i have both, and i like both. both are pretty accurate, but the stevens can handle 69 grain bullets. if you are going to stick to 55 grain wwb ammo, then the edge would probably go to the NEF. if you are going to be doing alot of shooting, i would go with the stevens, its alot less time consuming and follow up shots are possible.
 
prices

most handis will go for around $235 new. A new stevens will only cost you about $265.00 to $285.00




steve
 
BUT,
When you buy a Handi, you are actually buying a lot more rifles... With the barrel switching program you can buy mostly any caliber you want for your rifle. From .223 to 45/70... You can also throw on a 20 gauge heavy slug barrel. The choices are endless. And most of the swaps are under a hundred... IF you can get over today's need for multi-rounds mentality, they are probably the best offered rifle today... And still made in the USA. Oh, let the flaming begin...
 
not so anymore

You have to pay a fitting fee now for the rifles. also the cost of shipping it back to the factory and then the $10 they charge to ship it back to you. By that time you almost have enough money in the barrel that you would be better off buying a whole new gun.

I used to own 8 handi's with other barrels. I now own none. I now own more stevens and savage guns. What does that tell you?:what:


steve
 
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