Custom Stevens 200 - The Decimator + Laser Engraving?

[CmdrSlander]

I just wanted to keep you guys informed on my Stevens 200 build. To reiterate I picked the Stevens .223 Camo for $314 at Cabela's as a project gun. I will soon be ordering the parts and sending it off to the smith to have the following work done:

-Helical Bolt Jeweling, polish bolt, install oversized bolt handle.
-Install Single Shot loading ramp
-Install and tune 1.5 pound competition trigger

And I will personally add:

-Boyd's RVT stock in Applejack laminate
-6.5x20x50 Optic
-Stainless winter trigger guard

I have dubbed it the decimator because "heavily modified Stevens 200" doesn't really roll of the tongue.

PS: I have a question: Should I get my initials engraved (that can be done to the stock or receiver for $15) or will that destroy resale value? (I keep telling myself I will keep the completed gun forever and that it shall become an heirloom but who knows) PPS: I know resale value on a stock Stevens 200 wouldn't be worth the trouble but I will be putting a lot of time and money it and would likely turn a profit if I did sell it.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

my Stevens 200 with 3x9x50 Nikon Busmasters shoots dime groups.....didnt spent half the money but I bet I can outshoot the high dollar money wastin guns.

 

[CmdrSlander]

Exactly

It is accurate already, I'm just improving it. Plus it is a little rough around the edges...

 

[WNTFW]

Initials most likely would be unattractive to a buyer.

"Decimator" might not be.

 

[hardluk1]

You don't need a smithy to do a bolt change or trigger if thats what you want. The rest does not matter as to what we think. Its yours to dress up or not.

 

[Sam1911]

Most of the time someone else's custom job is worth less to a prospective buyer than a stock gun. Sometimes not, depending on who did the work and how nice it really is. If someone wants one of the parts you've used, they may pay a better price for the whole kit (maybe more than the price of the rifle, new, even) as they're getting a bargain on the cost of that part -- the stock, for example.

This is more complicated here, as the stock rifle is worth less than the cost of either the new parts, or (probably) the gunsmith's labor if you don't do the work yourself.

I don't know that you could really hurt the value of a $300 rifle a whole lot by putting your initials on it, but it sure won't boost the price.

I wouldn't look at this project with the idea of "resale value" anywhere in mind. If it isn't exactly what YOU want, and you do decide to sell, I'd expect to part it out and sell the bits individually, or scavenge what you can (like the scope if you like it) for your next build. Very easy to start with a $300 rifle, put $600 of parts and labor (not counting that expensive scope) into it, and be able to sell it for $400.

 

[jmr40]

I taught high school for 30 years. Saw lots of kids buy a $500 car and add a $1,000 stereo, put $1,000 in wheels, tires, and other accesories on it. They drove it a year or so and couldn't understand why $300 was the best they could do when it came time to sell.

A custom gun is valuable only to you. Most have very little re-sale value even if built on more expensive actions. If someone wants a custom, they'll have one built the way they want it.

I have no problem with someone modifying a gun to better suit their needs, I do the same. Just don't ever plan on getting your money back unless you can keep the factory parts and can make it original. Then sell the custom parts separately. You still won't get all of it back, you'll just lose less that way.

 

[SGW42]

I bought a Boyd's Classic in Nutmeg for my Stevens 200 and had them put my initials on it. I think they did a really nice job. They're small enough and blend in well enough that other people may not notice them at a distance unless they're looking for them. As such I think it's a nice touch.

I wasn't thinking about resale at all. Similar to the point made by Sam1911 above, my Stevens 200 project is about putting together exactly what I want.

If it's ever sold the new owner can sand the initials off or tape over them I guess. If I sell the gun and can't get rid of the stock I'll repurpose it into furniture or something.

 

[hardluk1]

Like other said ,it your rifle do what you wish but you know how other feel about it.

 

[Ultravox]

You do know that to "decimate" means to kill one in ten, don't you?

Doesn't make the rifle sound that accurate to me.