Stevens 200 vs. Ruger American

[Hunterdad]

Another vote for the Marlin. My buddy has one and its a great shooter.

 

[HexHead]

I haven't seen that F&S review, so I don't know if they tested the Weatherby Vanguard or Vanguard 2. The newer Vanguard 2 comes with a <1 MOA guarantee @100 yds., using premium ammo. I've got a .308 one that regularly shoots better than that, and just bought another in .223.

 

[Kachok]

Only problem with the Weatherby is the blasted things are too big in the stock for smaller framed shooters, that is the only reason I have never owned one, they feel like shouldering a 2x6 plank to me. My Marlin shot good but had a poor finish on it, that is an issue here on the hot/humid gulf coast.

 

[WYcoyote]

Between your two choices I'd go with the Stevens because as a Savage clone it is easily upgraded and rebarreled.
But I too would add the Marlin XS/L 7 to the mix, and would choose it.
I have a XL 7C in .25-06 and it is a sweet shooter.

 

[sixgunner455]

Savage or Savage/Stevens. The Ruger is okay, I guess. But, on the one I looked at, I was very disappointed in the magazine. It was sloppy in the mag well. Another reservation I have about it is the smaller ejection port. I prefer a more open receiver on top - it allows for loading single rounds, clearing problems, etc.

Anything you don't like on the Savage, you can fix it or replace it.