Stevens 200 w/iron sights a good first / only rifle?

[CaptainCuttle]

Hello,
I'm brand new to the forum, and contemplating buying my first rifle. I've shot handguns and shotguns for years, but who doesn't want a rifle? Big 5 has Stevens 200 30.06 rifles for $299, and I'm tempted. Oddly, they all have open sights, which I didn't think Stevens 200s came with.

I haven't got a lot of money to spend, and may never get another rifle. It wouldn't get shot much, but I figure for that amount of cash I won't feel bad if it doesn't. Is this a good choice for a rifle novice? I know a .22 would make more sense, but if I'm only going to have one, I'd like it to be something heavier. This wouldn't be a hunting rig, just something "to have" and to shoot when I get the chance.

The sample I handled at Big 5 seemed like the stock was a little loose in its fit, if that makes sense. Should I be alarmed at that?

 

[Funderb]

a 30-06 with open sights is a great way to start.
makes me happy to see you aren't all gung-ho scopenasty all over the place.

go for it. and when it gets expensive, get a .22 then start reloading for the big boy.

 

[jbech123]

contrary to what others might say, a stevens 200 in '06 will be more than ample for a lifetime of hunting, unless you hunt the big bears or go to africa for the big 5. Certainly there are nicer rifles, but functionally there is no reason to buy anything else.

 

[danweasel]

I have the 308. It is one of the best "deals" in guns. If mine had irons I would be even more happy.

You are getting a good deal one that rifle. Do it!

 

[bucktail]

If I'm interpreting what you're saying, the looseness of the stock is potentially from a couple of factors. 1) I believe that they're free floated, which means that there is a gap between the stock and the barrel. You can check this by sliding a dollar bill between the barrel and stock. I like the system that they use for this as you're action basically sits in 2 Vblocks.
2) The stock is not very rigid; many would call it flimsy. While this isn't a good thing, and your rifle may benefit from a stiffer stock, most of them shoot very well flimsy forend notwithstanding. It's basically a Savage without the accutrigger and the stocks made with the old savage molds which show a parting line. It's a lot of rifle for $299. The 30-06 is very versatile as a big game round and I'd not hesitate to use it on anything from pronghorn to the large bears given the proper bullet selection.

 

[woof]

If you are new to centerfire rifles and going to be target shooting and want something capable for "whatever" I don't see why you need the power, or the recoil, of a .30-06. If you like the Stevens consider it in .243. For that matter, are you sure a .223 isn't enough? And while we're outside the box, at least ponder a Marlin 336 in .30-30, lots of good deals on used ones.

 

[CaptainCuttle]

Woof, you're right that in any rational sense, 30.06 is more power than a newbie should consider for a first/only rifle. Partly this is convenience; the Big 5 is a block away, and this is the best rifle deal I've seen there. Partly of course it's irrational. If I'm going to have a cheap rifle, I like the no-nonsense look of the Stevens better than other cheap guns I've seen that use crummy wood, for instance. If they had a selection of $299 Stevens 200s in various calibers, I might very well be tempted by something less powerful. But of course 30.06 is a classic, and if I'm going to have a rifle that doesn't get shot much, I like the idea of owning a 30.06.

Bucktail, thanks for the reassurance on the flexing and loose feel.

 

[Funderb]

Also, take into mind that 30-06 is one of the most readily available round s for reloading, and even if you don't get a press, you can fool around with it with a handloader, and just have some small hobby fun.

and it's a 30-06....

need there be more?

 

[gotime242]

Id also think a .223 might be a better idea.

 

[Schleprok62]

The Stevens Model 200 IS the Savage Model 10/110 rebadged, and without the accutrigger. Now, a 30-06 is a good caliber, but the Stevens is available in numerous chambers both in long and short action, including the 30-06, .270 Win, 25-06 Rem. 7mm Rem Mag, and the 300 Win Mag, and short actions in .308 Win, 7mm-08 Rem, .243 Win, 22-250 Rem, and .223 Rem.

The stock is a bit "flimsy" but it is pillar bedded. I have the 7mm-08 variant and I love it... it's a reliable, inexpensive hunting rifle.

Other options in this price range are pretty limited.. but, the Marlin XL-7 is also available in 30-06...

 

[Bearhands]

Just a suggestion:

I don't see why you need the power, or the recoil, of a .30-06. If you like the Stevens consider it in .243. For that matter, are you sure a .223 isn't enough?

Id also think a .223 might be a better idea.

The 30-06 is a very versatile round, and if you're concerned about recoil try this first.
http://www.remington.com/products/ammunition/centerfire/managed-Recoil.asp

From Chuck Hawks:

And the 125 grain Managed-Recoil load in .30-06 kicks the shooter with barely over 10 ft. lbs. of kinetic energy, instead of the 22.5 ft. lb. kick of the standard 150 grain factory load.

I've had good success w/ this ammo. IMHO, you can't go wrong with that Stevens in whichever caliber you choose

 

[brianr23]

I have one in .223

Great rifle. I am very pleased with it. I put a Nikon scope on it and it is quickly becoming my favorite rifle. Funny considering I paid a lot more for my others.

 

[BBroadside]

Wow, a Stevens 200 with iron sights is pretty appealing. I didn't think they came that way either.

Slight tangent of a question: I see lots of receiver sights being sold separately, but I hardly ever see a rear you'd put on your barrel. If I got myself a Stevens, couldn't find any with irons, and decided I wanted something to back up the scope, what would you advise?
Presumably receiver sights are out.
I don't know if want to mess with a laser.
Can some gunsmith just bolt/sweat/screw on an open rear? Lots of $$$ or economical?
I heard a rumor of some kind of scope rings with open sights on top! Is that a real product or did someone just get "see-under" scope mounts upside-down?

 

[mcdonl]

30/06 recoil is not THAT bad.... A recoil pad will certainly make it less uncomfortable.

You mentioned you have shot shotguns, assuming it was a 12ga with anything larger then a small game load you have alread experienced the recoil you would feel with an '06... it is different, but still not bad.

 

[greenlion]

I would personally love to have a Stevens in 223, 243, or 308 with open sights to keep handy. I've never seen one like that around here though. I don't think I would care for one in 30-06, or any larger calibers. Those Stevens stocks are flimsy and light, and I don't need the extra recoil in a featherweight rifle like that.

 

[BBroadside]

"I heard a rumor of some kind of scope rings with open sights on top!"

Oh, I think found them. Millet sells them; they are called scope-sights.

 

[natman]

Caliber: 30-06 is a great hunting round, an excellent choice if you plan to use your rifle for big game hunting. However, so far all you've said is that you "want a rifle". If you just want to learn to shoot a rifle you would be far better off to start with a 22, or even a 223. Ammo is cheaper and recoil won't be an issue.

It all depends on what you plan to do with it.

Take a look at a Marlin XL / XS 7 before you decide on the Stevens.

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I got 2, one 7-08, 22-250, both tack drivers, aint ever seen one with iron sights. if it is used maybe someone put them on. they are cheap, ugly, but reliable as can be and always seem to go in my pickup when I go to the pasture checking cows, hogs and coyotes dont stand a chance.

 

[FLNT4EVR]

I would buy it in a New York minute. The 30-06 is a great round and available everywhere.The amount of recoil you expierence has a lot to do with the weight of the projectile.For most hunting in the lower 48 the 150 grn bullets will serve you quite well,and the recoil is not objectional.