Stevens Model 200 >>> Should I Get One?

[CHRracing29]

Anybody have one? What do you think?

I've really been looking into a Stevens Model 200 lately. I'm a poor college student so I'm trying to get good results for the money. I want the .308 as a reliable, accurate deer hunting rifle and for target shooting fun from time to time. I plan to get the Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40 scope. Then I might get a wooden stock from Boyds stocks later on down the road (I have a thing for bolt action files with wooden stocks )

Thank you!

 

[TexasPatriot.308]

I bought one in 7mm-08 a few years ago with a cheap simmons scope on it, took the cheap optics on and put a Nikon Buckmasters 3x9x50 on it. it shot dime groups at 100 yards. got rid of the ugly stock and put a Boyds walnut stock on it for $100. now got a beautiful tackdriver and even though I got some nice hunting rifles, I take the 200 with me all the time. If you are on a budget, look into a Redfield scope, American made by Leupold at less than $200. I just might buy another 200 in .22-250. really good rifle for the price. you wont regret it.

 

[Abel]

If you want to do upgrades, the Stevens 200 is a great rifle. If you don't ever upgrade, it will still get the job done. I would buy a 200 before I would buy the Savage Axis simply because of the availability of aftermarket triggers, stocks, barrels, ect.

 

[DoubleMag]

Anybody have one? What do you think?

I've really been looking into a Stevens Model 200 lately. I'm a poor college student so I'm trying to get good results for the money. I want the .308 as a reliable, accurate deer hunting rifle and for target shooting fun from time to time. I plan to get the Nikon ProStaff 3-9x40 scope. Then I might get a wooden stock from Boyds stocks later on down the road (I have a thing for bolt action files with wooden stocks )

Thank you!

poster1) yes
poster2) yes

buy rifle for plaine jane shootn' yes! yes!!

I'd get the next step up in the ProStaff I think its a 4x12x40 $170+- at MidwayUSA.That trigger has a wee bit adjustment to it. Don't try polishing or stoning it, its a sintered metal to cut costs. But eventually (ca$h available)I would suggest replacing it. Also FYI I'm 215lbs+ and I'd suggest rather quickly replacing the buttplate with an aftermarket (real) recoil pad. That's a light gun and a moderate sized caliber.

Where are you (what state) and what prices are you seeing for the rifle?

 

[jmr40]

A good choice. There are lots of good rifles in this price range. The Stevens has been around the longest, but the Marlin XS-7 is another option to look at. If you are not in a hurry Ruger is offering a rifle in this price range that should be available soon.

 

[nathan]

Except for the cheesey stock, the rifle is a good buy.

 

[UNCC Grad]

I second the Marlin XS-7. It has a better trigger and better fit and finish than the Stevens. They really are a bargain for what you get. Boyds also makes stocks for the Marlin XL/XS-7s so that is a non-issue.

 

[snakeman]

I had one and it was more accurate than my marlin xl7's. The only set back is the trigger.

 

[Skyshot]

I have a .308 and I put in a timney trigger and bedded the action. A lot of people complain about the stock, but they look pretty good when painted and it keeps the weight of the rifle down. Mine is just over 6 1/2 lb's with 3x9 bushnell elite 3200 and shoots sub MOA. View attachment 156050

 

[UNCC Grad]

Snakeman, did you happen to try and free float the forend on those XL7s? They have two pressure pillars right near the end of the forend that when removed, usually help increase the accuracy.

 

[SGW42]

I bought one in .223 a month or two ago. I haven't shot it yet, just decided I needed one in case Savage gets rid of them entirely in favor of the Axis. I also liked the idea of "building" a custom rifle, so eventually I will pimp it out into something neat.

My only complaint is the finish reminds me of my 870 Express. I bought it brand new and sight unseen. I thought I had seen a very thin layer of blue on previous 200s I had handled.

 

[CHRracing29]

Sounds awesome. Thanks for the feedback. My local gun store said they could order it and I could get it for $350 out the door. Good price? Anybody know if Bass Pro Shops or Dick's carries it?

 

[Abel]

$350 is a great price.

 

[Moose1995]

I just got one in 223 for Christmas. I have decided to modify the stock rather then buy a new one.(The stock is by far the worst part of this rifle) Reason being I wanted a project rifle that I know will be accurate while spending as little cash as possible. I already have a Bushnell 4200 elite scope for it, and the rifle cost me 350. The stock is already coming out great for me, and I have spent a total of 60 dollars for material for modding it. I plan on shortening the barrel to 18" as well. Eventually I may put a heavy barrel on it, but if it shoots as well as most people say these things shoot, I don't see the point. I am going to post a new thread on my build in a couple weeks when its all done. I highly recommend getting one while you can. It has a much nicer fully machined action then that cheap cast one on the savage axis.