Pimped Stevens 200

[smittty]

Here she is...

[smittty]

Here she is wearing the Weaver V3 scope and that is the group I shot with it at 100 yards.  I didn't shoot nearly as well with the bigger 10x Super Sniper scope on paper.  I could see myself breathing with the higher magnification scope and therefore took longer to shoot, I think I was trying too hard I actually shot worse.  Sometimes less magnification is easier to shoot well. 

On the other hand though, the swinging metal targets at 150, 200 and 300 yards were a breeze to hit with the bigger scope.  I like the little V3 up to 150 yards and then the SS takes over.  I know what you're thinking, why not a variable power scope???...this is more fun!

My only complaint is how little the V3 scope looks on this rifle.  I think it's too short for the action to look "right".  And, the SS looks a little big.

I shot 140 rounds thru my new rifle this morning and didn't give it more than the time to walk 100 yds and back to cool down.  The first 2 boxes of ammo didn't impress me but as the morning went I/it did better and better to the point were stopped while I was ahead.  I was using surplus 150 gr 30-06 ammo.

The stock is the original gray stock, sanded to remove all the mold lines and then painted with Fusion paint.  I also shortened the barrel to 18.5" using my recipricating saw, file and wet sand paper to 600 grit.  Then cold blued the end of the muzzle.  I took my time to get the cut end as perpendicular to the bore as possible without a crowning tool.  My Leupold bore sighter won't work on this barrel without having it properly crowned.  That's a bummer because I'd like to check zero after switching scopes. 

The recoil isn't bad at all.  I wasn't sure how the shorter barrel would feel but it's just fine and not so loud.  I took one shot without the muffs on, (forgot to put them back on after changing a target) and was suprised that it was sort-of quiet.

It was a fun day at the range and I really like my new Stevens rifle.

Smitty

[smittty]

I should mention that the paper target I used worked very well and much easier than the regular round center targets.  I sighted the cross hairs on the center (red box) which my crosshairs completely covered but because of the 4 outer black boxes, I could center the cross hairs between them easier making for more accurate shooting. This is the first time I used these targets and Im sticking with them.  That was a 2-shot group which I repeated at two other times.  The holes are touching! :-)

Smitty

[LaOtto222]

It looks like you have a winner. I have found that the fixed power scopes have a lot less to go wrong. My first serious varmint scope was a straight 10X with bullet drop compensator. I could hit black birds (starlings) at 250 yards with it. I have given some serious thought of returning to a fixed power scope; a Bushnell 3200 10X tactical for my next varmint gun. You should have no problems out to the ranges you are talking, maybe further.

[smittty]

I'm not quit finished with it yet.  I've been thinking about why I didn't shoot as well with the higher power scope and it's the trigger.  I played wiht the rifle alot while I was hooting it.  I removed and reinstalled the stock a few times making minor adjustments.  I adjusted the trigger as light as it could be without it firing by closing the bolt.  I really had to concentrate to squeeze it just right and if I took longer to set up my shot I did worse.  It's just too heavy. 

Another thing I noticed was that the trigger guard also needs to be replaced.  Mine is now deformed from tightening the pillar bolt.  I think it's a matter of time before it breaks.  A metal guard can take the pressure.

I feel the stock is perfectly adequate especially after a paint job and I wouldn't spend the money on one like I've read others doing, the trigger and trigger guard are priority, imo.  At some point you just don't spend any more oney on these rifles.  I payed $310 and will add ~$100 for a new trigger and triger guard.  That puts it over $400.  To spend more it's probably beter to just by a diferent rifle.

I will sell my V3 to pay for the new trigger and guard and keep the Super Sniper scope on it, for now anyway. 

This rifle is a fun project!

Smitty   

[LaOtto222]

I have had fun with my projects too. Sharp Shooters Supply is a great place to buy parts for your Savage/Stevens rifles. I got SS trigger guards, bolt handles and recoil lugs through them. You can also get the blued variety. I bought Rifle Basix triggers for mine, but I have heard that SSS triggers are very good. They also sell stocks. I do not live very far from them, but I have not made it over there to see their operation. They sell custom barrels for your Savages too. The sky is the limit. Once you start down the path of mods, it is hard to turn back.

[smittty]

I'm researching the trigger options but will definitely do something about the trigger and buy a new trigger guard.  Here is another pic and two more inspirational targets.

I listed my V3 scope on ebay for the auction to start this Friday evening.  I might regret selling it!

Smitty 

[backstrap]

I thought every rifle had to have a barrel crown to shoot well i take it this is not the case if u just cut the barrel down on your own and didnt get it recrowned

[LaOtto222]

After you cut down the barrel, you must file it flat and square to the bore. You can then leave it like that. I like to run a steel deburr tool oi mine very lightly, to knock off the sharp edge and even it up a bit. Some use a brass bolt and lapping compound to knock off this sharp edge. The main goal is to make sure where the rifling ends is square and even. If you do it carefully, you can get a decent "crown". I had a Remington 700 VS that was flat on the end with just a slight bevel to the out side and a light bevel to the inside. It shot very well and that is the way it came from the factory.