Well, I finally got the 200 yesterday. I ordered it in .243. Unfortunately, not a great buying experience from Dick's Sporting Goods, I probably won't buy a firearm from them again.
Anyway, overall, I think a pretty good gun for the price. Although I love the look of a wood stock, I am a fan of the synthetic for the type of hunting that I do. The gray color of the Stevens is kind of neat looking, next to the black ones that I have. I'll pull of the recoil pad, and fill the hollow stock with expanding foam, as I've done on several of these stocks, taking away the hollow sound and feel.The stock could use some cleaning up, sanding down the molding lines, etc., but other than that, I'll keep it as is.
I was a little disappointed in the plastic trigger guard, but then I realized that both of my Knights have the same thing, and they have held up for years just fine. A metal replacement can be purchased though, for a rather small price.
I will replace the recoil pad though, as it is very hard and thin. Not real important on a .243, but I think and extra 1/2" or so will help with the overall fit, to me.
The bolt is smooth and well made, and I like the three position safety, a feature that my older Howa doesn't have.
The barrel was dirty, it looked as if it had been fired, and I'm assuming it was tested at the factory. Seems easy enough for them to run a patch or two down it before it's packaged, but it didn't take me long to get it clean. There was a lot or residue on the outside of the barrel, but a few wipes of CLP brought it up clean and neat.
I mounted a Bushnell Trophy 3-9X40 on top with Weaver #46 bases and Weaver Quad-Lock rings. The Trophy was a perfect fit between the rings, but didn't allow me any forward or backward adjustment. Fortunately, it was a perfect fit to me, but a longer scope may be better for those who hold slightly different and would need to adjust for eye relief.
The sad part is that I won't be able to shoot this gun for at least a couple of months. The shooting areas around here are very limited, so I go to our hunting lease. Our season goes to the end of January, so I won't go shoot up the area, and disturb our hunting until at least then.
I was looking for a cheap, accurate, "beater" gun, that I could take out on rainy days, throw onto the four wheeler, or walk through the heavy brush with, and not worry about. For $249, the Stevens will fit that bill perfectly.
MH
