Which $249 rifle to buy ?

[GEWDOIT]

If I buy new, which one would you recomend and why, the Mossberg ATR or Stevens model 200 ? I would like a 7mm-08 but I don't know if the ATR comes in that so a 270 or 308 would do.

[Tunaman]

I have never owned either, but I own a few Savages and like the way that they build a gun. I think that you would probably do better by going with the Stevens for a couple of reasons, not the least of which is that you would probably be able to sell the Steven's easier if you decide to do so. Another reason for going with the Stevens is the readily available aftermarket parts with which you can upgrade your gun. Again, I do not have have either of these guns but in the end, i think that I would be happier with the Steven's if I were in your shoes.
Good Luck,
Tuna

[Dave in WV]

Stevens 200. It's the same as the old Savage M110, a good rifle in it's own right.  It is chambered for the 7mm-08. Everyone I've talked to that has bought a 200 is very pleased with theirs.

[victorcharlie]

Stephens 110........I do own one....a Savage 110 in .270...sure is fun to out shoot the high dollar rifles with what some consider a piece of junk........

[coyotemark]

Go with the Stevens. The Mossberg has a trigger guard that is molded right onto the stock, so if you break it, it can't be replaced. I have a Stevens 200 in 25-06. It is a tack driver even though it has a crappy trigger. The trigger can be improved and even replaced in the Savage.

[EVOC ONE]

I have both the Stevens 200 and Mossberg ATR as well as a Savage 110.  I like them all the same.  I'm very impressed with the accuracy and performance of the Mossberg.  Each account I have read of the Mossbergs accuracy has been superb, including magazine tests.  My own results support what I have read.  Neither are without their faults.  Both have their advantages.  Between my hunting pardner and I we have (3) Savages, (3) Mossbergs and (1) Stevens (with another ordered and on the way).  Both of us have shot all of them many times and have experienced no problems.  You are correct in that the Mossberg is not offered in the 7mm-08. 

All of the previous reasons to go with the Stevens are true and sound advice.  A disadvantage of the Mossberg is the lack of a proven background.  Its roots can be traced to the Charter 2000 rifle, but even that didn't make a big splash in the market before it's demise.  What the Mossberg does have going for it is that they use E.R Shaw barrels that have a recessed crown, are free floated and have a receiver design that has been reported to be a close copy of a Howa action.  It is provided with scope mounts, but those designed for the Vanguard (Howa) or Rem 700 will work. 

My own feeling is that the Mossberg stock is more rigid that the Stevens, which is subject of many complaints due to it's desire to flex.  I have also read of issues with the magazine follower on the Stevens.  I did have a feeding problem on mine, but it was related to an improperly installed follower.  The Stevens trigger can be adjusted and there are instructions on the 'net on how to do so.  The Mossbergs trigger can be adjusted, but its a difficult process.  I seem to recall reading that someone was able to do so, but it was not an easy task and involved replacing a part or two that will be damaged in the dis-assembly process. 

The Stevens does have the capabilities to be customized.  The barrels can be replaced and there are many aftermarket parts available.  Go to www.Savageshooters.com. for tons of info on the Savage and Stevens.

The Mossberg does have a molded trigger guard and sling mounts.  I have read one account where the trigger guard has broken.  However, the Mossberg is offered with a checkered Walnut stock on the short action models.  The trigger guards on those versions is a separate unit.

My view is that the decision is a toss up.  It comes down to the individuals preference and what is important to them.  I like them both.  I tend to favor the Mossberg primarily because they are much less expensive in my area than the Stevens and the accuracy is just flat out superb.  The Stevens has an unquestionable reputation being of a proven design.  Both have their share of plastic.

Good Luck with you choice.     

[giturgun]

Get the Stevens, I have a 110 Sav , shoots very well. Also have aftermarket barrels for it . All are supurb shooters. I have 2 friends who own the Stevens. They are very happy campers. If the trigger bothers you , The Rifle basix model 1 is a good trigger for the price it costs. Rb 2 is another good one , more expensive , sss makes a good one also, and I think Timney does. Can also vouch for Timney , have one in a Rem 700 and also in a Mauser 96 .

  As stated the Stevens is easy to work on yourself. Unbelievable how addictive changing barrels can become . Takes about 15 min. to do after a time or 2

[rifleman]

I've got a Stevens 200 in 223 Rem. I highly recommend it to anyone. Have been thinking of adding more of them to my rifle battery. Possible chamberings are 243, 7-08, or 308.

Good luck whichever way you go.

Dave

[giturgun]

sHUCKS rIFLE MAN , JUST GET YERSELF A BARREL , CHEAPER AND MUCH FUN , ADDICTIVE FOR SHURE

[Mattkc]

Do you remember the last rifle Mossberg made  a few years ago.  They dropped it after a couple of years, good luck finding parts for one.  Nothing wrong with Mossberg as long as its a shotgun.  You will always be able to find parts for a Savage/Stevens.  Also, there are many aftermarket parts for the Stevens.

[crawford769]

where are you guys finding these for $250?  the cheapest atr i've found is $350.

[The Gamemaster]

My question is - why $250?

Why not save your money and buy a good used rifle.

[safetysheriff]

My question is - why $250?

Why not save your money and buy a good used rifle.

i couldnt' agree more.   a few months ago i picked up a .30-06 Model 700 ADL Syn' at a wally-world that was marked down to $300, but quoted to me over the phone as being $250.    the manager let me have it for $250.   in my opinion, even at $300 i'd have been way ahead of an ATR or a SSSSsssstttteee.....    built by SSsssssssssssssaaa          i recommend you look around and try to find a better rifle for the money.    it can take a little patience; but it's worth the wait.

if you can't be patient, i'd buy a Mossberg, however.   

regards,

ss'   

[dukkillr]

My question is - why $250?

Why not save your money and buy a good used rifle.

i couldnt' agree more.   a few months ago i picked up a .30-06 Model 700 ADL Syn' at a wally-world that was marked down to $300, but quoted to me over the phone as being $250.    the manager let me have it for $250.   in my opinion, even at $300 i'd have been way ahead of an ATR or a SSSSsssstttteee.....    built by SSsssssssssssssaaa          i recommend you look around and try to find a better rifle for the money.    it can take a little patience; but it's worth the wait.

if you can't be patient, i'd buy a Mossberg, however.   

regards,

ss'   

+3  You get what you pay for.  Save your money and buy a nice rifle.  If you can't wait I'd buy a savage because I've been around enough Mossbergs to know I don't want to own one.

[David Carey]

Just bought a Stevens 200 in 7mm-08 at Walmart for $300.00 it was not listed on the website and the clerk said they did not sell them, I asked to see the gun catalog and it was in there.

Dave

[shooter]

I've had the Stevens 200 for 3 yrs and love it.I'm 2 for 2 on whitetail.Furthest shot was 225 yrds.I camo painted mine last year with Krylon fusion paint.Came out ok but im thinking of buying an aftermarket Bell and Carlson synthetic stock For $150,includes a decelerator pad i believe.
Shooter

[EVOC ONE]

where are you guys finding these for $250?  the cheapest atr i've found is $350.

Wal Mart usually has the ATR on the shelf.  They sell 'em for $249.00.  Two Wal Marts in my area had one ATR each as of two days ago.

 

[The Gamemaster]

I've had the Stevens 200 for 3 yrs and love it.I'm 2 for 2 on whitetail.Furthest shot was 225 yrds.I camo painted mine last year with Krylon fusion paint.Came out ok but im thinking of buying an aftermarket Bell and Carlson synthetic stock For $150,includes a decelerator pad i believe.
Shooter

Putting a $150 stock on a $250 gun is like putting Aluminum siding on an outhouse.

No matter how well you dress it up - it is still an outhouse.

The stock would be worth more than the gun.

[PartsMan]

I have looked at both and like the looks of the ATR in stock form.
If you don't want to change the stock I would stay away from the Stevens.

But that $250 gun with a $150 stock and $100 trigger is still only $500.
The Stevens is the same barrel and action as a Savage.
That's half of what many companies would charge for a gun with a good stock and trigger.

[R.W.Dale]

I've had the Stevens 200 for 3 yrs and love it.I'm 2 for 2 on whitetail.Furthest shot was 225 yrds.I camo painted mine last year with Krylon fusion paint.Came out ok but im thinking of buying an aftermarket Bell and Carlson synthetic stock For $150,includes a decelerator pad i believe.
Shooter

Putting a $150 stock on a $250 gun is like putting Aluminum siding on an outhouse.

No matter how well you dress it up - it is still an outhouse.

The stock would be worth more than the gun.

 You couldn't be more wrong!

 I have a .223 Stevens 200 that I just bought new for $242

 it now sits in a $170 Choate Stock, has $50 worth of rings and mounts on top and wears a $520 Leupold VXIII scope. On the way is a $300 fast twist Shillen Barrel.

 Minus the cost of the scope cause I'd have to buy that anyhow I'll have a $762 long range precision rifle with a barrel that's quality far outstrips anything you can buy from Remchester for less than $1500

 An Action is an Action, The Cheapest remington 700 is pretty much the same as their most expensive Tactical/Police models when you remove all the other parts.

[shooter]

Gamemaster ,
      you're entitled to you own opinion (even if you're wrong).The stevens 200 will outshoot most of your rifles that cost 3 times as much.Perhaps you're well off (or not married) but we are talking about buying an excellant shooting rifle on a budget.I admit the stock and recoil pad has alot to be desired ,thats why i sanded mine,painted it and added a slip-on recoil pad.For folks who dont what to spend the time and money,i suggested buying a replacement stock.Now ,you would have $400 invested in an excellant shooter and good looking rifle that will still outshoot you're fancy mirror-finished brownings and remington BDL's.That is my opinion and im stickin to it.
Shooter
P.S. I paid $225 for mine and it came with a cheap simmons 3x9x40 scope which works fine.I however decided to replace it with a Nikon 3x9x40 with BDC which i got on sale at Gander for 30% off= $95.
Shooter

[Old English]

I agree with the Stevens boys. I bought a used Sav 110, pre accutrigger. It now sports a BC stock, SSS trigger and guard, $200 Nikkon Monarch and 1 piece Dednutz scope mount. This rifle flat out shoots, awesome accuracy. I have a CZ550 which cost $600 so should be a better rifle based on price. IMHO, it is not, it looks pretty, it shoots well but, it is up for sale.

[Cement Man]

I have rifles with stocks that cost more than the rifle, I have rifles that have scopes that cost more than the rifle and I am very satisfied with them all.  I wouldn't pay attention to someone's stock cost/rifle cost ratios.  IMO it's a silly speculation anyway.  If you like it - do it and enjoy!

[Coyote Hunter]

The Stevens would be my hands down choice.

[Blucollar]

stevens.....Stevens.......STEVENS!!!!!!!! 

Without a Doubt!

[Phoneman]

For the longest time I've used an AR-15 that I have $1200 invested in plus I reload for it. Shoots 1/2 in and under groups. weighs 10 pounds. I bought a Stevens 200 in .223 and it will out shoot my AR. and is half the weight. I now have an AR for sale. using the same reloads my Stevens shoots 3 shots touching every time. Even at 200 yards it shoots under 1/2 in. Only thing I have done to it is work on the trigger. It is topped with a BSA scope. I will be using it this year in our local Pdog shoot.

[deerman12]

I bought a stevens 25.06 just to shoot at the range will my other rifles were cooling off. It shoots everything 1/2 to 1 inch.  I just can't bring myself to get rid of a gun that shoots so good and did not cost that much.  It is not my dream rifle but it is hard to beat for the investment!

[Cement Man]

A couiple of years ago - because of their proven performance, I bought the cheapest .223 Savage "package" gun I could buy, for a knock-about truck gun for coyotes.  I had my gunsmith take the barrel down to 19" for handiness and recrown, and sold the scope it came with back to the dealer for $20.  One of the most accurate rifles I own.  Super value.  I hear a lot of good things about the Stevens as well.

[bigjeepman]

I have never held a Stevens rifle let alone, get to shoot one. But, I have heard enough good stories about them that it "has" to be a good rifle. A friend of mine is looking for a .308 or 30-06 for this year's mule deer season and he is on a tighter budget with a new baby on the way. Since he is depending on me to help find a good, solid shooter, We will go look at the Stevens.

bjm

[poncaguy]

I have 2 Stevens 200's, 7-08 and 25-06, and a 270 Mossberg  ATR. Both are good rifles for the money. I prefer the Steven's, but not that much more. You won't be sorry with either.