Stevens 200 or Savage 11

[cjclemens]

Ive been wanting to pick up a .243 for coyote hunting, and I decided on a savage model 11.  I already have a 110 in 30-06, and its been a really good rifle, which is what pushed me toward Savage in the first place.  However, when I visited my dealer, he showed me a Stevens model 200 in .243 that he said I could have for $275.  Other than the obviously cheap stock on it, it looks just like the Savage model 11 without an accutrigger.  I was just wondering if anyone here has had any experience with the Stevens rifles.  If so, how do they perform and how hard is it to find a decent replacement stock for them?

[trotterlg]

It is the savage action without the accutrigger.  If the trigger works for you then go with the stevens, the accuracy will be the same as the savage.  A .243 will put a hole in a Coyote that you can throw a cat through, go with the Stevens in .223 or .22-250.  Larry

[cjclemens]

I have a handi .223 that's been workin pretty well so far, but I want something with a little better performance past 100 yards.  I did consider the 22-250, but I decided I would like to have something versatile enough to use on whitetail or maybe even antelope.  Besides, the coyote hunting I do is mostly population control, anyway.

[LaOtto222]

After market stocks are available for both the Stevens 200 and Savage model 11. Just be careful about action screw spacing. The older Stevens 200's are different than the newer ones. Carefully measure the center to center distance of your two action screws. Call up the dealer you are interested in and make sure the hole spacing on the stock is the same.I have 2 older Stevens 200 - but both have been highly modified and were and are 223's. I would expect the same accuracy out of a 243.

This one shoots sub .5" groups all the time. It has a SS fluted A&B barrel that cost me $100 + a barrel wrench and it has a Boyd's stock



This one has not been on the range yet. I have more money in this one. With a Choate Stock - sort of unusual; some like it and some don't. I have a posting with more details. "My newest project", just down the page.



There are many different stocks available from under $100 up to $500 or more.

Good Luck and Good Shooting

Edit - I got the pictures backwards - sorry

[BBF]

My Stevens 200 (30-06) is about one year old.  I haven't done a lot of shooting with it but what I have done with various handloads has impressed me. The stock isn't great, I needed to sandpaper some of the edges on the checkering and the trigger is heavier then I like but not sloppy. The price difference in Canada between a Handi and the Stevens is about 20 bucks so it isn't a big decision for me which one.

[the jigger]

Buy the Stevens 200, some 400 grit sand paper and a can of Krylon in the color of your choice and never look back. If you don't like the trigger it will adjust or you could put in a SSS trigger.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

[skwirl]

Buy the Stevens 200, some 400 grit sand paper and a can of Krylon in the color of your choice and never look back. If you don't like the trigger it will adjust or you could put in a SSS trigger.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

+1
cj just take a look at my post Stevens model 200 If you have any question of the accuracy
http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/topic,161898.0.html

[cjclemens]

Thanks for the input.  I'll probably be picking the 200 up tomorrow.

[Steamin]

Not to hijack the thread, but I've got another question about these two.
I went to Gander Mt. this evening trying the fit on Savage's and the Stevens to see which one felt the best, the 11G seemed to have a better feel in the stock compared to the 200, I didn't think the .75" would make that much of a difference but I was wrong and the long actions were even better.
I'm not overly tall, 6'5", but that 3/4" sure made a difference in the feel and the fit.
Does anybody else have any thoughts or has anybody noticed this other than me.

Thanks
Steamin

[cjclemens]

I just picked up the Stevens 200 today.  Soon as I got home, I got out the old (pre-accutrigger) 30-06 for comparison.  Lo and behold, they look just about identical.  If it shooots anything like the '06, it should be a tackdriver.  I just need to order a scope and mounts for it.  Hopefully the weather is good enough to take it out for a test drive next weekend.

[jnclement]

I love my 200. I did put another stock on it, and I don't think it shot well enough to make up for the extra weight. I did epoxy a piece of aluminum square tubing into the forearm though.

[BBF]

There is a Savage 11FCNS on the way for me. I dug a bit deeper into the pocket then what I had planned to spend. Having a Accu trigger and a Detach mag made me decide to do it.

[cjclemens]

I finally got a chance to try out my new Stevens model 200 today.  So far, i'm pretty impressed with it.  sighting it in was a breeze.  I started with some factory 100 grain Winchester's.  After a few minor adjustments, rounds 5,6, and 7 went straight into the orange.  While I was at it, I tried a few groups of test handloads.  The Hornady 87 grain v-max, 100 grain spire point, and 62 grain Barnes varmint grenades all showed some promise.  The 70 grain Nosler ballistic tips didnt perform too well, but they are a bit short of a bullet for the tighter twist rifling this rifle has.  I've heard mixed reviews on the varmint grenades, which make me all the more curious as to how well they work in the field. i think the next step is to load more up and dial the rifle in with them.

As far as the trigger goes, I am truly impressed.  Considering that the Stevens is their economy line, the trigger does not feel cheap at all.  Mine is a bit heavy, but there is no creep and very little over travel.  I'd say its a darn sight better than the trigger that came on my Rugger 77/22 hornet.

As soon as I have 'er dialed in, i'll gladly post results and load data for anyone who is interested.

[Blue Duck]

I bought a Stevens 200 in .223 a couple of weeks ago.  Its sighted in now and I like it.  Looks like an excellent gun for the money.....