Make mine a Stevens

elkhuntr

elkhuntr

CGN Regular
Rating - 100%
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Location
Kamloops, BC
My post is for all those who are gun nuts in search of the holy grail of accuracy. Yes, some might think, Stevens…what is this guy thinking? For those who have not tinkered with one or have not shot a Savage/Stevens product it may come as a surprise. For those who do this idea will not.
I began one day with the idea,” I’d like to play the F class game. “ But I was not going to convince the boss of a multi thousand dollar toy. I would have to think on the cheap, so I began my search all over the internet of ideas, guidance, and some good luck. The goal of this project, (besides the great fun in shooting it) is to find an answer to the age old question, “How much does one need to spend to attain competitive accuracy.” Well, that began the addiction to Savage/Stevens products.

Here is my 260 AI as a result of a years effort and with the help from some fine CGNers. Thanks Jerry for great advice and service.

PS, cost all including taxes.
Cost of Build:
Rifle: Stevens 200 SA. 430.97 new. Sold barrel, 350.97 total.
Timney Trigger 145.60 Thanks Jerry Teo from Mystic Precision.
Boyd Thumbhole stock 63.38, yes…..keep an eye out for those crazy deals, they will surprise you.
8-24 Tasco Varmint Scope 112.00, bases $15, Rings 0 as I had some old weaver 1”ers kicking around.
Bottom metal and action screws 36.73 from Brownells.
Barrel, McGowen Prefit, 260AI, 28", Target crown, bead blast. $365 Thanks 6mm Shooter.

Hours spent on bedding and stock work, and endless rounds of tung oil old school finish....priceless!

You can make mine a Stevens any time. Beware the addiction starts early.
Good shooting…..Elky


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Mines in the "pieces and waiting stage". Bought a used savage LA with Timney trigger. I have a prefit Shilen barrel, stock, and base on order. Should be June or so before I see those. When all is said and done it should be a fine 338 Edge.
 
Outstanding job and nice to see it all put together and shooting so well.

In time, I will have a customer project section on my website just to show what real world results can look like.

I hope that you will send me a quick write up and pics and I will add it.... in time ( I am horridly slow on this new tech thingy)

Keep it going and I hope to shoot with you when things warm up.

Enjoy...

Jerry
 
Ha awesome. I was like "what, only .5 inch?". Then I noticed it was 200m.

For interests sake, I'd love to see a picture of five groups on one target to see some averages.

Looks like a great shooter! Good job.
 
mlehtovaara said:
Amazing isn't it?

And just the other day someone was trying to argue that you couldn't build a Stevens like this for less than $1200.

Nice work.
Click to expand...

Actually, the figure was $600. And by my calculations this rifle alone cost $908.08 for the parts before any applicable taxes or shipping fees.

Nice rifle! I'm sure you'll enjoy it for many years to come.
 
Fantastic Job on that rifle!

Jerry helped me with my .264wm Stevens build and man I couldn't be any happier with the thing. It shoots amazing, fits me perfect and looks good doing it that's the best part of building a rifle compared to buying an off the shelf product. You can make it exactly what YOU want and for a price that beats buying an off the shelf rifle.

My build was a bit more expensive mostly because I bought a McGowen SS FLUTED barrel which was close to $600 after shipping. I also did a few other things like a bolt lift kit and Tacticool bolt knob.

Here's my rough cost break down
New Stevens .270 $400 tax in boxing day blow out
McGowen SS Match Fluted $600
SSS Trigger $100
SSS Recoil lug $30
SSS tac bolt knob $40
Bolt lift kit $5
Used B&C Stock $50

Total= $1225

I would say the closest rifle in off the shelf accuracy to this build is a Cooper Model 52 at a retail of $2200 so not a bad savings considering its a custom built percision rifle.

I really hope this thread lives with out the Remington trolls ruining it.

Actually the project I'm working on now is based off a M700 VSF .308 turning it into a 1-7ROT .22-250 by spinning on a McGowen prefit with barrel nut.
 
Very nice. Which trigger did you use and are you happy with it? I've got the Stevens 200 in 308 with a boyds laminate stock. Want to do the trigger next.
 
Will provide a range report from time to time. Shot 300m last weekend in a snowstorm 8kph wind on my first go with our F-class crew. If my memory serves right I shot 41, 46-4v, 45-2v, 49 for 10 round strings. First went with 140 Amax now sticking with 142 SMKs. Next weekend will be 500m....hmmmmm lets forecast the weather.......Sunny with gale force winds cross range switching unexpectedly between shots:)
 
Very nice rifle, somthing like this will be my next project for sure something like a .223 or a boomer I havent made my mind up yet :D

I just finished my first stevens build last night when I found the trigger I wanted in the EE. I went a little over bored but here is my break down.

Stevens 243 $360
Hs pistol grip stock used off EE with DM bottam metal $400
Shilen ss select match .308 winny $440
Rifle basix sav2 trigger $170
For a total of $1370 in the rifle not bad when a stock model 10 with the same stock is close to 1100.
Farrel rings $150
farrel base $100
Sightron Slll 6-24x50 $900

So with everything all said and done I have just a smidge over $2500 in it and it shoots just as good as a custom that would have cost me the same for just the rifle :nest:. Seams like a good way to get into the long range game to me!
 
The Tasco still tracks fine, but when it gives up the ghost I will be looking. The new Vortex lines, while very reasonably priced, look like some great glass for the price and have heard good news on them so far. Still on a budget so will spend the cash on lead to send down range;)
 
Yea, it all looks great for a budget rifle, but the tasco has got to go. I wouldn't trust anything that rifle could do with such a lousy optic.

Other than that it all looks good bro. I love my Stevens rifles as well.
 
Some day the gods will provide for a scope worth more than the total cost of my build....someday perhaps. But as a case in point, for anyone interested in getting in the game, you can do so even with a lowly tasco. I will smile on this point when I shoot a group of Vs shot aside those with 3k+ invested. And accept that I will eat well deserved rotten crow when it gives up the ghost. I will never fully rely on a $100 scope for the big game, when some day I attend a match for $ and fame. So far the cheapo works, provides a clear sight picture, and maintains 0. Not bad me thinks, and it keeps the quality control high for much more expensive scopes on the market. If tascos can do it, they better or else;)
 
And that is the bottom line - GET OUT AND SHOOT!!!

CGN is filled with posts of mega dollars spent but how many posts are there on shooting and showing the improvements practise can give.

You are going to learn so much at the range launching lead. No amount of money can buy that thing some will call EXPERIENCE.

When the time and finances allow for other gear, you will make an intelligent purchase based on what you NEED to improve your game. And you will quickly learn, that cost doesn't always equate to performance.

We all need the best possible gear to compete at the highest levels. We need to trust our gear and it has to worked as demanded but if we all wait for that magic day when we are endowed with both money and knowledge....

We will spend alot of time typing and very little time burning powder.

You are shooting beside some of the best shooters in Canada. They will show you what can be done. Some of their performance money can buy, but the vast majority is just lead down range and learning from your mistakes.

I am glad that I was able to help you on your journey.

Now get out there and kick some butt....

Jerry
 
Yup, more $ sending lead down range learning the game. Great advice and will heed... look, only one sentance master. Grasshopper must get ready for the next range visit......
 
Looks good. I might be trying something similar. Who sells Boyds stocks in Canada or can they be ordered direct?
 
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