Browning BLR vs. Stevens 200 in 7mm-08

ontgunner

ontgunner

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I am considering getting a new rifle this fall.
I don't do enough hunting to justify a "specialized" firearm, so, given the opportunity, it would be used for deer, bear and or moose.
That said, for some reason, I am particularly enamoured with the 7mm-08.
I know many will say it's way to light for moose, but... (the odds of me being moose hunting any time soon are also quite slim).
Add to this I don't re-load, at least, not yet.
Now comes the big question.
I was going to go with a Stevens 200 with some quality glass on top.
But I've recently seen a BLR (pistol grip) in the same calibre and oooooohhh... me likes ;).
Your opinions and why you support this position would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
 
Well, if one likes BLR's then it's a hard choice. I've owned a couple BLR's in .308 Win. Nice handy brush rifles. Both .308 Win and 7mm-08 are quite capable moose killers if you do your part.

IMHO, the BLR is a 'classier' rifle than the Stevens 200. I've also had a Stevens 200 in 7mm-08. Also, not a bad econo rifle. Personally, given the choice between the two, I'd take the Browning.
 
Bad news buddy, fall is here, you're done waiting. ;)

They are 2 very different rifles in very different price ranges. I have a BLR and to be honest, I don't like it. I just am not a lever fan and I find the trigger sloppy with too much creep. The more I shoot my A Bolt, the more I hate shooting it.

The 200's are great rifles for the money, but if you are willing to spend the $$ on a BLR, you do have a pretty big range of rifles to pick from between the 200 and the BLR. I woudln't rush into anything, take a long look at what is out there.
 
If I were you, I'd ask the question," Do all I want is a rifle that's a workhorse, or a do I want the arabian stallion?" I'll tell you right now, I've fired the stevens and the browning a-bolt series in 30-06. Both did the job fantastically, but I spent the extra $150 and got the Browning A-bolt Hunter. This was a personal preference, simply because the weight, grip, and general "feel" of the Browning appealed to me more.

I don't know about the gun stores in your area; but the one I went to offered to take me to a gun club and test fire the rifles. Or, if you know someone in the area who owns examples of the ones you're looking at, see if they'll let you fire them. Either way, don't randomly choose one or the other, go out and do hands on research. I know plenty of guys who are happy with a Savage over any other brand/model out there, and others who are deadfast Remington or browning fans. This is a personal comfort decision in the end. Anyone on here can say," Get this one, it's the best.", but you gotta be happy with it.

My advice, do what I did: call around to the local gun clubs and/or hunting stores, and see who will let you test fire examples of the ones you're considering. They'll probably allow you, on the conditions that:
1) you pay for the ammo that you fire;
2) you have a PAL;
3) you pass the gun clubs range safety.

Probably the best advice I can give you.
 
I have a couple 200's, one in 7mm08, and I would buy the BLR. They are a decent lever action.

I would like to get a BLR in the stainless/pepper-laminate combo.

Some dont like the BLR in the long action, but to each their own.
 
If you lik ethe BLR then get it....if you like the Stevens, then get it... but if you really want a nice smooth and accurate Bolt action in 7mm-08, get a Tikka T3 lite ($650) you won't regret it. I have a 7mm-08 and a 22-250, I love them.
 
bill c68 said:
If you lik ethe BLR then get it....if you like the Stevens, then get it... but if you really want a nice smooth and accurate Bolt action in 7mm-08, get a Tikka T3 lite ($650) you won't regret it. I have a 7mm-08 and a 22-250, I love them.
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Ya... I looked at that one too.
The only reason the BLR is in the mix is the fact that one has come up in 7mm-08 and I've never owned a lever gun. Kinda silly reasoning I guess... but I get a little weird once I decide it's time to spend money again :(.
I thinking I should suck back and re-load and start really looking.
I appreciate the input... I'll get back once (if) I've made up my mind :runaway:
(Did I mention the Marlin 1894 in 44 mag is tempting me as well... why can't I just buy one of each :eek:)
 
I hate this. :(
I think I've just added a Marlin (30-30) into the mix. :runaway:
Found one that looks like a good price, I know Marlin's are well liked and the new Leverevolution ammo has great ballistics.
This would come in at about the same price as the Stevens.
 
You just want everything you see!!!!

Keep it up and you will be ripe with offers from everybody and their dog offering to sell you this and that. You ahave a target on your head right now buddy.
 
7-08 is a great caliber. has good range, good accuracy and good penetration. Will easily put deer and moose in the freezer.

When you mention 30-30 it makes me wonder if you are just day dreaming or planning to shoot and hunt.

Same for the 44 Mag. But, a Marlin in 444 is a REAl rifle.

I have a BLR and a Stevens. I like the fit and finnish of the BLR. Mine is a 308 and has a deer toits credit.

If you want to do some plinking and shoot groups,etc., the Stevens is a better bet. It is easier to load for.
 
Blr vs stevens 200........Its kinda like comparing a paddle boat and a cedar Canoe, you can do nearly the same things with them but they are in a different class that's for sure.
 
riden said:
You just want everything you see!!!!

Keep it up and you will be ripe with offers from everybody and their dog offering to sell you this and that. You ahave a target on your head right now buddy.
Click to expand...

GANDERITE said:
7-08 is a great caliber. has good range, good accuracy and good penetration. Will easily put deer and moose in the freezer.

When you mention 30-30 it makes me wonder if you are just day dreaming or planning to shoot and hunt.

Same for the 44 Mag. But, a Marlin in 444 is a REAl rifle.

I have a BLR and a Stevens. I like the fit and finnish of the BLR. Mine is a 308 and has a deer toits credit.

If you want to do some plinking and shoot groups,etc., the Stevens is a better bet. It is easier to load for.
Click to expand...


I'm not hearing anything I didn't already know:(. At this point, most hunting is a dream as my weeks are booked and weekends are for catching up.
Why the large variance? I don't need another gun, so this will become mostly a closet queen.
The Stevens seems like a good choice, since it will hunt well in a pinch, and if (when) I decide to reload, it would make a pretty good platform.
The BLR was spotted and seemed like a good deal. I like my other Brownings (pistols and shotguns), and figured this would be a good hunter, plus would hold it's value (nice to hand down?).
I love Marlin's, but have never owned one (other than a bolt .22). By buddy has a .22 lever and the 1894 in .357. I like how it handles. In .44 it would be another candidate for that "maybe" deer hunt, plus would be easier/cheaper to handload for. Is also better for the indoor range where all my current shooting takes place. (I am looking into an another membership at an outdoor range).
The 30-30? Doesn't everyone need one of these?
As for now, I've pushed the purchase of a new longarm to the back burner. I will keep my eyes open for something that intrigues me and that I will get more use out of.
(Hey, is that a BL-22 you've got for sale :runaway:)
 
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