I got no money lol whats better?

The Steven's stocks aren't bad. They are very well porportioned, and keep the comb on level with a standard hight scope mount. The overall weight of the rifles are nice and light. And they actually balance pretty well too. The butt end is filled with foam to deaden sound, and has a nice feel for a cheap rifle. These really are about as good as a 'mountain' rifle as you can get. Your not worried about banging up the stocks, and have no clips to lose. The only drawback is the magazine is akward to load, until you get the hang of it, then it's not bad at all. Republic nailed it when he said focus on the scope, and I need to upgrade before Fall, too. People don't like them because their not a Sako, or a Tikka. But in reality, the T3 will not do anything better than a 200. Except cost you more. And no, they won't shoot any better, I don't care who say's what, they both shoot good. As for the 'ugly' stocks, paint it.
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The only thing I'd say about the stevens if you're short on cash, is to consider a .270 Only reason I say this is that it's unlikely you'll enjoy the recoil of the stevens stock in the 30-06 You should be able to get one in 7mm08 or even a .308 that will be more comfortable. If you have a few extra dollars, buy a low end Savage with an accu-trigger. Basically you'll get a Stevens with better accuracy. To be fair you likely won't need or much want a better trigger for big game within 100-150 yards, but the accutrigger could easily extend that to 300 yards with out hesitation. That and you'll have the option of a detachable clip (not to mention a nicer stock) with the savage. Stevens is about $330 and the Savage should run you about $520 for an 11F give or take a few dollars and depending where you shop. Oh and the trigger on the Stevens is adjustable but it's not like the Savage as there is one less set screw. You can probably bring it down safely to 3 1/2 lbs but for hunting I wouldn't try to get it much below 4 lbs. Pretty heavy compared to the accutrigger but it can be made to have zero creep and a very very clean break.

If you decide to buy a Vanguard, go with a synthetic stock since the barrel isn't free floated. Won't warp over time with the synthetic. Besides it's a lot cheaper.

Don't really know anything about the Mossbergs so can't give an opinion on them.

P.S.- I'm from Yarmouth too, you'll be hunting some white tails?
 
pharaoh2 said:
The Steven's stocks aren't bad. They are very well porportioned, and keep the comb on level with a standard hight scope mount. The overall weight of the rifles are nice and light. And they actually balance pretty well too. The butt end is filled with foam to deaden sound, and has a nice feel for a cheap rifle. These really are about as good as a 'mountain' rifle as you can get. Your not worried about banging up the stocks, and have no clips to lose. The only drawback is the magazine is akward to load, until you get the hang of it, then it's not bad at all. Republic nailed it when he said focus on the scope, and I need to upgrade before Fall, too. People don't like them because their not a Sako, or a Tikka. But in reality, the T3 will not do anything better than a 200. Except cost you more. And no, they won't shoot any better, I don't care who say's what, they both shoot good. As for the 'ugly' stocks, paint it.
01360005.jpg
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X2 Go with the Stevens and use your imagination to paint the stock.
 
280_ACKLEY said:
Hardly an upgrade...Tikka uses the leftover plastic from the stock making process of the Stevens 200 and makes $100+ magazines, bolt shrouds, and trigger guards with it:puke:

Buy a Stevens 200, and if you can come up with the extra money, pick up a Remington 700 or a Ruger 77.
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Because I have a really large habit of loosing my bolt shroud, magazine and trigger guard :rolleyes:

I'd honestly love to see you argue that a tikka isnt an upgrade to a stevens 200.
 
Nothing wrong with a Stevens 200. In fact, I believe that Gatehouse is sellign one in '06 right now. They're the same as a Savage but without an accutrigger and a cheap stock. Buy one and, if you decide you want to, get a take off stock from someone who's upgrading or buy a laminate from Boyds. Take the money you saved on the rifle and put it on a good scope. Weaver bases and rings are a good, strong setup, if somewhat lacking in esthetics. Again, save the extra money you'd spend on Leupold Dual Dovetails and put it towards your scope. A fixed 4x Leupold is perfect for a 30-06 (and most everything else) and won't break the bank.

The Stevens is a good, all around rifle. A 700P isn't available in 30-06 and is heavier than necessary for a hunting rifle. Stay away from the specialty rifles and stay general purpose if you're looking for a first hunting rifle. Once you decide to amass a collection you can justify niche rifles like the 257 Wby, 338 Lapua and 416 Rigby.
 
You can buy a Stevens and spend time and money making the trigger half decent and bedding or replacing the stock... or can save the bull#### and get a good rifle out of the Box for a little more.
Buy a Tikka.
 
the_big_mike said:
I'd honestly love to see you argue that a tikka isnt an upgrade to a stevens 200.
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I'd really like to hear just what do any other rifle, including the T3 have over the 200? Bear in mind, I'm a model 70 fan, and own one or two rifles. But I realize there's more to life than having the Nike stipe on your shoes. Has rifle technolodgy dropped 300 years, or do they all require a barrel to deliver your shot, a trigger to fire and a stock to hold? You can own a Ford pick-up, or a Chevy Corvette. Both have wheels, both get you around. But one wont leave the garage when it's nasty outside, and cost aheluva lot more.
 
For the least expensive hunting rifle that will be accurate, function and have options for changes later, the Stevens. Great hunting weight trigger, same Savage accuracy, needs some tweaking on the bolt for easier lift, and definitely a bedding job. If you take the few minutes to tweak the Stevens, it will surprise you with how refined it will operate. It certainly has its rough "edges" as it comes from the factory.

I hunt with a center feed and staggered feed D mag savages. One in 308 and the other in 7RM (7 Mystic if I switch barrels). Great rough and tumble rifles that have the accuracy to reach out if needed. Excellent triggers too. Function every bit as good as other commercial products for less purchase price.

If you want refinements and don't mind spending more, the Tikka offer more niceties not more function/accuracy. Basically, you are paying an overseas worker to do the tweaking I do at home to the Stevens/Savages.

I have never seen a Mossberg but I like tinkering and never leave anything alone. The Stevens/Savage offers me that option.

Jerry
 
pharaoh2 said:
I'd really like to hear just what do any other rifle, including the T3 have over the 200?
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Pinned one legth fits all actions, $100 proprietary scope rings, plastic magazines/parts and lighten your wallet by $300 more.


But they do likely have the best synthetic stock on any out of the box rifle though.
 
200 vs ATR

Of the two, personally I'd get the Stevens 200... but really watch the EE on here. There are good deals good quality .30-06's popping up from time to time. Beyond that I'd consider a new Remington 700 SPS... ;)

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Forgot to mention, if shooting a Stevens swap a better recoil pad like a limbsaver or Hogue ($35). The hockey puck used is brutal. Would do well as a battering ram though. The ones on the Savages are better, not great.

When looking at the SPS, I was surprised at all the corners that were cut from Rem 700's I have owned in the past. Maybe that was part of the go fast before we go tits up attitude. Not impressed but the recoil pad is much better :)

For about $150 more, get the new center feed Savage with Accutrigger. A bit of work on the bolt lift, same bedding and you will have a far superior rifle to many commercial rifles with plastic stocks. That mag is built like a SBH and works so smoothly. The accutrigger is my favorite factory trigger and the safest. You will likely never outgrow this rifle.

Jerry
 
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