Hi all, I was just wondering why some people talk about bedding the action on these rifles? I am thinking of picking one up in a 270, and the retailer that I am thinking of buying from states in their write up that these rifles are dual pillar bedded and also have a free floating barrel. From my limited understanding, I thought that dual pillar bedded and free floating barrels were only typically found on higher end rifles. So I guess what I am asking is why are people changing or adding to the current factory dual pillar bedding? Again, from my limited knowledge, I thought that dual pillar bedding was the most secure way of attaching the action to the stock? Any help at all would be greatly appreciated!
Stevens 200, bedding?
- Thread starter Dusty23
- Start date
The pillars are simply added into the mold before they inject the plastic, so its an easy process.
You can bed those stocks for sure especially under the front and behind the recoil lug. I found bedding the rear to be a pain and there is very little support area under the rear reciever ring.
You can bed those stocks for sure especially under the front and behind the recoil lug. I found bedding the rear to be a pain and there is very little support area under the rear reciever ring.
Is this something that I can do myself, and would it really make much of a difference with my accuracy? The intended purpose of the rifle would be for hunting, most likely no shots taken over 300 yards. I don't do any target shooting, with the exception of sighting in before hunting season.
Last edited:
I would suggest you shoot it first in an unaltered state. Before you do you must ensure the plastic stock does not touch the barrel anywhere. If it does it could throw things off a bit. I have found that the fitting is questionable several times, but with a little elbow grease you can sand off areas that touch the barrel. Shoot it from sand bags. You will also note that the plastic stock will flex when under tension from a sling so be aware of that and potential for touching as a result.
For hunting purposes you may find that factory ammo in that rig will perform to your needs. Just need to find the brand/bullet type that suits it best (trial and error).
Now, if you want it to perform at its best then bedding will help it be more consistent. Then you will want to reload and tune rounds for your particular barrel.
So it sounds like you have a way to go there and you may find this rifle fills your bill unaltered. Remember, all you need is 2moa (2" groups at 100m)for the ranges you have limited yourself to. That means at 300m you should be getting 6" groups (or a pie plate) which represents a kill zone on a white tail deer. I'll bet that this rifle will better that by quite a bit if you do your part!
Now if you want to upgrade for about $150 you can eventually get a boyds rifle stock in a laminate configuration to your style. This will offer a much better platform than the plastic stock and will get the most out of a bedding job. I'd go there if you are wanting to squeeze the most out of this rifle.
Elky
For hunting purposes you may find that factory ammo in that rig will perform to your needs. Just need to find the brand/bullet type that suits it best (trial and error).
Now, if you want it to perform at its best then bedding will help it be more consistent. Then you will want to reload and tune rounds for your particular barrel.
So it sounds like you have a way to go there and you may find this rifle fills your bill unaltered. Remember, all you need is 2moa (2" groups at 100m)for the ranges you have limited yourself to. That means at 300m you should be getting 6" groups (or a pie plate) which represents a kill zone on a white tail deer. I'll bet that this rifle will better that by quite a bit if you do your part!
Now if you want to upgrade for about $150 you can eventually get a boyds rifle stock in a laminate configuration to your style. This will offer a much better platform than the plastic stock and will get the most out of a bedding job. I'd go there if you are wanting to squeeze the most out of this rifle.
Elky
Last edited:
Yes, but shoot it first. Most Savage/Stevens do well as is.
The stock area under the rear receiver ring rests on a small support area and is tougher to bed but the front is fine. I have done a Savage stock which is the same except for the open mag well. I ended up replacing the stock with a Hogue.
Search google there are some good tutorials on bedding. You will need to relieve some platistc and understand how you could glue or mechanically lock the barreled action to the stock by mistake. Bedding is something that can be done at home but make sure you read and research first and then proceed slowly and carefully.
To be honest if I wanted to improve the Stevens stock I would simply buy a Boyds laminate for $92 plus shipping.
The stock area under the rear receiver ring rests on a small support area and is tougher to bed but the front is fine. I have done a Savage stock which is the same except for the open mag well. I ended up replacing the stock with a Hogue.
Search google there are some good tutorials on bedding. You will need to relieve some platistc and understand how you could glue or mechanically lock the barreled action to the stock by mistake. Bedding is something that can be done at home but make sure you read and research first and then proceed slowly and carefully.
To be honest if I wanted to improve the Stevens stock I would simply buy a Boyds laminate for $92 plus shipping.
In addition to the advice above. Here are the big three for best bang for your buck.
#1: Trigger. Upgrade with timney or rifle basix ($120-130 all in)
#2: Tuned ammo. (lots to start....but you'll be doing it for a long time
)
#3: Stock and bedding
So, really look hard at the over all cost. You'll find that it is pretty hard to beat the prices of say a Savage hardwood stocked clip fed model. And if you spring for an accutrigger, you negate #1. Just sayn. Do your math if you are looking for less tinkering. But if you are a tinkerer....you are staring down the right path with the stevens IMHO.
Elky...
#1: Trigger. Upgrade with timney or rifle basix ($120-130 all in)
#2: Tuned ammo. (lots to start....but you'll be doing it for a long time
)#3: Stock and bedding
So, really look hard at the over all cost. You'll find that it is pretty hard to beat the prices of say a Savage hardwood stocked clip fed model. And if you spring for an accutrigger, you negate #1. Just sayn. Do your math if you are looking for less tinkering. But if you are a tinkerer....you are staring down the right path with the stevens IMHO.
Elky...
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
Definitely try before you adjust anything.
I have two stevens 200's, and they both came with heavy triggers, but the factory triggers are easily adjusted. I bedded the first 200 that I got just as a matter of course, but the second one I tried before bedding and was astounding accuracy from as it was, so I left it alone after I reduced the trigger pull.
I have two stevens 200's, and they both came with heavy triggers, but the factory triggers are easily adjusted. I bedded the first 200 that I got just as a matter of course, but the second one I tried before bedding and was astounding accuracy from as it was, so I left it alone after I reduced the trigger pull.
