So i am looking at buying a new budget rifle and was looking at both the stevens and mossberg, i was leaning towards the stevens in 7mm but the mossberg has an adjustable trigger and fluted barrel (according to cabelas), so in that case i would go with a 270, but which is a better gun, i no both would do the job, but which is better? any help in making a decision would be great!
stevens 200/ mossberg 100 ATR
- Thread starter l.denison
- Start date
It really does not matter. However, a fluted barrel on the mossberg is like putting an airfoil on a 79 Gremlin. The Stevens is known to be a solid and accurate gun. However, the trigger is a bit stiff and it has a closed box mag. I have no direct experience with the mossberg but I have read a few bad reviews on the bolt assembly.
I've had Stevens and no complaints at all for what you get. Another budget rifle to consider is the savage Edge/Axis. I bought one and put a rifle basix trigfer in it and it is a very nice rifle to shoot and has a removable magazine. ( I like those in a hunting rifle. For range use not really important IMO ) If you can find one for sale new without the crappy scopes they are very cheap. ( Got mine for $295 + tax etc..)
I've had Stevens and no complaints at all for what you get. Another budget rifle to consider is the savage Edge/Axis. I bought one and put a rifle basix trigfer in it and it is a very nice rifle to shoot and has a removable magazine. ( I like those in a hunting rifle. For range use not really important IMO ) If you can find one for sale new without the crappy scopes they are very cheap. ( Got mine for $295 + tax etc..)
I have a moss 100 atr .270 and am quite pleased with it. Fit and finish are acceptable for a sub $400 rifle. Smooth action and fairly accurate (haven't shot farther than 150yds). I don't have experience with the marlins or stevens, but the moss fits me better than a 700. Very happy with it.
- Location
- Eastern Edge of the Foothills
I've never owned any of them. But if I were to go buy one of them today, I'd definately look at the Marlin first. Many people on here really like'em. Then I'd look at the Stevens. Then the Marlin again. I probably wouldn't buy a Mossberg rifle.
Actually, in that price arena, I'd find a Husky 1640 off tradex. Wait... that's what I DID do.
Maybe you should spend some time on their site [link up top^^^]
Actually, in that price arena, I'd find a Husky 1640 off tradex. Wait... that's what I DID do.
Maybe you should spend some time on their site [link up top^^^]
- Location
- Richer, MB
Sort of a dumb question to as a pro Savage/Stevens Forum... You could be comparing a Weatherby Vanguard vs. a TC Venture and 75% of the responses will be "buy a Savage/Stevens". A budget rifle is a budget rifle. Better rifle? Neither the Mossy, Marlin or the Savage/Stevens, they all have their own pro's and con's, which are you willing to accept with your purchase? Most accurate? Well any rifle could be accurate with enough practice and hand loads. Your best bet is to go and shoulder the rifles you would like to purchase, and then make your own decision!
As you can tell I'm not a fan of the "manufacture vs. manufacture at this price point" threads. I like Fords, but the other guy likes Chevy and the other guy like Dodge. You just don't know until you actually try....
As you can tell I'm not a fan of the "manufacture vs. manufacture at this price point" threads. I like Fords, but the other guy likes Chevy and the other guy like Dodge. You just don't know until you actually try....
I own 2 ATRs and one Savage. No Stevens centrefire, but if you compare to their 22's I would not complain in any way.
I have no problem with either Savage or the Mossbergs. The .30-06 ATR is accurate with my handloads to comfortably headshoot deer at 200yds.
But, then I shoot a fair bit for the avg hunter.
I have no problem with either Savage or the Mossbergs. The .30-06 ATR is accurate with my handloads to comfortably headshoot deer at 200yds.
But, then I shoot a fair bit for the avg hunter.
I've already had a marlin in my hands and didnt really care for it, i'm down to the stevens and mossberg but i'm thinking its going to be the stevens, i like that it comes in 7mm and will probaly go that route, although i do like the look of the 100 ATR more, but i think if i get a stevens a stock change will make me a lot happier with it, i don't know why they ever choose to go with the grey stock
- Location
- Niagara Region, Ontario. For now
Stevens 200 in .223 best 100m groups with handloads:
Stevens 200 in .270 best 100m groups with factory ammo(never handloaded):
200m
Stevens 200 in .270 best 100m groups with factory ammo(never handloaded):
200m
Northman999
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Southern Yukon
I have not handled or shot the marlins mentioned.
I handled a mossberg and did not really like the fit of it, but had no real issues with the rifle.
I own two Stevens 200's. I adjusted their triggers way down and they both shoot better than I do, consistently. I'd reccomend them to anyone, honestly.
I handled a mossberg and did not really like the fit of it, but had no real issues with the rifle.
I own two Stevens 200's. I adjusted their triggers way down and they both shoot better than I do, consistently. I'd reccomend them to anyone, honestly.
That fugly grey stock of the stevens fits me perfectly and the savages I've fired have all shot extremely well. That is why I choose stevens. I can the stock when I get around to it. I'm going to sneak 2 more in if the gf ever leaves for a weekend again
I own neither because I am very partial to detachable magazines, but they are both safe choices and good value. Mossberg had to recall some early production ATR100s because of defects in the bolt but I think you can safely assume that is sorted out, especially if you get one with a fluted barrel as that is a recent addition. The Stevens 200 has a more established reputation which may be a factor if you consider potential resale value important, but I think the best criteria would be if you can get to handle an example of each, choose the one that feels better fitted to you. That can be a significant difference in how well you shoot a particular rifle, regardless of what it might do from a vice on a bench.
And like some have already said, the Marlin XS/XL7 should be on the list for this sort of rifle, too, but as you say, you've already eliminated it. For those who don't like the look of a particulare plastic stock, Krylon Fusion camouflage spray paints can fix it. Most triggers are adjustable, if not by the user, then by a gunsmith. (And there is a detachable magazine conversion for the Stevens200, but it is from a U.S. gunsmith and I am not at all confident it could be exported.)
And like some have already said, the Marlin XS/XL7 should be on the list for this sort of rifle, too, but as you say, you've already eliminated it. For those who don't like the look of a particulare plastic stock, Krylon Fusion camouflage spray paints can fix it. Most triggers are adjustable, if not by the user, then by a gunsmith. (And there is a detachable magazine conversion for the Stevens200, but it is from a U.S. gunsmith and I am not at all confident it could be exported.)
I really like my $350.00 Marlin XL7. It actually consistently shoots 3 shot groups in the size of a quarter with cheap blue box federal ammo. I have much more expensive rifles but this one is the most accurate by far. A Stevens is very accurate too. It can be turned into a really accurate rifle with stock bedding, trigger work, etc. Check sponsor Mystic Precision.
I own a XL7C in 30/06 and like it a lot. They come with a good trigger, soft pad, Rem 700 style safety, and a one pc Weaver style base that works very well as it give a lot of options for differing scope lengths. It's the best of the bunch in this thread.
AFAIC the whole point of a cheapy rifle is to be able to take it out of the box and shoot it as is without spending more $$ on it. The Marlin does that easily.
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thanks, im going to start looking
