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Post by bigblue on Mar 7, 2006 20:10:23 GMT -6
Well, I picked up the Stevens 200 in 7mm-08 last night. The first thing I did was to strip it down and clean it. The barreled action and synthetic stock are absolutely identical to the Savage Model 10-16. The stock came out of the same mold, but in a very UGLY grey color. With the Stevens not having the advantage of the Savage Accu-trigger, it comes with a lawyer lovin' 6+lb. trigger pull, but a crisp one. I adjusted the trigger spring tension screw and was able to get it down to a real nice 3.25lbs. That butt ugly grey stock could not last with me, so the next thing I did was file and sand the mold marks out of the stock, then paint it with a camo job. In keeping with the inexpensive price tag of this rifle, I installed a 4X scope on it. Heck, I even painted the rings in O.D. ;D I need to determine the best COL and load some ammo for it this week, and hopefully this coming weekend get some good range time.
Don
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Post by bubbawitha4570 on Mar 12, 2006 9:20:44 GMT -6
Where did you get it, and the price?? Inquiring mind wanted to know.  |
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Post by bigblue on Mar 12, 2006 17:10:24 GMT -6
Bubba,
A local dealer had gotten two in 7mm-08, the only time I've seen this caliber choice in this area. I paid $279 for it.
Don
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Post by bigblue on Mar 12, 2006 18:45:58 GMT -6
I had the Stevens out shooting yesterday for the first time. I tried quite a few different loads using several different bullets including Horn. 139gr. BTSP, Sierra 140gr. GK, 150gr. GK, and Barnes 140gr. TSX. They all shot fair groups, but not great. All were well within MOD, minute of deer. I'm thinking that the 4X scope may be a problem for developing loads and shooting them at 100 yards if I'm looking for MOA groups. It's too hard to tell if the load is bad or I'm just not on the target. The crosshairs are just too large and somewhat hide the target. I took that 4X scope off and replaced it with a Bushnel 6-18X44 today. I think that should definitely help tighten up the groups. Well the rifles cleaned, and more loads were developed so I'm ready for another day at the range.
Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Mar 12, 2006 19:33:52 GMT -6
Sounds like you are going to make it a tack driver. Lets hope anyway.
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Post by bigblue on Mar 13, 2006 17:20:37 GMT -6
Sounds like you are going to make it a tack driver. Lets hope anyway. I'll sure do my very best! I did have some groups under 1.5", but I really think it will do better. If my next range session doesn't improve on that, I'm going to try bedding the stock. I've never done it before, but I've heard it works pretty well even on this synthetic stocked rifle with factory dual pillar bedding. I'll have to see if I can find some info on that. Don |
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Post by smokepolehall on Mar 16, 2006 18:39:23 GMT -6
Hey i want to say i really hope get the tight groups on your rifle . Makes all the work you do with them worth while!
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Post by bigblue on Mar 16, 2006 19:14:53 GMT -6
Hey i want to say i really hope get the tight groups on your rifle . Makes all the work you do with them worth while! That work is half the fun, the other half is when you get to take game with your own loads shot from a rifle you tweaked. Don |
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Post by bigblue on Mar 17, 2006 18:02:41 GMT -6
A better day today with the Stevens. The higher power scope made a big difference in group sizes. I was able to get two groups that I liked. The first using Barnes 140gr. TSX bullets measured .64" for a 3 shot 100 yard group doing 2900 FPS. Two of those bullet holes overlapped and the third took it out to .64". The second load I liked used the Sierra 150gr. GameKing bullets with a 3 shot 100 yard group that measured 1.0" even at 2730 FPS. Not too shabby for a $279.00 rifle! Now that I know it will shoot decent groups, I may go for a lower powered scope again, but something with a little better optics. Maybe a Nikon?
I also took the Weatherby Vanguard Sporter out to shoot today. It did well with 140gr. Sierra bullets at 3050 FPS, with a .46" 3 shot 100 yard group. It also liked the 160gr. Nosler Accubond bullets and gave me a 3 shot 100 yard group measuring .81" at 3050FPS. As the Accubonds are a stronger constructed and heavier bullet, I think I'll stick with them. The group isn't quite as tight, but I don't think it will matter. It should be a good round for black bear.
Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Mar 17, 2006 19:23:44 GMT -6
Great Blue. Glad it is a shooter. I think you are going to really like it. I may have to invest in one in the future.
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Post by bigblue on Mar 17, 2006 20:11:26 GMT -6
Doc,
They won't look as pretty hanging on the wall as a lot of rifles would, but it will shoot with some of the best. I can't help but laugh when I see people laying down the cash for rifles like the new Nosler Semi-custom, when a rifle this cheap will shoot right there with it. I'm amazed that a rifle under $300 can shoot sub-MOA groups, and do it consistantly. Another factor is that the rifle is actually comfortable and not awkward to shoot. It fits!
Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Mar 17, 2006 20:20:17 GMT -6
So far I have yet to spend over $400 on a rifle before tax. That doesnt include the scope.
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Post by bigblue on Mar 18, 2006 19:13:40 GMT -6
I mounted a Nikon Buckmaster 4X40 on the Stevens last night. Today I was back to the range and zeroed it for 175 yards. It shoots 1.25" high at 100 yards, .67" high at 150, -1.4" at 200 and -3" at 225. Now I just need less range time, and more woods time. I'm up in the mountain tomorrow to do a little coyote calling. Wish me luck!
Don
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Post by DocHolladay on Mar 18, 2006 19:28:33 GMT -6
Good luck BB. We need pics if you can.
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Post by bigblue on Mar 18, 2006 20:42:01 GMT -6
Doc,
I'd love to post pictures, but I have never had any luck uploading them to a host site. Perhaps it's because I use dial-up. They always seem to time out before the upload finishes. It's just possible I could E-mail them to you if you could post them. I never tried it, but it should work.
Don
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