Yet another positive range report for a stervens 200

[aulrich]

I finally got my to shoot my Stevens 200 (270 win) this last weekend. Not an extensive test but a decent workout. The only ammo I had was Federal power shock 130 grain and I got 3 shot groups from  1.25 - 1.5 @ 100 yards,  nothing earth shatering but good enough that I don't feel compelled to rush and try to improve it with handloads, even though I suspect I can and sub 1" should be possible.

The gun is light so from the bench the recoil is a bit anoying but from field positions it is not to bad, I bet the magnum versions have a bit of jump to them though.  But I suspect I will like how light it is @ about 3 hours into the first day of hiking.

I am probably not the first to say it but the Stevens 200 is probably the best econo gun since the Remington 788.

[mjbgalt]

i would have to agree. my .243 shoots tiny little groups and is so light and well balanced that i am thinking of buying one to build into a .204 ruger.

-Matt

[PEPAW]

One more report like this and I will be forced to get one.     :-)   My latest gun purchase was a single shot Handi-rifle (I am lefty) in .270.    Wish I bought the Stevens instead because I don't have the time to fine tune a Handi like mine apparently needs.
I shot the Federal .270 Power Point 130's in my this weekend and they did not group as well as the Remington Recoil Managed loads.    Those are fun to shoot and should do the job for varmit hunting.  
Thanks for the report.    Are you going to do anything to the stock or adjust the trigger?

pepaw

[aulrich]

I'll probably swap out the trigger when funds allow, but at this point it is pretty far down the list (it's really not that bad, for a big game).  I may do a camo paint job on the stock I have seen a number posted that have looked really sharp, it depends how much glare comes off of the stock.

[handirifle]

One more report like this and I will be forced to get one.     :-)   My latest gun purchase was a single shot Handi-rifle (I am lefty) in .270.    Wish I bought the Stevens instead because I don't have the time to fine tune a Handi like mine apparently needs.
I shot the Federal .270 Power Point 130's in my this weekend and they did not group as well as the Remington Recoil Managed loads.    Those are fun to shoot and should do the job for varmit hunting.  
Thanks for the report.    Are you going to do anything to the stock or adjust the trigger?

pepaw

I traded off my Handi's for a savage 11FL in 223, then bought a model 93 17HMR (left hand also).  I already had a Savage '06.  NO regrets here.  MY Savage 11FL could care less what I feed it so far, keeps em all a 1.25" or less and haven't even tried to find a best load yet.  If you're a lefty like me, spend the extra and get the LH versions.  You will NOT be sorry.

[longwinters]

I am not really a fan of their looks, action or trigger.  But my buddy (Big Tom) just got one in 7m-08 and tonite he came over and showed me his targets.  These things are shooters.  I gotta say, I am impressed with their accuracy out of the box I don't think you can do much better.

Long

[PEPAW]

Well, the 200's are still on sale here for $259, but only in .243, 7-08 or .270.       Looks like a great project gun to paint, custon stock or just throw in the jeep.      

pepaw

[aulrich]

Just though I would update,  and it has performed as expected in the way that counts.

Not a big buck, but I only had one for sure day of rifle hunting this year So I was in meat mode. I got him as I was sneaking in to take the stand first thing.  It was just shooting light when I bumped into him. he spooked and ran across a small clearing, he was not too spooked but I could not get  shot right away.  It was probably only a minute before he started to slowly move off the shot was a classic quartering away 100-150 yards probably closer to 100.  

At the shot he bolted (270 federal power shok 130 speer grand slam), seconds later I hear what I think is a buck going down. I went to the spot of the shot but I did not find blood right away. I still had a mule deer doe tag and I decided to hang out and see if one comes by (Last year I go a wt buck and mule doe in the same mourning from that valley). After a hour another buck walks by and since I did not officially confirm a miss I let him walk.  Which was a good thing because if I had taken 10 more steps I would have tripped over him.

All told I am pleased, the 270 killed well without destroying too much meat (I would have lost the whole off side quarter had I used my 338) the gun is light so at the end of the day my arms are sore.

Here is my little buck.

[myarmor]

Congrats Aulrich  :sniper:   :toast:
A nice little buck to be sure, The Stevens proved itself well.
Sounded like an active hunt too-I like those.
-Aaron

[PEPAW]

thanks for the photo, story and update on the stevens.  Great deer.    Is that stock black?   I thought they were all gray.  
I am convinced I need one.    Now if I can convince the bride.   :-)  She is a real hunter, so it is hard for me to sneak one in! :lol:

pepaw

[aulrich]

No the stock is gray, the picture contrast went a little off during the resize.

Good news as it turnes out I will get some more time out.  I am a programmer by trade a the project I was working on had the first phase go in this week, and at this point it is stable, so I get to go use my cow elk tag next week (you should have seen the looks on peoples faces when I told the I wanted a week off the second week after go-live), and I still have my mule doe tag to fill.

I definitly use the Stevens for the mule deer but i'll probably use my 338 for the cow elk, the weather is really warm and it only a 4 day season so I want to make sure to capatilize on my chances.