Author Topic: H&R Vs Stevens (Read 2316 times)

Kyle Hawkins · « **on:** September 13, 2008, 10:37:40 AM »

Well im most likely going to put the order in at a local gunshop this week ans i have done ALOT of research on the H&R and none on the stevens

they would be in .223
it would have a BSA Platinum 6-24 on it
Used for varmints and coyote

I am very... weird about purchases i make.. and even tho this is going to be my "class ring" and i wont have to buy it i want to make sure i get the best choice. I really like the H&R and the Stevens is ok i just think it looks cheap... but as long as it shoots fine it will be good to me. I want the overall best rifle, i know the H&R has some little problems and that is what scares me badly, like a heavy trigger, barrel and forend connection, forend touching barrel and throwing off accuracy, Having to polish the barrel... ect. I have yet to hear anything bad about the stevens, but i also havent looked but i know its free floating.. and accurate.

So which would you get? Had any experience with either?

Thank you

trotterlg · « **Reply #1 on:** September 13, 2008, 10:51:41 AM »

Go with the Stevens. You can bet it will be accurate right out of the box. They are very easy to change barrels on, I have a Savage 10, which is the stevens action, and it has been a 243, 22-250 and now a 17 Remington. I do like the H&R's but if you need it to shoot well right away the Stevens or a Savage it the way to go. Larry

tykempster · « **Reply #2 on:** September 13, 2008, 10:53:56 AM »

I would suggest that you get a better scope, BSA doesn't usually stand for quality.

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #3 on:** September 13, 2008, 11:19:35 AM »

For a first timer I would recommend the Stevens.

The only thing you have to do is, clean it, load it, sight it in, and clean it!

I really like the H&R but I will not tell anyone to get one as a first rifle, that doesn't mind tinkering with their rifle.

They can be great shooters out of the box, or they can frustrate you to the point you want to throw it away.

So to me a new shooter shouldn't have to deal with all the stuff to try to get the gun to shoot, but only have to worry about the basics in shooting a rifle, and that means keeping it simple.

You already said you have a scared bad feeling, so go with your gut, since that is usually the right choice.

You can always get one later on when you feel comfortable about it.

Spanky · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2008, 11:27:58 AM »

Quote from: trotterlg on September 13, 2008, 10:51:41 AM

Go with the Stevens. You can bet it will be accurate right out of the box. They are very easy to change barrels on, I have a Savage 10, which is the stevens action, and it has been a 243, 22-250 and now a 17 Remington. I do like the H&R's but if you need it to shoot well right away the Stevens or a Savage it the way to go. Larry

Quote from: tykempster on September 13, 2008, 10:53:56 AM

I would suggest that you get a better scope, BSA doesn't usually stand for quality.

I agree with both of these guys.
I have 10 Handi's and they are all good shooters but I would get the Stevens. They are getting very good reviews and there are alot of aftermarket parts to upgrade to your hearts desire.
Tyler is right about the scope too. The BSA scopes are usually not the best quality (judging from reviews) and my (limited) experience with them. I have a 4x BSA and it is a pile of junk. Not very bright and has a horrible sight picture (it was dirt cheap though). The higher priced ones may be a little better though.

For what it's worth, Bushnell has some darn good scopes for very reasonable money!!

Spanky

tykempster · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2008, 11:59:35 AM »

Stevens can use all the Savage accessories too, you can make a heck of a rifle for not too much $$$.

Troyboy · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2008, 12:30:09 PM »

Id buy an ultra. Why? Because i have always liked them. Lots of different barrels can be fit to your frame and they are a whole lot cheaper than complete firearms. You can have a 12ga 308 and 357 or whatever you want all on the same frame. That IMO is one of the coolest things about a handi

Troy

tykempster · « **Reply #7 on:** September 13, 2008, 12:33:10 PM »

And the same can be done with a Stevens, almost. Higher pressure rifle cartridges. You can go from 17 Remington to 458 Lott in about 30 minutes.

OR-E-Gun Bill · « **Reply #8 on:** September 13, 2008, 12:54:49 PM »

Perhaps you should pose the same question on the "Savage Rifles and Shotguns" forum here on GBO and get some insight from the other side too.

Bill

Troyboy · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2008, 12:58:01 PM »

Sounds like mostly "others" have replied.

Troy

MSP Ret · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2008, 01:36:33 PM »

I voted for the Stevens for you since it sounds as if you may be a fairly new shooter. I personally would get the Handi over the Stevens and would not waste any time in making that decision. However I have a "few" Handis and have shot them for a while. If you just want to buy a gun and shoot it out of the box without regard to the mystique and draw of a single shot go for the Stevens. When you decide it's time for a single shot Handi you will not even have to ask the question. Above all, have a safe and fun time shooting....<><....

and I also agree, dump the BSA and get a better scope...

oneshotonekill · « **Reply #11 on:** September 13, 2008, 01:48:15 PM »

I would also suggest the stevens, but whatever rifle you decide on do yourself a favor and don't buy a BSA scope for it unless its one of their european models (big cat or catseye) the rest of them are junk. I have owned a few target models and every one of them failed.

Ranger J · « **Reply #12 on:** September 13, 2008, 02:06:01 PM »

I have both kinds. I sold my 223 Handi barrel as about half the empty cases stuck in the chamber (ejector model). It shoot alright accuracy wise but I replaced it with a Stevens 200. That gun (200) is very accurate but has trouble loading the 2nd round from the built in clip. I have heard that is common with the 223. I don't know why this should be so as the 200 is basically the old Model 110. I also have a 200 in 308 with no problems. You might check on the Savage section to see if the 223 is still having loading problems.

RJ

dw06 · « **Reply #13 on:** September 13, 2008, 02:57:34 PM »

Considering everything all have said, I would have to agree and take a hard look at the savage 200.But I'm like MSP Ret, if it was for me I go with the H&R Ultra, only because I have two handi rifle in 223 and they both shoot great with no problems.
Something else you may consider is go ahead and upgrade to the 110 and save up for a good scope, it would last a lifetime and you won't regret it, ever,

Ditchdigger · « **Reply #14 on:** September 13, 2008, 03:21:47 PM »

For out of the box accuracy,I think I would go with the Stevens for a new shooter.The Handi's are shorter and lighter,but you may have to tinker with it some.The Stevens may shoot the cheap military stuff where the Handi's warn againts using it. If you can come up with enough money,I'd go with the 6x18x50 Bushnell scope for it.It's very good in low light situations,and even on moonlight nights you can spot coyotes at 300 yds. that you can't see with a naked eye.Alot of these guy's use them and I guess there pretty happy with them. Digger

DalesCarpentry · « **Reply #15 on:** September 13, 2008, 03:41:15 PM »

I vote Stevens also. I have owned a few Handie's and at least 10 different barrels for it. If you want a inexpensive rifle that will most likely shoot good out of the box go with the Stevens. I went the other way and went Remington 700 and have not looked back. I will most likely own another Handi someday but it would be a deer rifle where I would be shooting under 250 yards or so. Dale

Saloon slug · « **Reply #16 on:** September 13, 2008, 05:17:23 PM »

I don't have an Ultra but I do have a Survivor and a Stevens. IMHO either one will do the job for coyotes the advantage the Stevens has is I find it faster to chamber another round for quicker follow ups then I can with the H&R when you call in a couple dogs at once being able to fire quick is a big deal. But I have seen some folks that can reload a single shot pretty quick also. As others have said the Stevens can be re-barreled almost as easy as the H&R and they are very accurate right out of the box. I would lean to the Stevens but do your self a favor and get some good glass mounted to it.

As far as the Stevens looking cheap I have found that there are few things that cant be made to look better with a little Krylon

bluebayou · « **Reply #17 on:** September 13, 2008, 06:16:59 PM »

I had a Handi 223 and currently have the Stevens.

Handi only shot one type of ammo very accurately, but this was older 1:12 twist
Handi took some tweaking.
Handi was $75 cheaper

Stevens is butt ugly, used Duplicolor spray on bedliner after razorblading off the plastic mold lines
Stevens a true tackdriver
Stevens does shoot 55 grain Wolf Black Box to same point of aim as my 55 Nosler BT handloads
Stevens does have a craptastic stock that is too flexible in forearm

I did put a tacticool oversized bolt handle on it because the Savage one is ittybitty with gloves on.

Kyle Hawkins · « **Reply #18 on:** September 13, 2008, 06:20:17 PM »

Wow thanks everyone for all your help..
well i am 17 but i have been shooting for 9 of thoes years and i do all of the gun matinance and sighting inn and ect for my family.. its something that i enjoy. but i am by no means a gunsmith, just a good shot:) and while this would be my first rifle it would not be a completely new thing.

This kind of hurts me because i feel in love with the handi, so i guess i will have to do enough reading on the stevens

hopefully that will work. if i get the stevens i will probably do some work on it.. like krylon the stock came and maybe duracoat the barrel:) put a good scope on it... that wouldnt look to bad right?

So what you all are saying tho is... out of the box go with the stevens.. its very accurate? (can anyone gimmie something to go off here, like a 100yd, or 200yd group) and i would just have to sight it in and be shooting perfect? its truely that much better?

And thank you soooo much, to all of you coming 2 gbo has been my best decision in learning i have ever made...

thank you,
Kyle Hawkins

bluebayou · « **Reply #19 on:** September 13, 2008, 07:02:24 PM »

With a little trigger adjustment
http://www.snipercountry.com/Articles/Savage110Trigger.asp
I show these numbers from load development looking at my notebook for this rifle:
1.25" Winchester 55 FMJ
.368 55 Nosler BT and 26.5 Varget
.330 60 Hornady VMAX and 26.0 H4895

These are only 3 shot groups and there were obviously, less accurate combinations.
The rifle averages .75" at 100 yards. It is hilarious how accurate the rifle really is for $275. My father in law turns his nose up.....but it IS accurate.

PHATINJUN · « **Reply #20 on:** September 14, 2008, 04:32:20 AM »

I would go with the ultra cause I'm a handihaulic. Kurt

Kyle Hawkins · « **Reply #21 on:** September 14, 2008, 05:12:51 AM »

Ok... well now im on the fence but leaning towards the H&R. the only problem i have is that the 200 dont look all that good. This is a gun instead of a class ring... ya know.

so the stevens is free floated.. and im asking that if the stock was duracoated and the barrel was duracoated would there be engouh clearance that it would still be free floated? How thin is the savage barrel, do these regular barrels heat up that fast? and i know the h&R is really thick the whole way through and it comes with scope mounts:)

Spanky · « **Reply #22 on:** September 14, 2008, 05:24:13 AM »

You don't have to stick with the plastic stock on the Stevens.
There are lots of aftermarket wood stocks available, I've seen some pics of real nice laminated stocks for them too!!
Go to the Savage Forum on here and read some of the Stevens threads. Some nice pics on there too!!

Spanky

Jimbo47 · « **Reply #23 on:** September 14, 2008, 01:12:13 PM »

Check this out!

http://www.gboreloaded.com/forums/index.php/board,168.0.html

bluebayou · « **Reply #24 on:** September 14, 2008, 07:24:47 PM »

Quote from: Kyle Hawkins on September 14, 2008, 05:12:51 AM

Ok... well now im on the fence but leaning towards the H&R. the only problem i have is that the 200 dont look all that good. This is a gun instead of a class ring... ya know.

so the stevens is free floated.. and im asking that if the stock was duracoated and the barrel was duracoated would there be engouh clearance that it would still be free floated? How thin is the savage barrel, do these regular barrels heat up that fast? and i know the h&R is really thick the whole way through and it comes with scope mounts:)

You can Duracoat moving parts, I think that you will be able to free float the barrel if that is what you want. The bigger issue with the stock Stevens stock

is that it is too flexible and will contact the barrel unless reinforced.

I don't think that anyone is satisfied with their Handi forearm though. You will be fiddling no matter what.

I might be heretical, but I think that consistent bedding is more important that barrel diameter. In my opinion, bull barrels are a marketing device. <ducking for cover>

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 15, 2008, 12:40:45 AM »

I own both. I have an Ultra Varmint 223 and two Stevens 200's. As far as triggers go - The Stevens does not have a trigger out of the box that is great IMHO, neither is the Handi. The Handi can be tweaked to a pretty good trigger pull with out any money, the Stevens I ended up getting very good triggers, but were after market. The stocks on the Ultra look great right out of the box, the Stevens needed some help. The parting lines were generous and rough. They needed sanded down then to make the rifle look better, a paint job. The Stevens has had feeding issues out of the internal magazine, in the early models any way. While the Ultra shoots great right out of the box some times, most times there is a lot of tweaking that has to take place. Generally the Stevens will shoot better right of the box. My recommendation is the Stevens, but get the newer model. There are still some of the older models still out there, I just saw one on a rack yesterday in 223. They do have a better stock on them (do not have to sand down) and my understanding is they feed better out of the magazine. Both of my Stevens are the older models. I converted them both to single shots, so there is no feeding issues with mine. I prefer a slower twist for my barrels (both have 1-9" twist) so I replaced one of my barrels with a 1 - 14" twist. I did several other mods too. Here is a picture of one of my Stevens, but highly modified.

My Avatar is a 223 Ultra Varmint w/ 10X Bushnell scope

No matter which one you get, get the best glass you can afford for it. Good Luck and Good Shooting

Singleshotsam · « **Reply #26 on:** September 15, 2008, 04:09:56 AM »

Both are great guns... Comes down to your personal preference. I had a Stevens 200 .223 and it shot 3/4" w/ the cheap stuff right out of the box.

Troyboy · « **Reply #27 on:** September 16, 2008, 05:12:57 AM »

"You would be hard pressed to find a more cost effective,reliable and accurate out-of- the box hunting rifle than the Nef/H&r Handi rifle" PERKLO@another fine mess.
And i didn't say it!

Troy

Kyle Hawkins · « **Reply #28 on:** September 17, 2008, 12:36:38 PM »

Wow guys thanks soo much..
after talking to all of you and talking to my grandpa about it im going to go with the stevens 200 in .223. buy a good scope, play with the stock and eventuly replace

and me and grandpa are gonna get into reloading:)

trotterlg · « **Reply #29 on:** September 17, 2008, 12:57:07 PM »

You have made a wise decision I think. It does say something about H&R that, on a H&R board, 2/3 of the people will tell you to go with a Stevens instead of an H&R. I would say H&R has some work to do either in design, quality, or PR. Larry

Poll

Which would you take? Why?

Author Topic: H&R Vs Stevens (Read 2316 times)