Author Topic: savage/stevens md. 200 vs. howa 1500? (Read 1743 times)

Gallahad · « **on:** February 23, 2006, 11:09:48 AM »

buying new, which action is better? Smoothness, reliability, quality of metal, etc. any problems with either? Thanks!

tscott · « **Reply #1 on:** February 23, 2006, 03:39:44 PM »

Because of all the magazines screemin' to buy the Stevens / Savage I have handled many, (Walmart)... Are they as good as the gun writers say?
who's to know... They certainly are low cost in todays market. I have a 20 year old Vanguard (1500), and they seem the same today. I'd spend the extra on a Weatherby Vanguard, even more if I could find the fancy walnut stock that came on mine. All for $249.....

mjbgalt · « **Reply #2 on:** February 23, 2006, 04:16:09 PM »

i have had both. the vanguard (basically a 1500) is better looking but the stevens shot better.

-Matt

poncaguy · « **Reply #3 on:** February 24, 2006, 05:21:08 PM »

No Howa, but well pleased with my Stevens 7-08 and 25-06...............

2ndtimer · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2006, 07:50:11 AM »

In my experience, the Howa looks nicer and has a smoother action, while the Savage probably has a better barrel and is more accurate. The triggers aren't great on either the Howa or the Stevens 200, but it is hard to find fault with a new accurate durable rifle that you can purchase for less than $300. I am in a similar quandary since my dealer can get me a Stevens for around $250 shipped versus a Howa barreled action for about $280 shipped. (I already have a Howa factory Butler Creek tupperware stock that came on a 6.5x55 that had accuracy issues and now wears a Boyd's laminated JRS stock instead) Trying to decide which one to get in 25-06 or .270 Win. Decisions, decisions..... :?

tscott · « **Reply #5 on:** February 25, 2006, 10:01:11 AM »

ooooh baby.... That weatherby Vanguard in .300 Weatherby mag at Walmart last night was pretty neat and was absolutely screemin' at me for under $400!!!

Ahab · « **Reply #6 on:** February 27, 2006, 03:52:39 AM »

The Howa's barrels are usually finished smoother than the Savage.

lilabner · « **Reply #7 on:** February 27, 2006, 06:06:43 AM »

I have a Savage stainless and a Vanguard (Howa built) stainless, both of 2005 vintage. The Savage bolt is a bit smoother operating and the Savage trigger is much better. I took the Vanguard to a gunsmith for trigger work and it is OK now. The Vanguard is better looking IMO and has a nice hinged floorplate. Both are very accurate. The Vanguard is about a pound heavier - has a #3 contour sporter barrel 24 inches long. The Savage has a 22 inch barrel. The Vanguard has a much better recoil pad. I would pick the Vanguard for magnum cartridges and the Savage for cartridges of light to medium recoil or as a mountain rifle.