Stevens 200 Bolt Question

[Jeg181420]

Hi folks, first post here. I have a Stevens 200 in 223 that I bought a while back. Shoots pretty decent but i now have some extra money that I want to use to make it better and slowly turn it into a precision gun, maybe even change it over to 308. But for right now, I have a Rifle Basix trigger on order and I also purchased a tactical bolt handle and fluted bolt from SSS. Upon closer inspection of my existing bolt assembly, I noticed something that I never noticed before. Without having any of my own pictures, I will do my best to explain and describe what I see. When the bolt is in the closed position, the square/ rectangular part of the end of the bolt is exposed. I looked up the schematic on Brownells website and the part that I think I am referring to is called the front baffle. On 99 % of all the other Savages I have seen, this part is not visible when the bolt is closed, so I am assuming that on this particular model that I have, it is longer than others. Doesn't really bother me other than the fact that it looks a little weird and will look even worse once I get the fluted bolt. Anybody know what I am talking about here and does anyone know if its possible to get a shorter one? I know some of you might think its silly that I'm worried about something so minor and aesthetic but to each his own I guess. Here are a few pics I found online that show what I'm talking about. Thanks in advance

Like mine
http://www.myhostedpics.com/images/taylorce1/picture0100.jpg

Not like mine
http://picturearchive.gunauction.com/282134825/9496742/100_0276.jpg_thumbnail1.jpg

Not like mine
http://www.biggamehunt.net/graphics/photos_talltales/stevens200_1.jpg

[Willoughby]

its the longer 223 baffle showing
no other caliber will have it
it shortens the throw on the bolt

[thomae]

It looks like what you have is a .223 front baffle. They are used in .223 bolts to limit how far back the bolt is pulled when cycling.
I have one in my .223 Axis, but the front baffle is rotated around so the long side is on the inside and not visible when the bolt is closed.

[82boy]

Willoughby, hit the nail on the head.
The front baffel on a 223/204 is longer, this is done to shorten the bolt travel. You can use a standard front baffel if you wish. Perosnaly I like the 223 front baffel, I use then on my other certridges such as 6br, 6PPC, 6x47L, and so forth. I also use them on long actions to short up the bolt travel, works well with my 7WSM.

[Jeg181420]

Thank you to all for the very fast responses. I tried rotating the baffle to the other side as thomae had suggested but the bolt doesnt fit back into the action that way. There seems to be a slight cutout on the side that its currently on, only allowing it to go back in this way. Since they're only about 5 bucks I will order a shorter one and go from there. If I feel the bolt travel is too long, I will put the old one back in but I'm not hunting or needing to take quick follow up shots so I don't think it will be an issue. I just think it would look much better with the fluting on the bolt to not have it sticking out like that. Another thing I meant to ask is has anyone used a Stockade bolt lift kit and if so is it worth the the 10$? Some say it works wonders others seem to say it doesnt change anything. My bolt is still a bit heavy even after around 300 rounds.

[82boy]

Another thing I meant to ask is has anyone used a Stockade bolt lift kit and if so is it worth the the 10$? Some say it works wonders others seem to say it doesnt change anything. My bolt is still a bit heavy even after around 300 rounds.

The gunk button, (AKA bolt lift kit) was originaly thought of by Fred Moreo of SSS, it does help. Is it worth the $10 bucks that Stockade sells it for? HECK NO! You can make one for next to nothing. All you need is a piece of 38 special or 357 mag brass, a small amount of epoxie, and a ball bearing. Most times a piece of 38 brass can be picked up at the range, Most bike shope keep spare bearings around and they would be happy to give you a hand full, and most dollar stores sell epoxie for a buck. You can make one for around $1 is you do it that way. heck I am willing to bet if SSS is doing your bolt give them a call I would be willing to bet that would sell you one at a much cheaper cost.