I took my cheap Stevens 200 223 to the range last Sunday...

[Slowpoke Slim]

I decided for no apparent reason to take my Stevens 200 in 223 to the range last Sunday. It's nothing "special", it's completely factory stock, with a cheap Nikon buckmaster 3-9x. The rifle still has the factory crappy trigger in it. I DID stone the trigger a bit, and take a little tension off the spring, so now the creep is gone and it breaks at a measly 4 pounds...

This was the first group I've shot from this gun in over a year. 5 shots, from a cold, clean barrel...


[img width=600 height=450]http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr268/slowpokeslim/P1050365.jpg[/img]



The Load is 25.5 grs of OLD surplus BL-C(2), Hornady 50 gr Vmax, and Rem 7 1/2 primers.

Not at all bad for a cheap, ugly coyote gun...

[img width=600 height=450]http://i490.photobucket.com/albums/rr268/slowpokeslim/Stevens223wNikonscope-1.jpg[/img]

;D

[pdog06]

not bad at all. Gotta be happy with those results.

[GaCop]

Just think what you could do with a varmint weight barrel and a better trigger!

[Woodser]

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. ;D

[Slowpoke Slim]

You got that right Woodser!

I had been toying with the idea of getting a 6x47 (NOT Lapua) barrel and putting it on this rifle to play with. Not now.

This is my walk around coyote rifle, the last thing I want is a heavy barrel/stock on it.

I have a 22-250 bvss with a McGowen bbl, and a 12F with a McGowen bbl. Those are my "heavy" guns. Funny though, that this little Stevens shoots right with them (at 100 yds anyway). AND it's still wearing the crappy, squishy, flexing factory stock that everybody hates!

Go figure...

I'm afraid to even paint it camo now... ;D

I've been using it in the field, but I hadn't shot it at paper in over a year. I like those kind of surprises.

[pa hog]

Heavy don't always make it accurate!! I've had two or three Stevens .223's one shot so good I kick myself for ever selling it!! I had mine set up very similar to yours, great walking rifle it is. Just camo it up and your ready to hunt..

[FO69FFE]

SLOPOKE SLIM, You have a great rifle, and the shootin ain't bad. I noticed in your post , the statement about the rifles capability at 100 yds. I have read this remark several times on various forums and sites. If the projectile being used is the same, and it is traveling at the same speed, and the barrel has the same rate of twist, Why would this rifle not be just as accurate at any distance, as a more expensive heavy barreled blueprinted tactical rifle, at least at a slow rate of fire?

[bluealtered]

Slim i have to agree with you, i have two model 11 package rifles in .223 and .243, in this area they are $359 each and shoot the lights out of anything you aim at. While at the range i was shooting next to two guys with expensive rifles that had weather something for a name. We were all taking turns at the 4" swinging target at 300yds, the "cheap" .243 savage hit ten out of ten times. The good rifles only hit about half that.

One of the guys got mad, the other asked me where i got the .243, he wanted to go look at one. Gotta love those "cheap" savages. blue

[Slowpoke Slim]

FO69FFE,

It really has more to do with being able to keep the rifle still and steady on the target for me. At long range, the big, heavy, light triggered gun is gonna move around less than the 6 lb, heavy trigger, flimsy stock rifle.

But my Stevens is for short range work anyway. It's a tool that fits it's intended purposes perfectly. I use it for varmints and calling/making stands, usually shots are well under 100 yds anyway.

[FO69FFE]

Slowpoke Slim, From the looks of the groups you posted, the varmits would do well to stay away from the henhouse. Deer hunting with rifle opened in my area yesterday, could here three different packs of yotes after dark last night. I am thinking about trying it. That is why I ask about changing from xxx cal. to .221 fireball.

[1Shot]

That is why I ask about changing from xxx cal. to .221 fireball.

...Fireball...Now you're talking...lol..Mine shoot just as good as my .223's with 50 grainers... ;D

[img width=600 height=449]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/sqek/FB1.jpg[/img]

[FO69FFE]

1Shot, I have a thread about modification to a different cartridge ( .221 ). If you shot that group with a savage, would you care to share some info. Thanks Please make any reply you may have on the thred I started. Slowpoke I don't mean to be impolite on your thread, just trying to get info. Thanks

[Slowpoke Slim]

FO69FFE,

Your fine, no worries.

1 Shot,

You missed the circle (and so did I)

;D

[1Shot]

FO69FFE,

Your fine, no worries.

1 Shot,

You missed the circle (and so did I)

;D

...lol..When I'm doing load work I let them fall where they may..It keeps a clear aim point... ..Back when I had my Stevens I think I was running alittle more BLC & CCI's...Have to look...I was useing 55gr BK's...

[img width=600 height=449]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v692/sqek/stv55.jpg[/img]

[Dennis]

Slopoke, PM sent

[450rydr]

I'm afraid to even paint it camo now... ;D

Trust me, the camo paint job will make it even more accurate!!! ;D