First shots out of my .223 Stevens 200 build

**Boudin** · 02-17-2015, 07:03 PM

Snuck out to my deer lease to put the first rounds down the pipe of my new Stevens 200 varmint build. I set up a target at 75 yds to make sure I was on paper. I have to admit that the first shot out of a rifle that you put together is a bit of a nervous experience. While I didn't go as far as tying a string to the trigger, I did get as far away as I could reach and turn my head..

. Nothing exploded, and my brass showed no signs of anything bad going on, so that was a victory in itself. After that, I proceeded to sight in, then shoot a couple of groups until I hit my 15 shot limit. Center target is the sight-in, and the 3 outside targets are 3 shots ea. Ladies and Gentlemen, I think we may have a shooter. That one on the bottom right is downright tiny. Looking forward to going back shooting this weekend. I'll back the distance off, and shoot some 5 shot groups and see what it looks like then. For the first time out though, with a middle of the road book load, I'm overjoyed.

Here's the rig

**drybean** · 02-17-2015, 07:49 PM

Looks great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

**pdog2062** · 02-17-2015, 08:18 PM

I really like the thumb hole stock,makes a good looking rifle,congrats on a shooter as well.

**Boudin** · 02-17-2015, 11:12 PM

Thanks guys. This is my first thumb hole stock. It's really comfortable shooting off a bench. I haven't tried it yet in other positions so, time will tell. So far, so good.

**YDKDY** · 02-18-2015, 03:03 AM

Good looking groups and a great looking rifle. What weight bullets? Good to know CBI did right by you. Makes me want to start my second build, in .22-250 this time. Should've snatched up that used model 10 at Cabelas for $300 the other day...

**Boudin** · 02-18-2015, 11:15 AM

Thanks. CBI has definitely earned my repeat business. I'll be purchasing a 7RM barrel from them soon for a long range hunting build I have in mind.
Those bullets are Hornady 52GR BTHP Match bullets. I happened to find them at Cabela's one day not long after Newtown when components (especially .224) were just about impossible to find anywhere, and bought the 2 boxes they had on the shelf. I'm looking forward to seeing how the groups hold up at longer distances.