Review of the Stevens 200 .223 Caliber Rifle

Yesterday, I ran across a deal I could not pass up. Academy had a Stevens 200 rifle in 223 for $229. This is $70 less than the normal price just about everywhere. The rifle is manufactured by Savage Arms with the main difference between it and their much higher priced tifles being the lack of their accutrigger system. To give you an idea, I can buy an aftermarket trigger for less than $100 and still come out at least $100 less than the equivalent Savage rifle. I mounted my Vortex Crossfire 4-12x40mm scope on the rifle and took it to the range today after giving it a good cleaning. Being that it was raining, I chose to go to the local indoor range which limited my shooting distance to 50 yards.

At 50 yards I was getting 4 shot groups that quite literally had the holes touching each other with Hornady 55grain VMax ammunition and Ultramax remanufactured 55grain full metal jacket ammunition. Unfortunately, my reloads of 75grain Hornady VMax bullets over 22 grains of Ramshot TAC powder were all over the place. I believe this is due to the 1 in 9 twist of the barrel. To solve this problem, I plan on eventually changing the barrel for a 1 in 7 bull barrel when funds allow.

I plan on eventually replacing the stock with either a Boyds Featherweight thumbhole stock, or a Richards Tactical thumbhole stock. Though the first thing I need to do is replace the trigger. Its pull is extremely heavy. I might try using some of the tricks I’ve seen for lightening the trigger online. But, I think I will be happier with a good adjustable trigger.

I am also looking at dremeling a bit of the stock away from the barrel. The barrel is free floated in the stock. But, the left front of the stock is touching the barrel.  I am also probably going to try my hand at painting the stock. Though, I am happier with the tan color of the plastic over the standard Stevens gray color you usually see.

This is going to be my project rifle. Some guys rebuild cars. I am going to try my hand at rebuilding rifles.

Overall, if you are looking for a cheap bolt action, I heartily recommend the Stevens.