Here's my latest buy, a Stevens 200 in .223. I wanted a light weight varmint/predator rifle and after considering several other makes I decided to buy this Stevens. These rifles are button rifled, pillar bedded with the barrel free floated. In .223 it comes with a 1-9" rifling twist rate. The cost was $305. The stock came in an ugly gray color and the fore end was a bit flimsy so I bedded two pieces of 1/8" square key stock into the fore end, one down each side which really stiffened the fore end considerably. I also gave the stock a paint job using an adhesion enhancer, textured paint, olive drab and followed with a few coats of clear matte finish to seal it all up. Nothing fancy, but I like it much better than original. After re-assembling the rifle, I mounted a new Simmons Aetec 4-14X44 SF scope and bore sighted it. So for less than $400 total investment, it's all ready for it's first range trip.
Don

I did the same thing with some angle aluminum once.

Looks good! I'll be looking forward to a report on how it shoots.

Nice I like it.

Thanks! While it doesn't have Savage's Accu-trigger, the trigger is somewhat adjustable. It started off at 5lbs. and I was able to safely get it down to 3.5lbs. I'll admit I'm somewhat spoiled by the triggers on my Tikka T-3 and Rem. Mod. Seven so I may change this for either a Timney or Rifle Basix trigger. One of my favorite loads for the .223 with a 1-9" twist rate is 26.0gr. of Varget with a either a 69gr. Nosler Custom Comp. or 69gr. Sierra Matchking. I'm hoping that load will also work with this rifle.
Don

Results of my first range session with the Stevens were in a word erratic. With temperatures in the 20s and 12MPH of wind in my face I had three shot groups at 100 yards with the same 69gr. load measuring from 1.5" to 5/8". I was cleaning between groups. The bore is still rough as could be seen by the amount of fouling I was getting. I did try some 52gr. loads with about the same results. I'm not real happy with the trigger and will probably replace it at some point. While the results were capable for the rifles intended use, I'm hoping it will get better with a new trigger and some further barrel break in. I was very happy with the new Simmons Aetec scope. This is the first side focus scope I've had and it worked very well.
Don