I bought a Stevens Model 200 in .25-06. What I am wondering is if it is worth it to build off of that platform....or just keep it stock and save up to build something better. I would prefer just to build this gun up because of the money. It would be my first rifle build and I don't want to get too crazy with spending on the first one. I found out that Shilen makes replacement barrels for Savage that should work. The main thing I have had trouble finding is a stock that would fit.
Basically I would like your guys' opinion if I should even bother building it up or not. I am looking for turning it into a consistent MOA rifle. It would be great if I could get it to 3/4MOA.
Go with it. I just finished a 25-06AI off a savage 110 with a shilen barrel. It will shoot under a .2. Stevens have the same action as the savage. I would replace the stock and trigger and screw on a barrel from shilen. You will not be sorry for doing it.
As is that rifle may shoot as accurately as you are looking for. For a DIY kind of guy I think they are great and inexpensive to build on. Sharpshooter Supply, Stockade and Joel Russo all make stocks for Savages. I've got a 260 and a 223 with factory barrels that will shoot <MOA. I've also got a 338/300RUM from Shilen and a 6BR from McGowen that will shoot half that or better.
This is assuming you handload, but I do have a '06 barrel that shoots just over MOA with factory ammo. If you don't handload you need to start anyway if you really want accuracy.
Yes I do reload. I have a long ways to go before I am really good at it, but I have reloaded for my .223 and got that to shoot under 1/2MOA. I really want to turn my .25-06 into a tack driver also. I like the Shilen barrels, and I found a good trigger. My only issue is finding a stock for it.
Provided you are right handed you should have no problem finding stocks. Some (Choate) can be a little flimsy, but if you are willing to spend a few hundred and get one from Russo, it will be very good.
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I used to re-load but now I "hand-load".
-- Well, at least I try --