Stevens, Savage or Remington?

J

JohnnyRotten

New member
Been lurking for the past few months, finally had something worth asking.

After reading threads here and talking to a buddy, I've decided I don't want just a stock gun. I'd really like to do a build myself. I'm right handed, but have bad vision in my right eye so I have to shoot lefty. I'm also not crazy about AR-15's. I know they are great guns, but I'd rather go with a bolt action. Primarily the gun would be used for coyotes so I'm thinking .223, but open to all suggestions and opinions. I'm trying to decide on which gun to start with. Should I go with the Stevens 200 and just shoot it lefty? Is it better just to go with a Savage 12 FLV or save up and by a left handed Remington 700 SPS. I'd rather a gun then just an action as I can use it as its improved, rather then have to wait for it to be done.

My budget is flexible in that I'm okay with putting a good amount of money into it, it might just take longer to do.

Anything you guys have to say would be appreciated. If I didn't give enough info let me know.
 
Either the Savage or Remington would serve you well. I'm partial to Rem, but there's no flies on Savage. Garb ahold of them and see what you like better.

Personally, I would get a Rem SPS Lefty and restock it, put a nice scope on it and kill some coyotes.
(There are very few factory stocks I like anymore)

And Welcome to PM!
 
personally i would go with savage just because i dont think the quality of remington is there like it used to be, but either one will be a good choice, glad ya joined
 
I have the Savage Model 12 FLV in both 223 and 204. The 223 is an absolute tack driver. I'm still working on the 204 but it's getting there. However I would not buy the model 12 as a coyote calling rifle. It is way too heavy, and serves best as a pd rifle unless you are baiting and shooting from a stationary place for predators.

I like the Savage model 11 trophy hunter xp left hand with DBM. I have one in 243 and it shoots just as good as my model 12's. It is light weight and comes with a nikon prostaff 3x9 BDC which is adequate to kill coyotes all for about $500. It is available in 223, 204, 22-250, or even 260 for a heavy varmint caliber.
 
Yep. Go and work the actions on any rifle you can get your hands on. Keep an open mind. Since you have been lurking for a while, you know that there will be lots of opinions. What ever fits you best is the one for you. Welcome to PM.
 
If you are going to shoot LH, then buy a LH gun. I like 700s.

That said, ever think of buying a single shot like a Ruger #1? They are ambidextrous, and cool rifles......
 
Originally Posted By: 2muchgunIf you are going to shoot LH, then buy a LH gun. I like 700s.


+1
I'd take a 700 over a Savage/Stevens too but that's just me.
Since you plan to upgrade anyway there's some great deals on 700 SPS's to be had right now.
I'd add that I've bought two SPS's in 223 (one heavy barrel, one sporter). They're rougher'n a cobb compared to older remmy's but both shot better than a factory barrel should.

I've posted this before, but here's a good example of what you can do with an SPS for not a whole lot of money. If I'd planned to hunt Coyotes with it I think I'd have forgone the checkering and spent the money to cut a couple inches off the barrel, but for my uses it's about perfect.
004nzc.jpg

It's been set back and rechambered, but still, the barrel's definatly a keeper.
001qii.jpg


PS,,, if you don't care to tinker, just buy a CZ 527 Amer., Kimber Hunter, or Sako depending on your budget, and go hunting.
Luck
 
Checkout a Rem 700 VSSF II in 223 or 22-250. My 22-250 is from around 2005 and it was great right out of the box, I did have the trigger taken down to a 2.5# pull but this thing shoots great. I have heard about possible issues with new Remingtons but I have only heard them on the internet, not from anyone that has bought one recently. Good Luck on your upcoming purchase----Riflemann
 
Thanks again for all the responses everyone. I am looking/researching at all of the stuff that was suggested.

Hopefully I can make a decision soon and go out and get some coyotes.
 
Something to consider...if you want to do a build yourself then a Savage/Stevens will beat any another brand for ease of at home swaps. Others will require a gunsmith.
Both the Savage & remmy brands have huge aftermarket parts availability either way.
If it was me Id go Savage.
 
have had a few Rem 700s had a 700 VLS 22-250 26" bull barrel most beautiful gun i have ever owned. also had a Savage model 12 in 22-250 26" bull barrel. both shot great sub MOA and then some. i will say i like the action a little better on the 700s but i also like the savage since you can change barrels and calibers so easy.
its a personal thing. i have had 3 700s including the one i jsut bought in 7mm Mag
the one good thing about the 700s is the ammount of parts and things you can do to them.
 
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