Model 200 the perfect choice for first deer rifle
John Johnston

With deer hunting season right around the corner, are you looking for your first hunting rifle? Do you want a rifle that is inexpensive but functions well and will not let you down?

I have the perfect rifle for you: the Savage/ Stevens Model 200.

Several years ago, Savage came out with a new trigger system called the "Accu-trigger." This allowed the shooter to set the weight of pull on the trigger while keeping product liability to a minimum. Now all Savages come with this trigger.

It does cost a little more to make, so the price of Savages went up accordingly. The company still received calls for the old rifle and trigger system at the lower price, thus the Stevens 200 came about.

The Stevens is almost identical to the Savage with a few exceptions: the trigger, the magazine and the space between the mounting bolts.

I like the Savage/Stevens Co. because they listen to their customers, and the products are all made in America.

When my rifle arrived, I was anxious to see if the Stevens was as accurate as its big brother. I chose a .243 caliber because I feel this is perfect for the beginning whitetail hunter. The ammunition is easy to find, it is usually very accurate, it takes deer efficiently, and the recoil is mild. Besides, I had another project in mind for the rifle.

PHOTO BY JOHN JOHNSTON You canot go wrong with a Savage/Stevens product. I chose a .243 caliber -- the perfect caliber for the beginning whitetail hunter.

The next thing you will need is a scope and mounts. For this rifle, I chose the Tasco Pronghorn 3x9 because it is clear, inexpensive, and Tasco stands behind its products.

To mount the scope, I used Weaver bases and rings. I prefer all-steel rings. I always use a Bushnel boresighter to get my shots on the paper at 25 yards.

With a box of Remington 80-grain soft-points, I got the rifle sighted in at 100 yards. The trigger pull is set to about 5 pounds at the factory, but a gunsmith can lighten it up a little.

The factory ammunition grouped at about 1 inch at 100 yards. I thought reloads could do better, and they did. Loads using Nosler 80-grain bullets improved the group to just less than 1 inch for three shots.

This complete setup can be purchased for less than $350, and now they are easy to find on sale. You cannot go wrong with a Savage/Stevens product.

John Johnston is a retired sergeant detective who served with the Austin Police Department for 25 years. He also was a licensed gun dealer for 25 years who now lives in Lampasas County.

He can be contacted via e-mail at olsingleshot@gmail.com.