I never thought I would be saying this but here goes - I just picked up a Stevens 200 ( it's a Savage without the accu-trigger) in the ugly grey synthetic stock. It has a Simmons Blazer 3x9 scope on it (el cheapo). Using a target that has a square aimpoint and with broad enough border to it that I can lay the crosshair into for an aim point I have yet to exceed a 1 inch group with it, and many of the groups have been at 1/2" - 3 shot groups.
I did lighten the trigger back as far as possible (4 #) and when I got tired of fighting it I found a used Rifle Basix trigger and installed it, it is set at 18 oz. and the rifle is much easier to shoot but it still shoots the same size group, it just is easier to do now.
This is first time I have owned a Savage bolt action and I am flat out impressed. I have a total of $300 in the whole thing, rifle, scope, mounts, and trigger.
My initial exposure to them was when I sighted one in for a "non-gunny" friend and his shot so well it piqued my interest so I purchased this one to play with and to see if his was a fluke or if it was representative. It is now my dedicated truck gun, as a matter of fact I shot 30 gophers with it today, with the ranges being from 100 to 250 yards - gotta love it.
OOPS!! - I almost forgot - they are both chambered in 223.
I am sure you will get other suggestions and feedback, this is just my experience with the only two I have shot - hopefully they are all that good.
drover
