RE: Stevens/Mossberg/Weatherby?
I have a low opinion of the Mossberg. The Stevens and Vanguard are better rifles in my opinion. I own a Vanguard in 25-06 & My Dad has one in 257 Weatherby Mag. Our only modifications were to install Timney triggers in both rifles. They shoot great mine with reloads & Dad's with 120 gr NPT in factory ammo. The Stevens is a good rifle. It is a Savage without the AccuTrigger. If you go this route look to see how well the stock fits the rifle. I have seen many of these with the barrel crowded hard to one side of the barrel channel. Uneven pressure on the barrel can cause accuracy to be inconsistent.