RE: Help need buying picking out a new gun!!!!!!!!!!!
 

A lot of folks are very happy with the Stevens 200, which I am one of them. Very accurate, reasonably well made rifle for a low price, normally around $265-$300 new. Seen a few for sale in the forums in .243 w/decent scope for about $325. Basicly, it's an older Savage w/o accutrigger in their old style synthetic stock. It makes a perfect fit for those on a tight budget and is WAY better than the Rem 710! The stocks are a bit rough, factory leaves the mold lines on, saves money, I reckon. And the finish on the bolt handle could be a bit "thicker" but overall very nice, exspecially on target paper.

RE: Help need buying picking out a new gun!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Unfortunately I own a 710. Shoots real straight, but internally it is junk. I live in Illinois, where we have to slug hunt for deer. I was invited to go on a deer hunt in Missouri and needed a decent rifle scope combo. I looked at the name Savage and couldn't do it.

Then you see the name Remington. Great name. I was stupidly biased. The 710 that I own still shoots straight, nice groups at 100 yards but the action is already showing sighns of wear and only after 100 or so rounds through it. I will not take this gun on any hunts as my primary piece. It will be used as a back-up only. $289 poorly spent. I should have bitten the bullet and spent just a little more on a 700 and put a scope on it. In fact I would have been just fine with open sights on that trip. Killed a doe at 75 yards. I coulda done that with open sights.

RE: Help need buying picking out a new gun!!!!!!!!!!!
 

Not sure what a 243 will do, but...

took 3 "out" a couple weeks ago with a 7 Mag using 140 Gr Nosler BT's. Kinda put a hole through them.

Did I mention I hate Coyotes...

RE: Help need buying picking out a new gun!!!!!!!!!!!
 

i had the 710 in 243. it was pretty accurate. but as for the mechanical specs of the gun i would avoid the 710 and get a howa or savage.