thanx for all the help i like both the stevens and the savage i didnt know if there was really a big enough difference in the 2 to spend 200 extra dollars on the savage. the only bad thing ive heard about the stevens is they have really cheap stocks are they really that bad

get the stevens. i got one in .243, and love it. buy an aftermarket adjustable trigger for it and still come out cheaper than buying the savage.

The Stevens and the Savage will have the same stock, that Savage will just have a black one on it.

If it was me and I was trying to save a buck or two, I would get the Stevens, and if you don't like the trigger any good gunsmith will fix that for $35 or so.

Then I would take the extra $$$ and get good quality bases/rings and scope.

Just bought a Stevens 200 in 223 with a camo stock for $337 last weekend. I love the thing!! Pretty sure they have the Savage 110 action. I'd buy the 200 and spend the extra cash on my scope.

I like the Marlin XL-7 so much that I bought a buddy 1 in .270 for a gift and liked it so much bought another for an loaner/beater rifle-all at a price of 300$ on the rack! Naturally I'm going to get 1 of the new XS-7 offered in short action calibers such as the .243 and 7mm08.

Stevens 200 in 243 with a 2.5X10 Tasco Mildot with Millet rings.
Jackrabbits out to 300yds.....

Whitetail from 60yds....

To 350yds.....


Shot a few yotes with it also, all with the same load/bullet. So, as you can tell, I like the Stevens.

Ron

My Stevens 200 in .243 shoots every factory load I've tried into an inch, but especially loves the Federal 85gr. Sierra load. She puts 5 of those hollow point boattails into just over a half inch. This is a bone stock rifle, not even a trigger job. I bought it for the same reason as you- knocking off the occassional coyote. I think it's perfect for this role. Also, a Nikon Pro Staff 3-9x40 would go great with this rifle, and can be had for $125ish if you look around- nice glass for the price.

Just like mentioned above. See what marlin is doing first. i have the XL7 in 3006 and its a fantastic rifle for the price. They are coming out with the XS7 which is short action in 208, 7mm-08 and 243. Supposed to be out by now. For $299 or less it can't be beat.