Re: Howa 1500 or Stevens 200 action for a budget build
I concur, the process for changing barrels on a Savage only requires a pre-fitted, pre-threaded barrel from someone like Brownells or Midway. Some times you can buy barrels directly from the barrel maker that are already set up to go.
Shilen, Pac-Nor, Hart, there are quite a few more than that, but you'd have to google it.
You will as stated above need barrel vice, and the Savage nut wrench (all available from
www.midwayusa.com).
You will also need go/no go gauges for the caliber you are installing.
A Savage is an erector set much like a AR15 and requires only rudimentary tools.
Savage as stated above has an amazing number of after market products available for it.
So does the Howa, and more are being made all the time.
Neither the Savage or the Howa has the selection of Triggers (just Timney and Rifle basics) that a Remington M700 does. But almost everyone makes the same stocks, and both rifles can be upgraded by using a AICS type floor plate so you can use AICS (Accuracy International Chassis System ) magazines.