SmallCaliberCentral

unfortunately the cheapest rifle i can find in savage in .204 will cost me about $1000 up here in canada which is beyond my price range. i can get a stevens which is apparently a very good rifle for around $400 which i can afford but it isn't offered in .204. so it's to decide between .223 and .22-250. i think i'll end up going with the 250 as it shoots flatter and more to my liken as far as cartridge selection goes. i know this is a .204 forum but is the .22-250 round very good as well. ammo prices don't really matter as .223 and the 250 are about the same and i do reload. .22-250 a good choice? ah well. i can always get my target .204 in a few years

I can make this easy for you. Buy a Stevens in 223, buy a new/takeoff 204 barrel from Jim Briggs at Northland Shooters Supply, and install the 204 barrel. Sell the 223 barrel to recoup some of your investment....and you are set. No need to change the mag box or bolthead on this swap.

At most, and I recommend it, buy an aftermarket precision ground recoil lug (SSS brand or similar) - costs $27/28 in the U.S.

acloco's advise is good, but you'll probably need another stock, too, as the barrel diameter wouldn't fit the heavier tube from Jim Briggs. Small bites , build it a little at a time, so the bill doesn't come due all at once. Of course, I like .22/250s, too, so I wouldn't try to talk you out of one, but the .204s sure are fun.

Jim's barrels are brand new Savage barrels, I'm using two of them currently .

Are you able to buy from guntraders.com

i don't believe so. the laws of shipping from america to canada are quite picky and after heavy duties and such not worth it. i'm still keeping my eye open at gunshows but i want to buy new. shotguns are fine used or a .22 but i wouldn't want to buy a used rifle as the previous owner may not have taken proper care of it

I dont know about the Canadian regulations, but you might try a Howa 1500 with the Hogue overmoulded stock, in .204 Ruger, its pillar bedded from the factory, and is about the same price as the Stevens. Mine is very accurate and im still in load development. I would recommend this rifle to anyone.

Buy the Stevens in 223 and then buy a factory 204 barrel (Savage).