Stevens 325C 30-30 project rifle (30-30 for accuracy)

[mattri]

Just picked up an older Stevens 325C in 30-30. Gun has no markings other than Stevens 325C.

Where can I find more information on these rifles?

The action is different than the other Steven/Savages I've seen, what type is it?

The barrel seems to thread in to the action with a barrel nut like a modern Savage, will an aftermarket barrel fit?

The old iron sights look like the ones on a Marlin .22, is there a way to use better sights?

Any and all information appreciated, Matt.

 

[RonAKA]

You may want to try this forum. They helped me identify a Savage 1899 that I have in 30-30. Not sure where Stevens fits into the Savage picture.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/ubb/postlist/Board/40/page/1

 

[mattri]

I'll check it out, thanks for the link. Not trying to reinvent the wheel, just want to see what can be done with an old classic.

 

[jonbearman]

Is the 325 the one piece reciever and barrel or is it conventional.Could you post a picture of it?

 

[mattri]

Pics on the way.

Main questions at this point are:

1) Floating/bedding the stock. There is a band around the barrel near the front end of the stock, the band goes around the barrel, a nut attaches to the band and a screw goes through the stock into the nut. How does this type of attachment affect accuracy?

2) Muzzle crown doesn't look bad, soesn't look great, how much of a job is this, is it wortht hte effort?

3) Sights. Haven't had any luck searching for aftermarket peeps. Any suggestions?

 

[mattri]

 

[mattri]

 

[mattri]

This is the band I mentioned earlier. There is only one screw that attaches the stock to the action back at the action, this is the other attachment point for the stock.

 

[mattri]

How does this look?

 

[mattri]

Still cleaning this thing- have gone through almost an entire bottle of copper solvent and patches are still coming out green.

 

[mattri]

Anyone know how these bolts come apart?

 

[jonbearman]

This is definitely a weaker action than the new savage model110.Be careful not to load hot.Have it checked by a competant smith if you are going with the ackley cartridge. The boltI think ahs pins holding it together.Look at the parts breakdown at gunparts corp website as this will clue you in to disassembly and reassembly etc. Again I would find a smith who has played with these before.

 

[jonbearman]

By the way have it recrowned for sure.

 

[mattri]

Went to the range today with a box of Remington 150grn Core-Locts, this is about a 1.5" group at 80 yards. Not awesome but a place to start.

 

[mattri]

100 yards, getting closer.

 

[mattri]

65 yards, when the weather breaks we'll see how this load does at 100.

 

[mattri]

Three shots at 60 yards.