Stevens 334 first shots fired.

Stevens 334 how does it shoot? let's find out together!

[@Tomas_Mariscal]

I appreciate the rawness of the video! Probably exactly how I'd shoot a KZbin video.

[@Dartfreak75]

@@Tomas_Mariscal thank you.

[@thomasjefferson1457]

I like the looks of the 334 over what savage has been making. I never liked the looks of the Savage 110 bolt. The rear of the bolt looks chopped off and squared. The 334 did a decent job of making theirs look more stylish and finished up like it supposed to look. The stocks are also beautifully carved and finished. I would definitely consider a Stevens 334 for my next rifle if for some reason I wanted to sell what I use now.

[@Dartfreak75]

@thomasjefferson1457 yes I agree! I have had several savages thru the years and loved them all. But the new ones with the "eco" stock or whatever they call them are just plain ugly to me! Unfortunately ruger jumped on the band wagon with that new modern styling stock I just hate the way they look. I'm sure they are nice with the adjustablity and are comfortable to shoot but I just prefer a classic looking piece of wood!

[@eltomas3634]

Heck yeah! Very nice. Since you're gonna readjust the scope mount, I would suggest pulling off that picatinny rail and looking at the contact patch. I've found that lots of these rails are not flat and don't mate up to the receiver top very well, not much contact, most are warped with little contact and are torqued down. I lay a piece of 600 or finer grit paper sand side up on top of the receiver and place the rail where it goes, then move the rail forward and back about 1/4 inch a bunch of times, this shows you the contact footprint. The paper will knock down the high spots and give you a lot more metal to metal contact. After that , you should have a rock solid base. I also like to use Lucas Engine assembly lube on bolts, it is a very good high pressure lube with lots of zinc and molybdenum and lithium and very tacky. That group is a darn good start right out of the box! With some good match ammo, you should be able to shrink some more. And I'm sure you checked that the barrel is free from contact. Looks like you definitely got a good looking and good shooting rifle to enjoy. I would love to see a follow up video at 100 yrds or farther with match ammo. Appreciate the video, enjoyed it!

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you I appreciate your kind words and I appreciate you watching. I have lapped bases in the past it is a good idea I gotta get a setup to lap the rings I know that would help some. Thanks for the tips and comments I appreciate it!

[@gilbertgurule5395]

Most informative comment, well said, thank you

[@TELEFUNKENU47458]

Agreed! If you need 18 clicks there is something wrong with the bas/mount etc. The gun will never be a great shooter unless you address the root cause. If all else fails, try a set of the burris signature rings so that you can find the bore axis without cranking the prisms way the frig over. Good vid my friend, enjoy! @@Dartfreak75

[@Dartfreak75]

​@kirkwoodrich1795 this was only at 50 yards so the clicks double. 18 clicks is only 2 1/4 inches at 50 yards 4 1/2 @ 100. I have to go back and shoot it at 100 and get it dialed the rest of the way in. So far I am happy with the results. I do need to move the scope back some more before going any further im not happy with the eye relief the way it is now.

[@perdidocamaronero5400]

The bolt will get better. Put your left thumb on the back of the bolt shroud and apply some pressure while closing the bolt and work it several times. Be sure and lightly lubricate the locking lugs with some light grease, don't let them run dry just the back sides of the lugs where they make contact with the internal lugs of the action. I spent most of the afternoon yesterday measuring different bullets to the lands on the .243 334 I have it has a way different chamber than my other .243. Headspace is close also I should get lots of reloads with my brass in this one.

[@oldArmyVet]

The bolt has a clear cosmoline on it that needs cleaned before you shoot it. Just FYI. Once cleaned it's smooth as silk

[@Dartfreak75]

Iv got a video upcoming in a few days in this topic! Stay tuned. Lol

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

Would graphite work better?

[@Dartfreak75]

Possibly. I've never tried it.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

@@Dartfreak75 at least it wouldn't attrack grit. Works great in locks.

[@cory6641]

Nice group! I know the feeling of getting excited after 2 nice shots and pulling the third all to well. I took a small flat head and put a dab of grease on the corners of locking lugs, run back and forth 10-15 times, remove bolt and wipe excess grease and it’s smooth as silk now and takes up some of the side to side travel. A little dab on the cocking ramp at the back helps! The 45 degree angle transition takes a bit of getting used to.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you I Appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. I actually did a video on that topic it should post in a couple days!

[@davidperalta876]

Genuine question why do people hand load their bolt actions when it has a magazine?

[@ralphross2357]

I agree. Oil works but grease is better at first.

[@Dartfreak75]

Good to know! I've never used grease thanks for sharing!

i've seen some of these 334's shoot really accurate, some not so much. If mine won't shoot at least one factory ammo at a hundred yards what this one did at 50 yards ill move it on down the road but that's just me because I'm picky people say

[@MudLakeRanch]

Where did ya get it that cheap? MSRP is $509

[@Dartfreak75]

Budsgunshop they may have went up since I got mine.

[@trumpsagenius6914]

Try putting the shell in the magazine see if bolt closes easier

[@sylviacandler5541]

Brother, if you reach up and pull back and down on the forearm while shooting, you will more than cut your groups in half.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thanks for the tip! I appreciate you watching!

[@jasonmausteller2488]

Isn’t that rest backwards? I think the 2 feet are supposed to be in the front

[@Dartfreak75]

Idk maybe lol 😆 I just use it as a vice I never shoot out of it. It has a elevation adjustment I always put it to the front. But you maybe right the elevation may go to the rear. I only use it for working on stuff when I need a padded vice and bore sighting. It's very uncomfortable to shoot off of it. Good catch tho! I didn't even notice lol thanks for watching I appreciate you!

[@Randy-rdss]

For PMC FMJ ball? you did damn good Sir..

[@mogulrider]

I have 2 Turquas. 243 & 6.5 Creed. The only difference is mine has fibre optic iron sights and came with 2 mags. These guns in any Config are tack drivers. There are several videos on adjusting the trigger. Yours was sealed with waxy stuff. Just remove it. Mine has a 3lb trigger.

[@Dartfreak75]

It's interesting that the turqua comes with iron sights but the stevens don't have the option. Additionally the stevens only has one mag, I guess it a way to keep the cost down so savage can sell them cheaper. No mine didn't have the waxy coating. It was sealed in a plastic bag but I didn't notice any coating on it. I've seen several people say that theirs had a cosmoline type coating on theirs tho. Maybe mine was skipped or cleaned before it shipped? 🤔

[@MrAwesomal]

just a tip for cock on close bolts use your palm with an open hand to operate the bolt your hand will push forward and down smoothly and your hand can swoop to and from the trigger in one fluid motion

[@Dartfreak75]

Yep you are correct!

[@oldArmyVet]

At 50 yards in 308 you should be really close to sighted in at 200 yards. What grain a bullet are you shooting.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you sorry I missed your question. These are 147 gr bullets I have some 178 gr elds im going to work up a load for.

[@russellk6415]

People ask me what ammo I shoot. I just tell them to ask my gun. It tells me what ammo it likes.

[@Dartfreak75]

Yep gotta let the gun tell you what it wants. Tuning a gun is just like Tuning an engine gotta give it what it wants!

[@russellk6415]

​@@Dartfreak75 I believe accuracy will tighten up when you don't use fmj ammo. Softer ammo will expand a little to grab into the rifling.

[@juanzamora5218]

What height size rings and make did you use. Thanks

[@Dartfreak75]

They are weaver quad lock medium. I'm going to have to move up to a high to get the scope back any further

[@MikeRedden-j4m]

It has a spring plunger on the bolt. The other rifles dont have this.

[@Dartfreak75]

You are correct!

[@MikeRedden-j4m]

The only thing I can think of is for bolt assist

[@emoryking5278]

I,m supposing the barrel has been broken in so you don,t get any shsvings to gald into and cause accuracy problems.

[@Dartfreak75]

Not yet I use the shoot clean shoot process. I've only got 7 rounds thru it so far

[@rcruz003]

Good video I’m sold on that rifle , gonna order mine tomorrow Liked and subscribed sir Thanks

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you I appreciate your support. I'm sure you will enjoy it just as much as I am. I got alot more coming on this rifle so stay tuned! Thanks again!

[@steverugerguy9606]

Nice group,nice rifle.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you sir I appreciate you watching

[@hyregeg9730]

I like that rifle what caliber?

[@Dartfreak75]

308 win

[@user-ph2uv5he6m]

I didn't hear what caliber was that rifle?

[@Dartfreak75]

308 Winchester

[@scotthendricks6652]

I love the rooster. We got em everywhere out here !

[@Dartfreak75]

Yea he was tearing it up that evening lol I love my chickens.

[@MisterBrewer]

Kind of looks like the bolt is cock on close instead of on the lift?

[@steverugerguy9606]

Where did you get the ammo for 16 or 17 a box?

[@Dartfreak75]

Rural king. It was 17.99 I went and looked at the receipt lol

[@steverugerguy9606]

@@Dartfreak75 cool...so that was recent?...also i need some in that price range for a 243 ,334 stevens i have on layaway...also have a remington 308 target rifle on lay away.ty....i cant seem to find fmj for 243...not many for 308.

[@Dartfreak75]

Sorry I missed this! Yea it was recent. I bought the Dec 26th

[@davechristensen5217]

what bullet are you shooting ?????

[@Dartfreak75]

Those are pmc 147 gr fmj (iirc) im gonna be handloading some 178 elds and trying them very soon

[@calvin6212]

Have a question? Is the magazine plastic?

[@Dartfreak75]

Yes the magazine is made of plastic.

[@calvin6212]

How good does it hold up in the rifle , does the bullets hang up ?

[@Dartfreak75]

@calvin6212 it stays in the rifle nicely. I'm not sure how it feeds yet I haven't feed from the mag yet

[@danielodham9511]

Try hornady 165 grain superformance ive had exceptional groups with that round its an excellent hunting round in my opinion if you like ballistic tip rounds also sig elite hunter tipped but theyre more expensive

[@Dartfreak75]

I've always had good results with anything from hornady!

[@danielodham9511]

​@Dartfreak75 same hornady makes excellent rounds but man they're expensive lol

[@ChrisEdling]

I make some superperfomance ish hand loads and I'm getting 2800fps with a 168 eld match and about 2700 with the 178 eldx bullet

[@Dartfreak75]

@ChrisEdling what length barrel? I just bought some 178 eldm to try in this gun. With the 20 inch barrel im hoping to get 2500, 2600 would be ideal! I was going to go with 168s and I still may later! I figured the 178 would give me a little more SD and less wind drift with the higher BC. It does drop more at longer ranges. But all my shots are taken within 300 yards

[@ChrisEdling]

@Dartfreak75 nice man, I'm getting these speeds outta 22 inch. So your 20 shouldn't loose much, but these are handloads not factory ammunition

[@frankbrowning328]

Not bad for a budget priced rifle with FMJ ammo

[@Dartfreak75]

Agreed!

[@MisterBrewer]

Great video. Nice accuracy!

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you I appreciate you watching and appreciate the compliment!

[@erniecummings9255]

Love your reviews I hate when people review a gun and talk about 50 different things like it reminds me of this or that gun which has this or that type of this or that and rattle on what it could be and then take their 2nd shot lol

[@erniecummings9255]

Love your reviews I hate when people review a gun and talk about 50 different things like it reminds me of this or that gun which has this or that type of this or that and rattle on what it could be and then take their 2nd shot lol

[@Dartfreak75]

@erniecummings9255 thank you im glad you enjoyed the video I appreciate you watching!

[@UnfinishedProjectDartSport]

75!!

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

Do you know if those bore sights on Ebay work?

[@Dartfreak75]

Like the Laser bore sighters? Or the old projector style? I'm sure they would to a certain degree. For me I just use the bore its free and easy!

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

@@Dartfreak75 laser.

[@Dartfreak75]

Yes im sure they would work fine. They have a bushing to fit any cal barrel so as long as the bushing is installed correctly then you should be ok. It will get you on paper at 50 yards which is what they are intended for!

[@mkd7961]

you measured wrong,it’s center hole to center hole

[@Dartfreak75]

That's how I measured it wasn't it?

[@tonyholcomb8634]

What caliber is it ?

[@Dartfreak75]

308 win

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

17:48 maybe that's the design feature🤔.

[@Dartfreak75]

Yes i think it is. There is a spring loaded plunger in the rear of the shroud that has to be depressed before it will cam over. Now that bolt is getting broken in its getting alot smoother.

[@lynnrunningdeer7364]

@@Dartfreak75 I guess its cammed in to keep it from flying up🤷‍♀️.

[@stevewalker4638]

Also try different kinds of ammunition

[@bobbygreen2291]

Here’s my best deer hunting load 42 grains of IMR 4895 under a 168 grain bonded Speer gold dot , theyare available at mid way USA

[@Dartfreak75]

Thanks the 168 grain is what I'm hoping to shoot. Have you had any luck finding imr 4895 I've been looking for some. I can't find anything locally and I hate to pay the hazmat fee to ship it.

[@bobbygreen2291]

@@Dartfreak75 I’ve been lucky ,,,HGH sporting goods in conover nc and Ed n dales in Wilkesboro nc

[@Dartfreak75]

@bobbygreen2291 that's awesome! I'm not far from Wilkesboro I will have to check that out! Thanks!

[@bobbygreen2291]

@@Dartfreak75 last time I was there I bought four pounds ,,they had three full cases on the shelf 4895,,,they are real bad to not answer the phone ,,just look it up on line it shows their open hours ,,it’s on old hwy 60

[@Dartfreak75]

@@bobbygreen2291 thank you!

[@easttexan2933]

Only accurate rifles are interesting. It has potential for sure.

[@Dartfreak75]

I agree! And I believe this little inexpensive rifle is about to get very interesting!

[@musclecarmitch908]

👍

[@MegaBait1616]

👍👍...................

[@johnknierim9017]

Not being on sand bags. Are u sure?????

[@Dartfreak75]

Im not sure I understand your question. I didn't use sand bags. I have a front rest with a sweatshirt under my right elbow. No sandbag. This setup is very sturdy but not as sturdy as a rear sand bag.

[@marekwozniak7290]

Ta Turecka broń potrafi strzelać zdecydowanie lepiej - sub MOA jest powtarzalne jeśli się postarasz.

[@WesternReloader]

Is that Polish you’re speaking?

[@marekwozniak7290]

​@@WesternReloader- yes of course

[@WesternReloader]

@@marekwozniak7290 very cool! I wanted to know (since I’m american) what you thought of the newly elected Tusk? I’m worried for Poland…

[@marekwozniak7290]

Tusk to człowiek wykonujący polecenia Rosji i Niemiec od 1990 roku. Niestety Polska jest ciągle pod wpływem agentów / szpiegów obcych służb. Jeśli interesujesz się polityką to o tym wiesz . Ameryka USA też doświadcza tych ataków.

[@WesternReloader]

@@marekwozniak7290 you see my question about new PM?

[@PassivePortfolios]

There is an avalanche of reviews on this new rifle. Unfortunately the accuracy is nothing to brag about, in line with other $400 rifles. Such cheap rifles have inconsistent accuracy, some are good and some are bad, it's a matter of luck with your own specific rifle. There may be things you can do to improve accuracy such as bedding the stock and free floating the barrel. Or sending it back to the manufacturer if the accuracy is poor. Ruger has the best customer service in this regard. Not sure if Savage will fix these like they do their Axis rifles, because these are imported from Turkey. You pay your money and take your chances.

[@oldArmyVet]

Lol, mine shoots great , groups under a inch at 100 with factory 150 grain ammo.

[@ivobiancucci4528]

Am seriously looking at getting one

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@oldArmyVet you lucked out into one of the good shooters. It sucks if you happen to get a bad one and have to send it back to Savage to fix or replace. We have had accuracy problems with my friend's Remington and Mossberg. Savage rifles tend to be slightly better. Remains to be seen how Savage handles warranty work on the Turkish ones.

[@oldArmyVet]

@@ivobiancucci4528 I really like mine. I think I'm going to post a review on mine tomorrow

[@PassivePortfolios]

@@ivobiancucci4528 if the accuracy sucks, send it back to see if Savage will fix it.

[@muzkat101]

OK, I made a mistake in this post, but I am leaving it in for now, uncorrected. You will see that I recognized my error in the following posts (below): only until we get to mark 16:18 do we get to know that it is a .308. OK, it's a .308. Seriously, mentioning this up front would have been nice. Only at mark 2:50 do you mention using PMC, but you did not mention the caliber or load... to me, that would have been a good starting point. As for the rest of the video, it was OK -- you get a Thumb's Up. 👍 Knowing that this 334 model Stevens comes in three formats: 243 Win, .308 Win., and 6.5 Creedmoor, only left me guessing. I am interested in this rifle, and luckily, I am most interested in the .308 version. Comparing this to the Mossberg Patriot (in Walnut stock) is what I am looking for... I am trying to make a good decision which of the two is most likely better for me to purchase. Given that these two are priced about the same, I am curious to know what others think and believe set them apart from each other. I hear that the Stevens has a smoother and better fitting bolt action, but I am unsure if the sloppiness (I've heard) from the Mossberg Patriot is either unique (a one-off or just in a few) or universal in all of their Patriot rifles. Comparing twist rate, I see that the Steven's is 1-in-11" where-as, with the Patriot it is 1-in-16" -- keeping in mind long-range shots, when using say 145 vs. 165 grain bullets, I'd go with the in the 1-in-11 over the 1-in-16. But given the heavier 165gr vs. the 145gr., I feel that the slower twist on the Patriot compensates the heavier 165gr. bullet better despite the in a 1-in-16" twist -- it is still a good paring at 100 to 400 yards. Again, I do not know this for a fact, and until we get a good side-by-side comparison, I will just have to wait a bit longer to make my final decision. From what I have seen so far, the 165 and 168 grain cartridges shoot pretty darn well with tight groupings in the Mossberg Patriot at distance.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you for your feedback! I apologize I didn't mention the caliber sooner. I did a video on the same gun a couple days before I just assumed everyone that watched this one had watched that one first. I understand how frustrating that is to watch a video and not get the information your looking for until the end! I will try to do better! Again thank you! As for your decision. I haven't had a chance chance to shoot a mossberg patriot but I have done alot of research on them I too considered buying one. If it were me I'd pass on it and go with the stevens 334 or a howa 1500. I've read missed accuracy in mossbergs and read some have issues feeding. They are beautiful rifles but read that they are not the most accurate. The stevens is a 1:11 twist. Suitable for stabilizing heavier bullets. The patriot is listed at a 1:10. Which is faster and should stabilize heavy (long) bullets as well. I wish I had a patriot and I'd do a side by side comparison for you. Thanks again for watching and giving me positive feedback and your honest opinion! That helps me make better videos and makes them more enjoyable for everyone to watch! Thanks!

[@muzkat101]

@@Dartfreak75 hey, that was an unexpected reply and message -- absolutely appreciated. Yeah, I just got this video of yours posted on my feed for the first time. I guess it popped up due to KZbin's algorithm when I began searching Stevens 334 .308's. But instead of it showing your prior video, this one popped up. As for Mossberg, I am still on the fence; as you said, they look nice, but I do not want to deal with issues. There's also the Mossberg Patriot Predator that looks promising too; it is more of a long-range rifle, but not sure right off hand the twist on it. I'm hoping it does not have the same issues the others, only because it is on the top of my list. But I still have some time to make a better decision; the Stevens looks pretty promising as well -- tough choice -- need more data. I'll be looking forward to your videos as they come out. Thanks much for the very kind reply, again, well appreciated. Keep up the good work on KZbin. I'll be sure to follow your channel.

[@Dartfreak75]

Thank you sir! I appreciate you watching and taking the time to comment. I will always be myself and be nice and friendly. I understand how frustrating it is to watch a long video and not get the information your seeking. I try to make informative and entertaining videos that everyone can watch and enjoy and learn something. I will take constructive criticism and use it to get better at what I'm doing. No matter what it is I'm doing! Thanks again I appreciate you watching and appreciate your support!

[@Dartfreak75]

I have 4 or 5 videos on this same 308. Go to my channel and go to videos they are pretty recent. I did a short review and some other videos with it as well. Thanks again. Hope you enjoy them please subscribe and click the notification button so you can stay up to date on new videos. I'm looking around to see if I can get my hands on a patriot for you so I can do a side by side.

[@muzkat101]

@@Dartfreak75 Hey, you know what... you are Right -- I had the wrong Mossberg window open on the Patriot 350 Legend rather the .308; the 350 Legend is a 1-in-16" twist, and the .308 is a 1-in-10" twist -- so my initial message is wrong; my bad. "take it from me, I am NO Expert here." Now that changes a bit of what I was saying, but it does not account for some of the issues I've been reading. I'd take a 1-in-10" over a 1-in-11" twist, but if the Stevens proves to be a much better, overall rifle than the Patriot, then for what I need it for, the 334 may be the way to go. I doubt in my life I am going to be taking 400+ yard shots at anything in my lifetime. But, maybe this will help you a bit. I've watched some shot comparison with the .308 in 145, 165, 168, and I now forget, something larger in grain... the 165 and 168 grain did the best in overall grouping out of the Patriot. The lighter grain seemed to drift more, and of course, those grains over 168 dropped significantly more. It seems that the true 'sweet spot' is the 165gr for longer range (100 yard) shots. But then again, it may also depend on the manufacturer of those rounds, and some other factors.