I appreciate all of the input. Very useful information for sure. I wasn't trying to slam the stevens, I just assumed that a 349$ gun would be a bit of a pile. After doing a bit more research it looks like the stevens 200 would be a really good bang for my buck. A wise man once told me that assumtions are the mother of all **** ups.
Now I see why. I'm definitely leaning towards the savage line now. If I save 600 on the gun that leaves me with 900 for a scope........I like where this is headed.