1966 Savage 24V Triple Deuce over 20 gauge

[Big Mak]

I'm having a hard time trying to determine what scope rail this is off a vintage 1966 Savage 24V. No markings on the mounts. Rifle/Shotgun is unfired condition. Savage factory? None of my vintage Weaver scope rings match the half moons on one side. Last photo is the rifle.

[pietro]

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Because the rail has no recoil notches to accept the Weaver-type scope ring crossbolt, I believe that's an adaptor rail (possibly generic) for accepting .22RF claw scope rings.

Whoever used it most likely thought any Savage 24 rail would be correct for the 24V.

AFAIK, the gun was prepped for a Weaver 74 base - which is so marked on the underside of the base.

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[Big Mak]

Thank you! Just ordered it.

[Big Mak]

Thanks Piertro

[Tripplebeards]

Been looking for one of those savages for a long time. My dad had one on 20 gauge/22 mag.

[pietro]

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You're welcome !

I'm glad to help.

[Norske]

Envy!

[Texas by God]

I had one like yours but nowhere as nice of shape. It was perfect for called in turkeys and coyotes with the issue iron sights, and quite accurate at 100 yards. A fun feature of mine was that with the rear sight folded down, the leaf screws served as a coarse rear sight and Remington 20 gauge slugs were minute of fist at 50 yards. The rifle barrel had a full length line of pitting at 6 o’clock but 1-1/2” 3 shot groups at 100 yards were common with factory ammo or reloads.

[Big Mak]

I had one like yours but nowhere as nice of shape. It was perfect for called in turkeys and coyotes with the issue iron sights, and quite accurate at 100 yards. A fun feature of mine was that with the rear sight folded down, the leaf screws served as a coarse rear sight and Remington 20 gauge slugs were minute of fist at 50 yards. The rifle barrel had a full length line of pitting at 6 o’clock but 1-1/2” 3 shot groups at 100 yards were common with factory ammo or reloads.

That is great info! Thanks!

I have a "No virgins" policy so this unfired specimen will be used for grouse hunting with the dogs.

more photos -->

[largom]

Had a collection of 10 or 12 Savage 24's. All gone now but one 22lr -20ga.

[EDG]

That rail looks like an old, long obsolete Lyman Trulock from the late 1960s.
Rings will be hard to find used.

[Thumbcocker]

I am surprised that such a practical gun is no longer in production.

[MT Gianni]

I am surprised that such a practical gun is no longer in production.

Especially when they also made it in 357 Max over 20 gauge. I would grab for the wallet if I saw one.

[pietro]

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The major gun manufacturers are into mass production - so, it's a non-starter if the wide market demand isn't apparent.

Apparently, Chiappa went into the market anyway.

I didn't like Savage's newer combo offering (Model 42), so I actually ordered/bought a new Chiappa Double Badger several years ago that was just as good as the Savage 24 - and folded in half, to boot.

[Drm50]

That rail looks like an old, long obsolete Lyman Trulock from the late 1960s.
Rings will be hard to find used.

Give yourself a cigar. That is a Lyman base.

[Drm50]

The early 24s with side select and soldered barrels were the best of the series. Later guns with separated barrels have bad reps. The barrels would shoot so far off you might not be close enough to rifle with shotgun pattern to be practical. Old models around here don’t last long, hard to give away open barrel models.

[quilbilly]

I have had mine since 1967. I put a scope on it once but removed it shortly afterwards when I started using the shotgun more often for wingshooting birds when opportunities arose regularly. The rifle loves the 222 with CB's at about 1900 fps. 50+ years ago I took my second ever deer with the 222 using a reduced load (2300 fps) to improve the terminal ballistics of the frangible projectiles of that time. Rifled slugs from the 20 ga barrel took several more deer since then and loads of #3 buck are great for close in coyotes. I also have a 30/30 over 20 ga. which is my go-to for hunting grouse in black bear infested areas in my neighborhood. Both the 222 and the 30/30 shoot better with below max loads.

[Thumbcocker]

A .30-30 over 20 gage would be hard to beat as a one long gun battery.

[Big Mak]

Thanks for the rail ID.
I went with a Weaver 74 and this AT3 2 MOA red dot. I'll test it this week at 50 yards with .222 and 25 yards with shot shell and see how it performs. This 54 year old combo is about to lose its virginity.

[Big Mak]

Last post on this subject.
I loaded several loads and found out it loves W748 with 23 grains so I loaded up another 80 rounds.

50 yards, 39 deg, no wind.

It behaved very well with the red dot. Still have the 20 gauge shot shell to test at 25 yards with red dot. I'll do that in the field tomorrow with the oldest lab as we scout for ducks.

More Sierra 50 grain .224 enroute.