SavAGE 340 IN .223?

[Newtire]

I went by the one independent gunstore we have left around here and spotted a Savage 340 in real nice shape with a bolt that looks different than mine and others I have seen. It had a barrel with no markings in matte finish, no front sight and a 4x scope mounted for about $350-400 and sure enough was a 340. Is this someones conversion or did they make one in .223? I know they brought it out in .225 Win. but maybe that was a bit on the warm side. Anyhow, the bolt had a kind of knob shaped end where mine just kind of ends flat. They have plastic tie-wraps on all the bolts and I was just in too big of a hurry to go thru asking him to cut it. Anyhow, would appreciate any info. (Like I need another gun!)

[dk17hmr]

If I am correct the older version of the 340 had the spoon handle on the bolt and the newer model 340s had the round bolt. My 30-30 340 has a round bolt handel.

They made 340s in 223, it could be a conversion from 222 but more then likely it is a factory 223 chamber.

[Bucks Owin]

I went by the one independent gunstore we have left around here and spotted a Savage 340 in real nice shape with a bolt that looks different than mine and others I have seen. It had a barrel with no markings in matte finish, no front sight and a 4x scope mounted for about $350-400 and sure enough was a 340. Is this someones conversion or did they make one in .223? I know they brought it out in .225 Win. but maybe that was a bit on the warm side. Anyhow, the bolt had a kind of knob shaped end where mine just kind of ends flat. They have plastic tie-wraps on all the bolts and I was just in too big of a hurry to go thru asking him to cut it. Anyhow, would appreciate any info. (Like I need another gun!)


If the 340 you speak of is in .223 Rem, I'd bet it was rebarreled....

(And if you could find one in .225 Win, you'd have a superior cartridge IMO)

FWIW,

Dennis

[dk17hmr]

I read your post late last night, apparently I didnt comprehend it because I thought you were asking if Savage chambered the 340 in 223, which they did. I reread it today and am with Buck on this one, someone rebarreled it.

[Newtire]

Thanks you guys. After thinking about it, I asked myself, why didn't I just go look it up myself? (getting lazy). So, if it was rechanmbered or came that way, I guess it is a safe enough conversion. I didn't know if those guns were all that strong is all. Thanks again.

[Jumptrap]

I'll toss you another morsel:

I think the round knob came first and the flat/spoon type came later as an attempt to give better scope clearance. I also think the flat and round knobs were probably produced concurrently......depending on what model you bought..savage...stevens..revelation..coast to coast....sears&roebuck, etc.

I have recently bought two 340's in 30-30....neither have serial numbers...just like many old 22 rifles. Serial numbers were not required until the GCA '68. This allows us to at least know what rifles are before 1968 production, but beyond that, it would take a 340 nut to determine the exact vintage.

[Mel-4857]

The 340 was chambered in .223 in the last years before they quit making it. A friend bought one a few years ago a full factory job. Haven't seen too many around. Got one in .222 and a Stevens 325 in 30-30 with the spoon shaped bolt handle. Only seen one 225 around and didn't have the spare cash to pick it up. Mel

[KCSO]

A whole lot of 222's were simply re chambered to 223. This is a simple conversion, I think I have done about 6 of these myself. Good for light bullets, but not good for over 55 grains.

[nighthunter]

I have a model 340 in .223. It is a factory rifle and is clearly marked on the barrel as a "Series E". It shoots well enough but the trigger definately sux.
Nighthunter

[swheeler]

I bought a Savage 340 C? new in 1979- caliber 223 Rem, walnut stock ,pressed checkering, GOOD shooter. In 1973 I bought a used Savage 340 in 225 Win Cal, forget the model but had a birch stock, GOOD shooter, 4 days ago I bought a Springfield 840E in 30/30 cal, can only hope it shoots too! Man I had to pay thru the nose for this thing.