I found my Best Farm Shotgun.

In 1988 I bought a nice rural PA 60-acre farm. I retired in 1996 and happily reside on my acreage. I enjoy my resident deer, bear, coyotes and other critters. I have a Polaris Ranger for daily patrols and found out early on a .45 M1911A1 is not my best choice for a farm gun. My best farm gun is not a shotgun; it is BOTH a rifle and shotgun.

My wife gifted me a Savage .22 Magnum over a 20 gauge shotgun arm at Christmas in 1996. It is the best of both worlds for me. I carry it daily and have the very best of both worlds. The .22 Magnum reaches out and the 20 gauge handles aerial targets with no concern downrange.

I have whacked coyotes, porkys, skunks and rattlers without a hiccup to continue enjoying my farm. We do camp out in our West Woods lean-to often and the Savage and loyal hound keep the campsite just great.

Get a Savage O/U for a great camp gun.

Adam

We have the 22 mag/410 which is an accurate fun gun. We got it for my gf to shoot. So far so good.

Yes, love my 22/410.

That sounds like a good gun for that use. I had a Savage .222/20 gauge that was a good one until someone offered me 3x what I paid for it- so I let it go.
Our Mule has a Maverick 20 gauge pump, a Ruger Wrangler, and a H&R 999 .22 revolver on it at all times.


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Sadly, the Savage/Stevens combination guns are long discontinued ( I had several different models) - and their replacements (Savage, Chiappa, etc, etc) are nowhere near as good ( I've owned them, too).

The older guns, in good or better shape, justifiedly bring a LOT of $$$ today.

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I have the 222 over 20 and use it the same way.

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Originally Posted by pworley1

I have the 222 over 20 and use it the same way.

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pworley,

I have a .222/20 gauge I bought a decade ago from a widow getting rid of guns in her home. I reload for the .222 and use it for coyotes on occasion. The .22Magnum/20 gauge is in my Ranger in a roof rack gun carrier at all times.

I always thought a rifle caliber over a shotgun bore was a great combination. The Germans are of the same mind since they have drillings with an assortment of interesting combinations.

For a camp gun, 4 wheeler patrol arm, or just a woods-walking companion, I prefer my .22M/20 gauge and loyal Blue Heeler hound. I put a butt stock 5-round shot shell holder on my Savage and slipped inside a .22 caliber shell holder for the upper barrel. I carry a slug, a #3 Buck, two #4 shells and a 7.5 shell for total coverage of any need.

Be well.

Adam

I'm a big fan of those too, and have owned several. The one I have now is the last iteration in .30-30 over 12 gauge, with a screw-in choke tube.

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Originally Posted by Tracy

I'm a big fan of those too, and have owned several. The one I have now is the last iteration in .30-30 over 12 gauge, with a screw-in choke tube.

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Tracy,

Yes the Savage Over/Under guns are the best for farm folks. In my 28 years on my land, I never needed more gun for farm business.

If I could go camp or trek, a Savage O/U would be in my pack. I am ambulatory, can drive my Ranger about and always have my Savage O/U.

Be well,

Adam

I have had a 357,222,223 over 20, never got anyone of them to shoot an acceptable group. I don't mean 4 inches at 100, more like 12 inches or more. Believe me I wanted them to shoot reasonably. There have been several front barrel attachments and it makes a difference.

On the other hand several 22 magnums were stellar. I want a 22/410 but at current prices it will not likely happen. I have always liked those guns but someone offered too much.

You have found a good one, wife and gun.

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Originally Posted by beemer

I have had a 357,222,223 over 20, never got anyone of them to shoot an acceptable group. I don't mean 4 inches at 100, more like 12 inches or more. Believe me I wanted them to shoot reasonably. There have been several front barrel attachments and it makes a difference.

On the other hand several 22 magnums were stellar. I want a 22/410 but at current prices it will not likely happen. I have always liked those guns but someone offered too much.

You have found a good one, wife and gun.

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beemer,
Thanks for the great reply. Yes, I have been blessed with a great wife, several wonderful dogs and a farm that needs daily attention. Farm needs are easy to fix with a .22M/20 gauge. I never needed MORE gun.

Sadly, none of my kids want the farm or my iron. I am planning to aid folks in need. I am aware there are folks with farm desires. I pray daily for the Lord to make me an instrument of His will here on Earth. We are making progress daily.
Be well.

Adam

I have had several. That is the one gun I regret trading for...it was a .222/20ga. I now have a 22lr/410 and a 30-30/20ga. I use them for a camp gun. I keep it at my cabin in northern Maine. When visiting there and doing chores, llike cutting a splitting fire wood, it may be grouse or rabbit season and of course coyote are open year round (even at night except for during deer season). They are very useful forearms. Love mine!

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Originally Posted by hwilliam01

I have had several. That is the one gun I regret trading for...it was a .222/20ga. I now have a 22lr/410 and a 30-30/20ga. I use them for a camp gun. I keep it at my cabin in northern Maine. When visiting there and doing chores, llike cutting a splitting fire wood, it may be grouse or rabbit season and of course coyote are open year round (even at night except for during deer season). They are very useful forearms. Love mine!

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hwilliam.

The best 26 years of my life were spent in NH and I hunted deer annually in Berlin, NH. Here in rural PA, the .22M/20 is a great tool for farm business. I cannot start my Polaris Ranger unless the Savage is onboard.

Be well.

Adam

I have a Stevens 22/410 with the barrel cut down to 19" with chokes installed. Love the gun. Even have a 16 gauge barrel fitted to the receiver and a 38 special/357 insert barrel for it.

But frankly most of the time I have a folding Yiltz 410 in the truck. My farm in SC is mostly wooded and the distances are short. Snakes - water moccasins, copperheads and rattle snakes are what I mostly run into.

I carry a Savage “Camper” .22/20 ga on my Ranger most of the time. Carry a few slugs in the glove box. I’ve killed quite a few rattlesnakes and several varmints with it, just because it was there. It has a compartment in the stock so I keep extra .22 ammo and a couple of shot shells in there.

When I was looking for a tractor gun I could not find one these at a reasonable price. They are not easy to find and a great concept.

You are right about the best all around farm gun. I have an old beater Savage over under 22LR over 20 gauge. I take it on the tractor in an old folded carpet scabbard. Thought about running a 22 mag chamber reamer into the old beast to allow a little more reach for varmints. The 6X scope makes it difficult to use the gun for flying targets. You have to tilt the gun to the side to look down the shotgun barrel.

I lust for another Savage O/U, 222/20ga.. I can load the 222 down If I choose...But not too far.
Until I find one again... My 20ga Bolt gun is just fine.. If I cant get close...welp, gotta go get another gun...for now!

back in the 1950's +196o's as a youngster i spent my summer vacations at my Aunt Kate's large farm that ten was Yardley, PA. [ now Lower Makefield Twp. ] - the only firearm on the farm was a long tom 12 ga. single barrel, when the needed a rifle they would borrow a Remington 511 from the gentleman farmer up the road on oxford valley road - farm was located on junction of Black Rock + Oxford Valley Road - area has seen massive changes now -

Guys,

Great responses! I carry the .22M/20 in my Ranger and on the John Deere 65 HP tractor. I see coyotes, chucks, porkys, etc. while farming and have a stock shell holder for a selection of 22M or 20 gauge ammo to fit the need.

Once the .22M/20 gauge was not fired, but made a few talking points CLEAR to 3 aggressive tresspassers. They "got" the message LOL.

Be well.

Adam

Concerning 22lr vs 22 magnum. The 22lr is .222 or .223 bore and the 22 magnum is .224. Not sure it would be a good idea to re-bore a 22lr to 22 magnum.

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Originally Posted by besk

Concerning 22lr vs 22 magnum. The 22lr is .222 or .223 bore and the 22 magnum is .224. Not sure it would be a good idea to re-bore a 22lr to 22 magnum.

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For what 22Mag ammo costs...22 Hornet or 222, or even a 22-30 like I have...because we Cast and size...or .222 size Condoms are available..

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Originally Posted by Adam Helmer

In 1988 I bought a nice rural PA 60-acre farm. I retired in 1996 and happily reside on my acreage. I enjoy my resident deer, bear, coyotes and other critters. I have a Polaris Ranger for daily patrols and found out early on a .45 M1911A1 is not my best choice for a farm gun. My best farm gun is not a shotgun; it is BOTH a rifle and shotgun.

My wife gifted me a Savage .22 Magnum over a 20 gauge shotgun arm at Christmas in 1996. It is the best of both worlds for me. I carry it daily and have the very best of both worlds. The .22 Magnum reaches out and the 20 gauge handles aerial targets with no concern downrange.

I have whacked coyotes, porkys, skunks and rattlers without a hiccup to continue enjoying my farm. We do camp out in our West Woods lean-to often and the Savage and loyal hound keep the campsite just great.

Get a Savage O/U for a great camp gun.

Adam

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was in Mansfield 50 years ago - very nice + rural area - did they build the dam between the 2 mountains they proposed back then ? - is Ralph's sales + service still there ? was Ford car, truck, heavy duty truck + tractor dealer - also a gas station + wrecker service - the parts man also pumped gas + did the towing calls = also had a small plane with landing strip - fond memories of hunting there -

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Originally Posted by schutzen-jager

was in Mansfield 50 years ago - very nice + rural area - did they build the dam between the 2 mountains they proposed back then ? - is Ralph's sales + service still there ? was Ford car, truck, heavy duty truck + tractor dealer - also a gas station + wrecker service - the parts man also pumped gas + did the towing calls = also had a small plane with landing strip - fond memories of hunting there -

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schutzen,

Yes, they built the Tioga Dam. Ralph's is gone. I do remember his business of years ago. I live 5 miles out of Mansfield toward Wellsboro.

Be well.

Adam

thanks for the reply - iirc the dam was to flood the entire valley to the dismay of the land owners involved - completely different area from the large farm i spent a good portion of my younger years on -

My wife's family is from PA, I've heard that they lost the family farm to a lake dam, wonder if it's the same one, said that when the water levels drop part of the farmhouse comes up.
I've always have had a soft spot for Savages 24, right now I have a .22 hornet over 12ga., have never tried to see how it groups but I know it's close to point of aim.

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Originally Posted by tunnug

My wife's family is from PA, I've heard that they lost the family farm to a lake dam, wonder if it's the same one, said that when the water levels drop part of the farmhouse comes up.
I've always have had a soft spot for Savages 24, right now I have a .22 hornet over 12ga., have never tried to see how it groups but I know it's close to point of aim.

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tunnug,

Thanks for the reply. If it was Tioga County, then yes it was the village of Lambs Creek and nearby farms that were flooded back in about 1973. I like the Savage 24 and have two guns; a .22M/20 gauge and a .222/20 gauge with 4X scope. I prefer a .30/30/ 20 gauge, but went with what I found.

Be well.

Adam

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Originally Posted by Adam Helmer

tunnug,

Thanks for the reply. If it was Tioga County, then yes it was the village of Lambs Creek and nearby farms that were flooded back in about 1973. I like the Savage 24 and have two guns; a .22M/20 gauge and a .222/20 gauge with 4X scope. I prefer a .30/30/ 20 gauge, but went with what I found.

Be well.

Adam

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I lust after a M24 222/20ga...enjoy that... 55g cast FPGC over 8-9gr of Unique (or BE-86) gives me a Grin!!
I load my 20ga with 7-1/2's just because... haven't had a Critter run off yet!!!