Howdy Beavis. I have an older model 24 in 223 over 20 guage. It is a reasonably new acquisition for me, therefore I cannot say too much about its hunting performance. I purchased it for use on coyotes when I return to southern Canada. Right now the only predators I can hunt are wolves, and I would rather use my swede mauser than the 223.
As for accuracy, savage has a very good reputation for accuracy in their barrels. My 24V was originally chambered for 222, and was changed along the way before I received it. I mounted pivot rings on it, so that I could flip the scope to the right and use the iron sights. I have spent hours with it at the range and am very impressed with its performance.
The past two range sessions with this combo were fantastic. I shot 75 rounds with the trap club with very good results. I kept up with the folks with the custom over under 12 guages, and with the scope off to the side it was very effective. Off to the rifle range the next day. I kid you not, at 25 yrds, the three shots I took looked like one oblong hole. 100 yards was the same thing (I was using sandbags), a little more like a shamrock, however all at the same hole. 200 yards my group was around an inch and a half, however, I would blame that on me, and not the gun. Currently I own 5 savage 24 combinations, and the three I regularly shoot fire exceptionally accurately (rimfires, I only shoot at 25-30 yds).
Some people do not like the plastic stock, or the weight of the new 24F model. I think the weight makes it a little easier to shoot accurately; just a little more pain on the shoulder carrying it in the field all day.
Hope this helps. Try your posting in the drilling/combo gun section. Wink man is very knowledgeable on the model 24 and lurks there often. Good luck in your decision.
YKD
