Author Topic: Accuracy of Savage 24 in 17HNR/12ga (Read 3456 times)

beavis · « **on:** March 14, 2005, 03:51:21 PM »

Hello all, I posted a similar question on the predator forum in reference to the Savage 24 in 223/12ga for predator calling. I have a question for all of you about the 24 in 17HMR and it's accuracy (or lack thereof). I am interested in getting a 17HMR that will be used for crows, pidgeons and groundhog/ ground squirrels. It may also be used for squirrels and stationary rabbits via head shots.

Does anyone here have any real world experience with the 24 in 17HMR and can vouch for it's accuracy one way or another? The reason I like the idea of the 24 is like I like having the shotgun available for the occasional flushed rabbit and pheasant.

I have concerns with it because I have 24 in 22lr/20ga that I use as an early season squirrel gun. While it is simple, rugged and fun to shoot, it does leave a bit to be desired in the accuracy department and the point of impact between the two barrels is off quite a bit. If the accuracy of the 17HMR isn't up to the varmints it will be used for then the search will be on for something more traditional.
Any insight y'all can give will be appreciated.

wink_man · « **Reply #1 on:** March 14, 2005, 05:17:03 PM »

Hello Beavis,
I see my friend YellowknifeDave told you I might be lurking here, I'll tell you what I know, don't know if it will be of help to you, or what you want to hear. First of all, I have no experience with the .17, nor do I want any. I personally, would choose the 22 Win. Magnum over the 17, but that is strictly my opinion & preference, I am sure most wouldn't agree with me. As an all around varmint rifle, the 223(as you mention in the predator forum), is a much better choice.
The 24's are quite accurate, as Dave told you. If they are not, it is generally because of a lawyer proof trigger in excess of 9 pounds(which a good gunsmith can take care of). The beauty of these guns is that even if the barrels are a sloppy fit to the receiver, they still are generally quite accurate, because the scope mounts to the barrel, not the receiver, and this is true in both the rimfire and centerfire models.
I am not a fan of the newer 24's, they are entirely to heavy, hate the crossbolt safety(which is a perfect solution to a non existent problem), and I don't like composite stocks. I own 23 Savage 24's, and they are all PRE 1989, stocked in wood, and all the shotgun barrels (except one) are 20 gauge. The shotgun barrel is designed for close range running predators, and I feel a load of high brass 4's in 20 gauge is sufficient(and besides, in my state, can't use larger than #4 shot). Aside from that, the 20 gauge combo is a joy to carry compared to the 12.
The fact that the shotgun barrel doesn't shoot to the same point of impact as the rifle barrel on a Savage 24 is pretty normal, most tend to shoot a shotgun slug 8 inches below the point of impact of the rifle barrel, if you find one that shoots to the same point of impact, you should smile. Since the odds are against that, you simply need to do something about it. Since this is a Savage 24, and not a $3,000 dollar drilling, you don't get a jackscrew adjustment to adjust the point of impact of one barrel to the other. The answer for me, has been see thru scope rings. Yes your cheek is a little off the stock(I use the side of my jawbone when using the scope), but again, the gun IS a compromise, and the recoil of the smaller rounds is not bad, it gets hairier if you shoot one in 30-30. I use the scope for the rifle barrel, and the iron sights for the shotgun barrel.
Overall, the guns are pretty accurate, and although I have no experience with the 17, unless the 17 in an inaccurate round, it should be fine in a 24, if thats the cartridge you want. You need to remember, this is NOT a tackdriving specialty varmint rig, it is a COMBO gun, you could sort of say in does nothing excellent, but everything well. Just my personal thoughts and opinions, hope it helps you.
Sincerely,
Garry

beavis · « **Reply #2 on:** March 15, 2005, 03:36:27 PM »

Thank you for sharing your experience and insight. Since you own 23 of these you will understand this- even though I know they are a compromise between a rifle and shotgun and my logical side says there are better things for the money, I just plain like 'em cause they're cool, enough said. I like the break open single shot action and I think they are a great field gun. I like that they are simple and rugged. If I could only own one gun it would be a 22lr/12ga with choke tubes, too bad they dont make that combo, but hey who only wants to own one gun?

Drilling Man · « **Reply #3 on:** March 16, 2005, 09:07:01 AM »

Quote

If I could only own one gun it would be a 22lr/12ga with choke tubes, too bad they dont make that combo,

Beavis,

You can have exactly what you want!!!! Pick up a cheap o/u shotgun, and buy an "insert" bbl from Krieghoff in 22lr!!!!

The insert bbl has wedges on it you can slide back and forth to sight it into "your" sights, and they shoot as good as a decent bolt action 22 rifle!!!

I own several of these, and they aren't some toy, they are a high grade bbl. to turn a shotgun bbl. into a 22 rifle for hunting or plinking!!!

Best part is, you can take them in or out and still use the shotgun for other things too!!

Drilling Man

yellowknifedave · « **Reply #4 on:** March 16, 2005, 12:36:18 PM »

How much would one of these inserts be? Where could they be found? Can they really be adjusted to the same POA as the other two barrels? Thanks.
YKD

Drilling Man · « **Reply #5 on:** March 16, 2005, 06:16:52 PM »

YES, they really do work, and yes they really can be ajusted to the sights or other bbl.. You need to tell Krieghoff what bbl. your going to use it in to begin with, and then "sight" it in the first time around. I have 5 or 6 of them myself, and i have sighted them in myself.

You DO need to know what your doing when sighting one in, or have a gunsmith do it for you.

They are made in two lengths, and you can see a "shorter" version in the picture below.

I don't know what an EL22 would cost today??? They retailed for about $125.00 10 years ago. You can see them and read about them here http://www.krieghoff.de/english/krieghoff.htm
Go to "accessories" and then "insert bbls.".

You should be able to contact Krieghoff here in the US at
http://www.krieghoff.com/pages/1/pages/1.html

Hope this helps,

Drilling Man

Keith L · « **Reply #6 on:** March 17, 2005, 03:02:14 AM »

While I can't fault the logic that the best combination may be a .22 mag and a 20 guage they are not available in new model 24s and are not to common around here in used ones (for that matter it is rare to run across used ones for sale). In that case the only rimfire choices are .22 long rifle, and 17hmr.

I have a Model 93 Savage in 17 HMR that is quite a good shooter. A trigger job and a good scope and it consistently shoots smaller than half inch groups at 100 yards. I have no doubt that Savage can deliver the same accuracy in the Model 24. For your use I would recommend the 20 grain bullets. They are perfectly suitable for the game you discuss, and are just as effective for them as the .22 mag. In fact most likely a little more accurate as well.

I am about to give up on the hunt for a used older model and may soon buy a new Model 24 in .17HMR and 20 guage. I have wanted one for years and never been at the right place at the right time. I just know if I buy a new one the used ones will show up, and I might wind up with a bunch of them as well...

wink_man · « **Reply #7 on:** March 17, 2005, 05:04:00 AM »

Keith,
You are correct that there are not many used 24's around for sale, not by you, or anywhere else either, just not that common of a gun, and production of the old models stopped in 1989. Before you give up your search for an older model, try looking at the online gun auctions:

http://www.auctionarms.com/
or
http://www.gunbroker.com/

Do a search for 'savage 24', you have to do a lot of looking, cause most of them are beat, but at least you can find them there, and I've picked up some pretty pristine guns from the auctions. They aren't common anywhere, so the auctions are your best bet. Good luck in your search.
Sincerely,
Garry

upnorthbacon · « **Reply #8 on:** March 25, 2005, 04:00:55 PM »

I recently purchased the .17/12 gauge for rabbit, and partridge hunting. I took it out for coyotes the other day but I wouldn't recomend shooting a coyote with the .17 unless it was a good head shot. I have an eotech (military/law enforcement version of the bushnell holosight) mounted on it and I was shooting around 50yds. I was grouping around the size of a quarter which isn't too bad considering the dot is 1 moa. I'm guessing at 100 yards with a 4 power scope you could easily take squirrels and such. I did notice shooting the 12 guage it shot slightly low which is something I'll learn to compensate for by shooting clays with it. I really like it, I owned the 22lr/20 a few years back but didn't like the mod only choke on the 20. I would have probably got a 22mag instead if they had one but I've been really happy with my .17 mag savage I have. It's the perfect small game gun in my opinion.

Keith L · « **Reply #9 on:** March 25, 2005, 09:47:44 PM »

i found a used new model 24 last week in a gun store with the synthetic stock, .22 over 20 gauge. Unfortunately a 9422M had already caught my eye and was being transferred to me. I couldn't affort both. I think I am having to much fun looking for one. One day I will stumble on one.

The same store had a Bakial (spelling?) in 30-06 and 12gauge. The salesman said he uses his for hunting yotes. 00 buck in the 12gauge for the close shots, the 06 for longer ones. I guess they are large enough. Wonder what the pelt looks like...