doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Practical combination gun?

Savage seems to be the inexpensive option for something like this (the venerable Model 24). Is there a more-perfect combination of calibers? Off the top of my head, I would guess something like 16-gauge/.22 magnum (not sure this was ever offered) would work to keep the weight issue down. The more practical version (best lethality, easy to feed) would likely be something like a .223 over a 12-bore? I'm sure there are european versions that are superior. I've nothing against drillings, other than I'm a southpaw and I've never seen one that would actually fit me. There is also significant cost associated with the better versions (and, of course, the age factor). I'm only (mildly) considering a more-practical "tool" at the moment. What says the cognoscenti here?

I recently purchased the new model of Savage 24 (all black, composite stock, etc.) in 3 inch .410 and 22 Magnum. I have not yet fired it but it weighs practically nothing. Well built piece. I have seen Model 24's in 12 and .223 and also I once saw a 12 and 30-30. I recently saw one in 12 and I believe 220 Swift (?). There are several different iterations of these over the years and when you find one it is still holding its value quite well. Happy hunting Lloyd!!

Perry:

I saw that new version. For the money it's probably not too bad (a 20/.22 magnum combo would be about perfect IMHO). I do have a few "plastic" guns and they work well-enough but...they leave me a little cold. This is an idle pursuit so... I'll just keep noodling through the various on-line sites. You never know what will turn up.

A couple of months ago I picked up at internet auction a plastic camo model 24 in 12g and .223 with a red dot scope. I have been watching for one for Coyotes out west. It is like new and was very reasonable. It weighs just under 7 lbs but feels like 9 lbs. I have not shot it yet. Waiting for warmer weather.

I always wanted one of those when I was a kid. 20 and .22 was one that I wanted but could never find a decent one. Too late now. ☹

I've owned several Savages and ultimately hated them all for unreliability and inaccuracy. You can buy a Sauer drilling or combo on gunbroker for $1500-2000. They are coming in from Europe where they have gone out of fashion. I recommend 7X65R and 16 gauge.

i have savage 24s in 20 ga/22; 20 ga/30-30, 20 ga/357 magnum, and have had them in 22/410 and 20 ga/223. neat guns but the barrels are not regulated as to point of impact. on the 22/410 use for close range small game this is less of a problem. a savage 24 in 20/223 had barrels so poorly regulated as to be worthless even at 25 yds. sold that one right away.

the Baikal O/U are imported in multiple calibers, the POI of the rifle barrel can be adjusted to some degree by a jack screw. the results can be amazing. i have several of these as well, for instance a 223/12 that shoots very small groups to point of aim and at 35 yards a 12 gauge slug from the shotgun barrel hits dead center into the same POI.

i also have several drillings which i really like , esp a 20x20x25/35 that weighs 6 pounds 6 ounces

cable, you obviously like combination guns, especially to have had so many Savage 24s when they have been so disappointing to you. I'm curious as to how you utilize them exactly. When you are out with one are you targeting one or two species, or are you just "pot luck" hunting?

Noting the OP's lament on the lack of left-handed drillings, they do show up from time to time. If you want a drilling and see a lefthanded one, it's best to buy immediately. I have one, not for sale, and it is an excellent tool here in Maine, all November when all the seasons are open. 16x16x 8x57R will take care of pretty much everything.
You can also do well at some of the auction houses. They'll regularly have both drillings and over/under combo guns. I've seen some fun combos - 20 x 30-30 comes to mind.

Having a combination gun is a bit like having an Enduro motorcycle-sure, you can ride on the street or in the dirt, but, it is not the best, not even close, for either.
Get a dirt bike, or, get a street bike, or, get both.

Get a rifle, a good, accurate rifle with the optics you need (almost nobody here is using iron sights these days) and get a bird gun, a really good one, and use either for their intended purpose.

A deer poked its head in a cover you were hunting grouse in? Let him go until deer season. None of us is starving.
Best,
Ted