Savage 24 .223 over what gauge?

Sunray, I don't shoot that .222 for moa, however minute of coyote does the trick, out to 100 yards or so.

 

Sounds like a mission to me.

Had one in .22 and 12 gauge. It was more of a "garden gun" and 20 gauge would have been plenty/better.

 

They all break down the same way, but the Campers Model is a lot shorter & lighter.
Also, it comes with a special case that will hold the components, and can be tied to a backpack, etc.

 

The older 24V centerfire over 20 gauge models were on a smaller and lighter frame. Later versions are on a larger and heavier frame for both 20 and 12 gauge models.

 

I'd choose 12 gauge with the .223
it will handle any load the 20 can plus some the 20 can't meaning the gun can reliably take any game animal on this continent and within limits.
Heavier frame on the 12 means reduced felt recoil with 20 gauge type loads too.

 

Although I have little use for the .223 for this gun I would also choose .223 and 12 ga. combination.

For a good marksman the .223 can kill a deer and hogs although with varmint control such as 'yotes. The fact it is also a military round is a big plus in my books.

The 12 gauge is far more versatile than the 20. There are light loads that are softer on recoil than 20's.

I see the use of this gun as a cabin/backwoods/truck gun. Simple, reliable and easy to use.

 

I would probably go with the .223 with the 20 gauge. I have plenty of both in terms of ammunition and think it would do nicely as a versatile utility gun.

 

Anyone recommending the later 12 gauge savage model 24F (i.e. the synthetic stocked gun made long after the 24v) has likely never had to carry or shoot one. They are too heavy (about 1 lb extra over the 24v) and point like a fence post.
The 24v doesn't point that well either btw, but it is usable.

IMO, the only one to choose is the 20 gauge model 24v, if you can find one. The earliest ones seem to be a bit lighter. Put a 1.5 -4 power shotgun scope on one and you have an excellent all around gun. Especially in 30-30/20 gauge. A series B in this configuration comes in at about 7.5 lbs. The only catch is you can't have screw in chokes like the 24f had. The accuracy of my 24v is 3 shots into an inch at 100 yards. Good enough considering the 200 yard range involved.

You can find threads elsewhere on 12 gauge vs. 20. Unless you're into 3" magnum loadings in a 12 gauge, you can match any 12 gauge load with a 20 as far as payload and velocity.

Since it's basically a single shot, the cost of ammo disadvantage of the 20gauge isn't much of a factor.

 

I have 3 of them, all 20 ga. lower, with 22LR, 22WMR and 222.All are scoped with see thru mounts for using the shotgun.

 

Incidentally mine is also scoped with see thru mounts, noted that only about the first two rounds of the .222 will hit point of aim, point of impact, with the 3rd round being a flier. I'm sure this is due to the pencil thin rifle barrel. But as far as the coyote is concerned I doubt he even cares.