Savage 340: Does anyone still love them?
- Thread starter OldSchooler
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OldSchooler
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340 Savage - $300??!!
Hard to believe where these have gone. I can get a Savage 30-06 for that - new!
Hard to believe where these have gone. I can get a Savage 30-06 for that - new!
ken22250
Member
i have an old savage 340D .222 that was bought, used in the late 60's for $100 with a scope, ive killed hundreds of woodchucks with it, and i just started handloading for it, and it will consistantly shoot 1/2 " groups, that rifle started my love for varmint hunting, and the .222, which i now have 3 of, and a 222 mag.
ken
ken
tango2echo
Member
- Joined
- Dec 14, 2008
- Messages
- 811
My brother owned one in CA in the 1970's. When Dad moved to a base in Texas around 1975 the gun was sold to a Marine there on the base. Bro found the gun one day in a pawn shop in Jacksonville, NC. Same EXACT gun. #'s matched and stock had been drilled under the buttplate to hold extra ammo. Great guns. Wish I had one.
T2E
T2E
MatthewVanitas
Member
Not to necro-post, but this seems to be the unofficial Savage 340 megathread.
I saw a rifle at a local pawnshop with a very unusual mag cutout. Couldn't find anything on it but ".222 Proof Tested" and then "Dockendorff" on the wheel-sight. Googled "Dockendorff" and figured out it's the sight manufactuerer for the Savage 340, which looks pretty much like the funky rifle I saw at the pawnshop, with the cutout mag and the odd ridges on the receiver just forward of the bolt.
The reason I couldn't find a name on it is because it has a side-mounted scope, which is bolted right where the Savage billboard is. The scope is a really beat-up and unlabeled steel fixed scope, but the rings and mount are Weaver.
They're asking like $249 for it, but since they know me well there, the mag is missing, scope is busted, and they can't find a name on it, I figure I can get maybe $150-200 on it. Do folks think it's worth it at that point?
Is .222 about as easy/cheap to load for as .223 (minus initial brass cost)? Does the .222 fit in the .223 Savage 340 mags (easy to find on GunBroker). Without taking the scope mount off, any way to tell whether it's a 325, 340, or other variant?
I saw a rifle at a local pawnshop with a very unusual mag cutout. Couldn't find anything on it but ".222 Proof Tested" and then "Dockendorff" on the wheel-sight. Googled "Dockendorff" and figured out it's the sight manufactuerer for the Savage 340, which looks pretty much like the funky rifle I saw at the pawnshop, with the cutout mag and the odd ridges on the receiver just forward of the bolt.
The reason I couldn't find a name on it is because it has a side-mounted scope, which is bolted right where the Savage billboard is. The scope is a really beat-up and unlabeled steel fixed scope, but the rings and mount are Weaver.
They're asking like $249 for it, but since they know me well there, the mag is missing, scope is busted, and they can't find a name on it, I figure I can get maybe $150-200 on it. Do folks think it's worth it at that point?
Is .222 about as easy/cheap to load for as .223 (minus initial brass cost)? Does the .222 fit in the .223 Savage 340 mags (easy to find on GunBroker). Without taking the scope mount off, any way to tell whether it's a 325, 340, or other variant?
Brownell's sells the magazine for the .222. http://www.brownells.com/aspx/ns/store/productdetail.aspx?p=13183
I paid something in the low $200 range for mine, a Coast to Coast store brand gun in .222. Butt ugly blond wood stock, no scope or mount, but mine did come with a magazine. Turned out to be a pretty good shooter. Doesn't like factory ammo, and doesn't like to get hot, but with a handload that it likes it's just over an inch for five shots consistently.
The .222 is a dream to handload, just don't try to make it into a .223. Bullets in the 40 to 50 grain range, and charges usually about a grain less than max loads seem to make mine the happiest.
I paid something in the low $200 range for mine, a Coast to Coast store brand gun in .222. Butt ugly blond wood stock, no scope or mount, but mine did come with a magazine. Turned out to be a pretty good shooter. Doesn't like factory ammo, and doesn't like to get hot, but with a handload that it likes it's just over an inch for five shots consistently.
The .222 is a dream to handload, just don't try to make it into a .223. Bullets in the 40 to 50 grain range, and charges usually about a grain less than max loads seem to make mine the happiest.
MatthewVanitas
Member
Bought the .222 for $195, with Weaver mounts and rings, and a dinged-up and unmarked 4x all-steel scope. The picture actually isn't bad through the scope; I was going to toss a 4X Weaver onto it, but maybe I'll just see how it shoots.
Then again, since I only paid $20 for my Weaver, am I just asking for aggravation in trying to use a no-name 4x scope to sight in loads? Maybe I'll just give it away free to a poor young friend to mess with.
In any case, now I need to go read up on cheap 100-200m plinking loads for the .222, and get some carbide dies. Any recommendations?
I understand that .222 was the dominant mid-range cartridge for years, so that sounds promising.
Then again, since I only paid $20 for my Weaver, am I just asking for aggravation in trying to use a no-name 4x scope to sight in loads? Maybe I'll just give it away free to a poor young friend to mess with.
In any case, now I need to go read up on cheap 100-200m plinking loads for the .222, and get some carbide dies. Any recommendations?
I understand that .222 was the dominant mid-range cartridge for years, so that sounds promising.
JR47
Member
I bought one in .222, with a side-mounted Weaver brass 4X scope, the one with external adjustments, a few years ago. I paid $140 for it. Found a half-dozen spare mags cheap when EBay was still hunting friendly. I've cleaned up the old girl, but left the scope attached. Added a leather 7/8" sling. Neat old gun.
I also bought another Savage from the same guy that is an older Model 23D, in .22 Hornet. Same scope set-up. Both of them are fun shooters. I found magazines for it on EBay back then, as well.
Both of them attract older shooters at the range (I'm 61, so older to me is ancient to a lot of you).
I also bought another Savage from the same guy that is an older Model 23D, in .22 Hornet. Same scope set-up. Both of them are fun shooters. I found magazines for it on EBay back then, as well.
Both of them attract older shooters at the range (I'm 61, so older to me is ancient to a lot of you).
Savage 340 in 30-30, my first rifle
Its good to find that there are some folks out there who still appreciate this fine old piece. Back in 1969, I received one for my 16th birthday. I still have this little gem. It is accurate and a fun shooter as it doesn't pound you when shooting.
My particular rifle is a 340C. The carbine version with a 20" barrel. Back then we didn't have the newer bullets for the 30-30 so we settled on 165 grain round nose bullets driven by 30.5 grains of IMR 3031 powder and a Remington 9-1/2 primer. Now, this is a little hot, so like they say in the magazines and reloading manuals, start with a 10% reduced load and work your way up. This loading has produced 5 shot MOA or less groups at 100 yards. Bear in mind that is is from a 20" tube.
My 340 was in a fire back in 1975 and the stock was damaged and the blueing rusted. Fortunately, the action and barrel we still sound so my Dad had the action and barrel polished and reblued to a high gloss. He found a new unfinished stock and finished it beautifully. Now, I have the prettiest $63.00 (The cost in 1969) rifle in the world. No bias here!
I see this question was posted a few years ago, so maybe all this is old news, but it has given me a chance to brag about my first rifle. For that I must thank you. Just in case you couldn't tell, yes I still love mine.
Savageman
Its good to find that there are some folks out there who still appreciate this fine old piece. Back in 1969, I received one for my 16th birthday. I still have this little gem. It is accurate and a fun shooter as it doesn't pound you when shooting.
My particular rifle is a 340C. The carbine version with a 20" barrel. Back then we didn't have the newer bullets for the 30-30 so we settled on 165 grain round nose bullets driven by 30.5 grains of IMR 3031 powder and a Remington 9-1/2 primer. Now, this is a little hot, so like they say in the magazines and reloading manuals, start with a 10% reduced load and work your way up. This loading has produced 5 shot MOA or less groups at 100 yards. Bear in mind that is is from a 20" tube.
My 340 was in a fire back in 1975 and the stock was damaged and the blueing rusted. Fortunately, the action and barrel we still sound so my Dad had the action and barrel polished and reblued to a high gloss. He found a new unfinished stock and finished it beautifully. Now, I have the prettiest $63.00 (The cost in 1969) rifle in the world. No bias here!
I see this question was posted a few years ago, so maybe all this is old news, but it has given me a chance to brag about my first rifle. For that I must thank you. Just in case you couldn't tell, yes I still love mine.
Savageman
Abel
Member
This rifle is on my pawn-shop radar. I am always looking for one in 30-30. Please post pictures of yours to prove its beauty.
Grayrock
Member
This is my new found deer rifle this year. I had put a 4 X scope on my .222 and recently got to shoot it. I was hitting the gong at 250 yards with it most of the time and hit 3 6"X6" plates in a row at 175 yards. Made me happy. Head shots on a doe should be cake.
My uncle gave me one in .30-30. It got shot enough to wear the ejector to the point that you sometimes had to pull spent brass out by hand. Otherwise it was a very nice shooter. Very accurate with the irons, and soft on the shoulder. I don't keep .30-30 around so I traded it to my dad for a sporterized SMLE that I keep saying I'm going to restore. He decided he prefers lever actions to bolts, and traded it back to my uncle for something else I believe. Funny how these things come back to you.
airedaleman
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2010
- Messages
- 153
Had a Model 325 Stevens - the 340's forerunner and the rifle that paved the way for Savage's "brotherhood of the barrel nut" - in 30-30. Paid $65.00 for it back in the mid 80's. For some reason, I never got around to shooting it. I did like the look of the butter-knife bolt handle. Shortly after I acquired the 30-30, I bought a new 340V in .225 Winchester. More on this later...
JR47
Member
I have a Model 340 in .222 Remington. I also have an older Model 23D in .22 Hornet. Both have been treated well over their lives, and are accurate little rifles. The Hornet chambered one has an old, brass Weaver scope, with external adjustments. I keep it on the rifle for nostalgia. Oddly, it's still pretty clear.
Hey everyone, first post here. Just picked up a .222 savage/springfield 840 today. has an old weaver mount and wears a tasco 6-24 varminter from a while back. I guess I have a few questions about this rifle. First, I'd like to use it for casual plinking/woodchuck hunting. It doesn't have sling studs so is there any way to mount a sling and bipod on this without damaging the rifle? Also, the trigger is very heavy. Is there an easy way to adjust this and does anyone even make an aftermarket trigger for these? Thanks
Abel
Member
Start a whole new thread & ask. This thread's as old as dirt.
Grayrock
Member
What is accomplished by starting a new thread? What is wrong with reading an old thread? Why does everyone say "Use the SEARCH feature" when someone asks a common question?
Vern Humphrey
Member
First of all, there are two ways to attach a sling -- the simplest is simply to knot a strap around the stock. That doesn't require any alteration to the stock.
The second way is to drill the stock for screw-in studs -- you can buy a set at Wal Mart. You simply drill the buttstock along the bottom edge (being careful always to center the hole from side to side.) For the forearm, you remove the rifle from the stock drill the hole from the outside, and countersink from the inside -- there is a nut that fits in the countersink.
Generally speaking, a trigger job is best left to a gunsmith. But if you are confident that you can disassemble the trigger and properly reassemble it, you can thoroughly clean the parts, polish the non-working side surfaces (which add a lot of drag), lubricate it with special trigger lube (from Brownell's, Inc.) and replace the springs with Wolff Gunsprings.
The second way is to drill the stock for screw-in studs -- you can buy a set at Wal Mart. You simply drill the buttstock along the bottom edge (being careful always to center the hole from side to side.) For the forearm, you remove the rifle from the stock drill the hole from the outside, and countersink from the inside -- there is a nut that fits in the countersink.
Generally speaking, a trigger job is best left to a gunsmith. But if you are confident that you can disassemble the trigger and properly reassemble it, you can thoroughly clean the parts, polish the non-working side surfaces (which add a lot of drag), lubricate it with special trigger lube (from Brownell's, Inc.) and replace the springs with Wolff Gunsprings.
Grayrock
Member
My .222 has a rough trigger, too. I was led to believe that these were not able to be adjusted.
Vern Humphrey
Member
Any trigger can be adjusted -- if you know what you're doing. Essentially, trigger adjustment consists of four steps:
1. Disassembly, cleaning and lubricating.
2. Polishing non-working surfaces.
3. Altering depth and angle of engagement. *
4. Changing springs.
* Best left to a gunsmith.
1. Disassembly, cleaning and lubricating.
2. Polishing non-working surfaces.
3. Altering depth and angle of engagement. *
4. Changing springs.
* Best left to a gunsmith.
Palehorseman
Member
- Joined
- Feb 28, 2009
- Messages
- 736
I have a Stevens 325C 30-30 I picked up couple years ago for 200 bucks. Love it and sure brought back memories, took my first deer with my brother-in-law's near Hollister CA back in the 1950s.
The 325's were only made for a couple years back in the late 1940s, in 30-30 only, I don't think they were ever D&T for a scope, but were for a receiver sight. Pic was taken before I put a Williams FP-340 receiver sight on it, what a difference for accuracy that made. I shoot only cast in it with the Lyman 311466 and 311291 and is a tack driver with them.
One thing to always remember, these 300 series rifles only have one locking lug, so "HOT" is "NOT" to be attempted, for the action is no stronger than a 94 lever gun.
Considerable info on the rifles here:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...s+325+and+savage+340&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
The 325's were only made for a couple years back in the late 1940s, in 30-30 only, I don't think they were ever D&T for a scope, but were for a receiver sight. Pic was taken before I put a Williams FP-340 receiver sight on it, what a difference for accuracy that made. I shoot only cast in it with the Lyman 311466 and 311291 and is a tack driver with them.
One thing to always remember, these 300 series rifles only have one locking lug, so "HOT" is "NOT" to be attempted, for the action is no stronger than a 94 lever gun.
Considerable info on the rifles here:
http://webcache.googleusercontent.c...s+325+and+savage+340&cd=1&hl=en&ct=clnk&gl=us
mcdonl
Member
I just picked up a "sears" version for $189 at Cabelas in 30/30.... it is a little rough but my 14 year old daughter will LOVE IT!! So will I.
airedaleman
Member
- Joined
- Mar 10, 2010
- Messages
- 153
As I mentioned above, I've had a Stevens 325 and a Savage 340V (the .225 Winchester). I bought the 340V new back in the mid 80's just around the time Savage ceased production of the 340. I never really felt comfortable shooting factory ammunition in that rifle, as I thought Savage was pushing the limits of that single locking lug design in this chambering. (The bolt handle DOES serve as an auxiliary locking lug, but it's nothing to bank on...) Also, at the time there was some talk of erratic pressure spiking in factory ammunition.
I put a Simmons 10X scope - which I had picked up from Simmons at the first SHOT Show in St. Louis back in 1979 - on it and hand loaded at milder levels.
The rifle shot well and I killed a number of woodchucks with it. It was a dead-on 250 yard gun. Sold it to finance something else. (I guess - memory is failing me.)
Fast forward to earlier this year, when I checked a pawn shop a couple of counties over. As soon as I walked in the shop, I spotted the distinctive
recessed magazine well of a 340, and was delighted to find it was a .222 Remington . It carried a Chinese Tasco 3X9X40 scope in a high Weaver side mount and a price tag of $229. I walked out the door with it for $212.50.
Rifle is a 340B, made in 1953. I found a Weaver K10 at a Richmond gun show for 40 bucks (!) and got rid of the Tasco. I'm as happy as an old chuck hunter could be.
I came to be a great fan of the .222 just about the time the .223 took off. I had back in the 70's a couple of Remington 722's in .222 and later a 788.
I kind of had to start over again with this 340, but after some digging, got dies, brass, and ammunition started to rain on me. (Oldest, bestest friend from New Hampshire showed up at our 50th wedding anniversary party with seven boxes of old Winchester and Remington cartridges!)
I"ve had it out several times now, and it shoots 100-yard 5-shot one inch
groups all day long with virtually every thing it's fed...
I find rather a sad commentary on the state of firearms manufacture today when a 57-year economy model rifle's fit, finish and performance put to shame the "latest and best" shilled by virtually every gun writer these days.
This 340 has real blueing, proper polishing, and a walnut stock. It was a simple design to inlet into that walnut stock, granted, but the fact remains that there are no gaps, and the trigger is centered in both stock and guard.
I think I may try to find a .30-30 too, to make up for that Stevens that I never got around to shooting.
I put a Simmons 10X scope - which I had picked up from Simmons at the first SHOT Show in St. Louis back in 1979 - on it and hand loaded at milder levels.
The rifle shot well and I killed a number of woodchucks with it. It was a dead-on 250 yard gun. Sold it to finance something else. (I guess - memory is failing me.)
Fast forward to earlier this year, when I checked a pawn shop a couple of counties over. As soon as I walked in the shop, I spotted the distinctive
recessed magazine well of a 340, and was delighted to find it was a .222 Remington . It carried a Chinese Tasco 3X9X40 scope in a high Weaver side mount and a price tag of $229. I walked out the door with it for $212.50.
Rifle is a 340B, made in 1953. I found a Weaver K10 at a Richmond gun show for 40 bucks (!) and got rid of the Tasco. I'm as happy as an old chuck hunter could be.
I came to be a great fan of the .222 just about the time the .223 took off. I had back in the 70's a couple of Remington 722's in .222 and later a 788.
I kind of had to start over again with this 340, but after some digging, got dies, brass, and ammunition started to rain on me. (Oldest, bestest friend from New Hampshire showed up at our 50th wedding anniversary party with seven boxes of old Winchester and Remington cartridges!)
I"ve had it out several times now, and it shoots 100-yard 5-shot one inch
groups all day long with virtually every thing it's fed...
I find rather a sad commentary on the state of firearms manufacture today when a 57-year economy model rifle's fit, finish and performance put to shame the "latest and best" shilled by virtually every gun writer these days.
This 340 has real blueing, proper polishing, and a walnut stock. It was a simple design to inlet into that walnut stock, granted, but the fact remains that there are no gaps, and the trigger is centered in both stock and guard.
I think I may try to find a .30-30 too, to make up for that Stevens that I never got around to shooting.
Got 2...one in .30-30 one in .225 which is unfortunately screwed unless we can somehow find another barrel or cough up the money to have one made.
My dad has killed plenty of deer with the first and he and I have killed plenty of groundhogs with the second.
My dad has killed plenty of deer with the first and he and I have killed plenty of groundhogs with the second.
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