Local Combo Gun Prices

[wecole]

Went cruising the local pawn and guns shops.  I was hoping to find a Savage 24 in 30-30 or some other combo gun in a deer caliber.  I am looking for something in the sub-$500 range.

One place had a Savage 24 in some .22 magnum caliber (I forget which one) over 12 gauge for $650.  It seemed way over priced.  They also had a Tikka in .222 Remington over 12-70 (12 gauge, 2.75") with an old Leupold 4x for $1075.  That  seemed like a good deal for someone with a fat wallet.  I couldn't hunt deer with either of them here in Virginia, so I drove on.

The second place had a Remington/Baikal in .22 LR over .410.  I forget the price, but it looked pretty and was very light. 

The last place had a Zoli (clone of a Valmet 412) in 12 gauge over 6.5mm Swede for $875.  It was beautifully engraved and in pretty good condition; not perfect but pretty good.  Nice engraving and double triggers.  It also had a scope mount with a cheap Bushnell scope.  I would throw away the scope, but the mount is supposed to be worth over hundred dollars by itself.  I was tempted by that gun, but I just can't justify spending that much on another gun right now.

What are the prices in your neck of the woods?

[dougk]

What calibers does the Savage 24 come in??

You should look online the auction sites which have several combo guns for sale.

I went with the Valmet after having a Baikal 12/30-06.  That Baikal was very accurate, but a 12/223 was not regulated correctly.  The Baikals basically can not be regulated for windage.

The Tikka price was high.

[wecole]

The Savage came in a variety of caliber combinations over the years.  The following list is from the good folks at Beartooth Bullets:

.22LR/.410
.22LR/20 Gauge
.22WMR/20 Gauge
.22 Hornet/20 Gauge
.222 Rem/20 Gauge
.223 Rem/20 Gauge
.30-30/20 Gauge
.357 Mag/20 Gauge
.22 Hornet/12 Gauge
.222 Rem/12 Gauge
.223 Rem/12 Gauge
.30-30/12 Gauge

I was (am) looking for a reasonably priced .30-30/20 or .30-30/12.  New, the Savage was going for ~$700 MSRP.  You used to be able to find nice used guns for the $450 range.  Savage discontinued the model 24 this year, and prices for the used guns are going up.

The Savage is also not adjustable for windage.  It has a reputation as a rugged meat gun.  It is not pretty like the European combo guns or drillings.  It is also not as expensive.

[dougk]

thanks for the info on the Savage.

Given your price range you should also look for a Baikal I would suggest 12/30-06, they are hard to find.

You should not rule out the Valmet, possibly you could find a good deal on one.

[wecole]

Apparently Savage also made the model 24 in .17 HMR/20 and .17 HMR/12

There were probably a few other variants over the years.  I have seen several of the small bores and a .357 on Gunbroker.  I haven't seen any .30-30s.  I haven't seen any Baikals either.  I'll keep my eyes peeled.

There is also a gunshow nearby next weekend...