Savage Sporter 23D

[Sandgroper]

Well I picked up my new 'old' rifle today. It's a Savage Sporter Model 23D in 22 Hornet. According to the information I've found approximately 15 000 were made between 1932 and 1947. Production actually stopped in 1942 and then resumed in 1945/46 from stock already produced up to 1942.

As can be seen it's nothing special, but it has a nice solid feel to it. From what I've researched, the plain stock indicates that it could be a 1930's build. The bore is shiny and looks good considering it's age. Rifling (should be 1 in 16) looks a bit worn and is reminiscent of my Destroyer, but it's an old rifle and I'm confident it will shoot well once I find what it likes - the seller recommended 35gn accutip bullets. Also, it's cock on closing which I like.

Lots of different aspects attracted me to this rifle but what got me really interested was the way it's been made. The receiver and barrel are made from a single piece of metal, which I've never seen before.

The downside is that the original sights are missing, the bolt has been ground to accommodate a scope and it's been drilled and tapped for a scope. All of this is regrettable but it's a cheap rifle that should be fun to shoot in the field and on the range.

Hopefully, some better pictures after I've had a chance to give a good clean.

[Sandgroper]

Regarding the rifling - a good clean with C2R has resulted the rifling coming up a treat. It's a bit on the shallow side but well defined, actually my Destroyer carbine has shallower rifling and it stills shoots well enough for me!

Just need to get sorted with scope/rings and then I can see what it's capable off.

[dromia]

Fine rifle Grant, in a fine calibre.

.22 rifling can look a bit on the shallow side anyway.

I love my Slazenger 22 Hornet rifle.

[Sandgroper]

Thanks Adam. Any tips for reloading for the Hornet?

[dromia]

It can be a fiddly fecker, with thin case necks so watch for alignment when sizing, expanding and seating.

I use Alliant 2400 mainly just because that was the original powder developed for the Hornet.

I use a 37 gn cast boolit gas checked and plain bases, the old Hornet rifles tend to have a slow twist so light boolits do best. Casting these small boolits is an interesting occupation. Being so small there is no room for any error and QC is essential, the also need to be cast hot to keep the mould up to temperature.

I love the Hornet though.

[Blu]

Hey Grant these are great little rifles, I know this because my father in law who is now in his 80's (and still shoots) was given one of these as a birthday present when he was a young boy. He never parted with it and claims it is still the best coyote killing rifle he has ever had. His still has the original sights on it, never been scoped and it is very accurate, he's dropped a lot of coyotes with it. Have fun shooting it mate.

Blu

[Sandgroper]

It can be a fiddly fecker, with thin case necks so watch for alignment when sizing, expanding and seating.

I use Alliant 2400 mainly just because that was the original powder developed for the Hornet.

I use a 37 gn cast boolit gas checked and plain bases, the old Hornet rifles tend to have a slow twist so light boolits do best. Casting these small boolits is an interesting occupation. Being so small there is no room for any error and QC is essential, the also need to be cast hot to keep the mould up to temperature.

I love the Hornet though.

I'd heard that about the Hornet, it's partly what attracted me to the round - I must be mad! I'll be using factory initially then go on to loading my own. I have most of a tub of lil'gun so hopefully I'll find a load it likes.

Casting my own boolits for Hornet is something for the future.

[Sandgroper]

Hey Grant these are great little rifles, I know this because my father in law who is now in his 80's (and still shoots) was given one of these as a birthday present when he was a young boy. He never parted with it and claims it is still the best coyote killing rifle he has ever had. His still has the original sights on it, never been scoped and it is very accurate, he's dropped a lot of coyotes with it. Have fun shooting it mate.

Blu

Cheers Blu, I intend too although my son is eyeing if off and I'm sure my wife will claim it as well!

Numrich has sights for this rifle and I'm thinking of getting replacement ones just have to wait and see. Nice to know your father in law has one and thinks so highly of it. :goodjob:

[eljay]

got one in .32-20, marked savage sporter, no model designation, no rear sight, but has a lyman SS peep fitted, accurate as, great bit of kit. protect the magazine with your life, they aint making them anymore!

[ovenpaa]

What are you loading the .32-20 with and are you managing to find cases OK for it?