Pre 1946 Savage model 220 single shot 20 ga - looking for info!

I just acquired an older Savage model 220 20ga in good condition. Nice wood, shiny bore. According to what I have read online, it may have been made before 1946 as it has "Ithaca, NY" stamped on the barrel.

On the left side of the barrel it reads: Savage Arms Corporation, Utica NY USA, Model 220
On the right side of the barrel it reads: Proof tested 20 Gauge, 2 3/4 chamber
There is no butt plate but "PA 36" is stamped into the wood.

Here are some photos:

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[img width=600 height=319]http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jrvXhn8lAs4/TSpO3967VsI/AAAAAAAABEs/69S8E70dvVc/s912/IMG_0026.JPG[/img]

[img width=600 height=440]http://lh3.ggpht.com/_jrvXhn8lAs4/TSkaDrer6NI/AAAAAAAABD4/jU1Tz9TMwTg/s640/IMG_0013.JPG[/img]

Continued...

I am not a paid Savage Shooter forum member (yet), so if you want to contact me off-forum, email me at: knochp@yahoo.com

Questions I have:

1. What year was this gun made or how can I find out?

2. Does this gun have a choke and if so what kind?

3. Can I shoot slugs through this gun?

Or any other information you can provide. Thanks in advance!

It is a parts gun. ithica and utica were 2 different times and places they were made. you can interchange barrels as long as they lock up tight.

Sure it doesn't say "Utica" on the barrel and not Ithica?

Will have been made sometime between 1937 and 1946, no serial numbers on them when they were made in Utica so can't narrow it down more than that.

Full choke so I wouldn't recommend throwing slugs through it.

Yes, my mistake. It says "Utica, NY" on the barrel.

Mad Dog, thanks for the info. I was actually referred here specifically by someone who reccommended you as an expert on these Savage shotguns.

So, full choke? I am new to shotguns so can you explain why you wouldn't shoot slugs through this gun?

As you can see, there is a slip on recoil pad. The butt plate is missing. Any recommendations on either 1) replacing the butt plate or 2) installing a fitted recoil pad?

I have only had this gun 2 days but I really, really like it. I was originally intent on purchasing a new H&R Pardner in 20ga but this gun found me first.

full choke puts a squeeze on the slugs

I did a little searching online and its interesting to see the range of views on this issue. Everything from "slugs are fine" to "its fine but not accurate" to "you'll blow your face off".

Being able to shoot slugs through this would be GREAT and just add to the functionality of the gun. But I don't want to blow my face off.

I don't think you'd "blow your face off" but it will wear your choke out alot faster than if you just fired shot from it.

As for the recoil pad, is there still screw holes there or has it been cut? Replacing a buttplate on that should be easy enough. Look for Stevens 94 buttplates as well, they should fit to.

I think the screw holes are still there.

Any recommendations on what kind of shells to use?

You should be able to find a butt plate from Numrich. They are on the internet. The number and letter(s) you see stamped on the butt should also be stamped inside the action, under the barrel near the locking lug, and possible inside the forearm. I believe them to be assembly numbers. These are really great guns!

I guess I am unclear. Is there any point to purchasing a replacement buttplate if I want to install a recoil pad?
Thanks for the tip on Numrich! Cool site.

I guess it's all up to the owner and his personal wishes. By the sounds of it you would rather cut the buttstock and have a recoil pad installed thus making it not original anymore and turn it from a $200 gun to a $75 gun, correct?

Does a 20 ga really kick that hard? I know I can shoot my 410 with one hand but my 20 ga is a Savage 430 O/U so it's kinda heavy to do that with.

Ok, I just wasn't following the reasoning but I understand now. Thanks for your explanation. I'll order the buttplate and just keep using this slip on recoil pad.

No, the recoil is very manageable. I haven't shot anything stiffer than #6 through it.

Do you think it would be possible to hunt deer with this rifle and if so, what kind of shells would you recommend? My budget is limited so I was hoping this gun could serve multiple purposes.

Oh thats right, you wanna shoot slugs out of it. In that case the recoil pad might be your best bet, they've got alot more kick than bird shot.

Any rifled slug should be alright to use but after you wear out the choke shooting slugs it won't have the tightest pattern when you dust a bird or rabbit.

Also, I'd try to find an old Lyman peep sight that were made for the 220's it will make it a more accurate gun for slugs.

Do you live in a slug gun only state for deer? If not you might wanna start looking for a Savage 219 barrel in 30-30, they were interchangeable and you could have a 2 barrel set without buggering up your 20 ga barrel.

MadDog, thanks for your patience and informative answers. Truly appreciated.

Its not my intention to shoot slugs through the gun regularly. I'd just like that option if I were to ever need to. I don't live in a slug gun only state but I live with with a LIMITED budget.

After reading your last post, I'm going to stick with the slip on recoil pad rather than a fitted recoil pad to retain the original look of the gun.

I was looking on Numrich at the various barrels. Looks like you can pick them up for $65-95. Does a gunsmith need to switch out the barrels?

Nope, just pop the forearm off, open the breech and take off the shotgun barrel then put the 30-30 barrel on and pop the forearm back on, easy as that.

Make sure it mates well enough to the receiver though. If it doesn't you might have to have a smith fit it but it will be a one time thing.

Is "forearm" the same term as the "forend"? The forend on this gun screws in.

All the 219 barrels on Numrich are "out of stock". All of the 220 barrels are out of stock as well except: Barrel, 20 Ga., 20'', Cylinder Bore

Any other suggestions of where these barrels are sold?

Forend/forearm same thing - gunbroker.com etc. and gun shows are about the only places you will find replacement barrels and they usually command a price that will put you into a used NEF handi-rifle if you are looking for a cheap single shot in 30-30.

Eric, yeah I saw that. But buying a 2nd barrel isnt the SAME as getting a new gun? right?

So I tried to take the barrel off my Savage 220 but it wasn't as easy as it sounds. So... I left it on there. I don't trust my mechanical skills enough to be pulling and pushing very hard.

Tomorrow I am taking it to the gun shop to see if I can get the bore measured.

The fellow at the gun shop measured the bore and said its "slightly larger than modified". Would that make it cylinder bore?

Some place between modified and improved cylinder probably.

Ok. But safe for slugs and buckshot?

Stevens 94s could also be a donor for barrels.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by picb

Is "forearm" the same term as the "forend"? The forend on this gun screws in.

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there is a screw in them, but is should come off with out removing the screw. you pull down on the tip. there is a spring loaded mechanism held to the wood by the screw you see.
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=211384211

http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=210019900
http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/Vie...Item=211218440

stevens 94 and savage 24 butt stocks also fit.

Ok, good to know. This is my first and only shotgun and I am pretty happy to have it. I was intending to buy an H&R Pardner when this gun came my way.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blue Avenger

Stevens 94s could also be a donor for barrels.

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I'm wondering if thats maybe what it originally was and someone put a Savage 220 barrel on it.

220's should just pop on, not screw on like a Stevens 94.

Actually, if the bore is "slightly larger than modified" it would fall between modified and improved modified not improved cyl. Still pretty tight for slugs.
Charlie

94s all had snap on forends.

Mad Dog, you may be right. The only marking on the stock is "PA 36" stamped on the end of the butt. If that is the case, its not a $200 gun now, correct? Not that I plan to sell it.

The buttplate I ordered from Numrich was for the Savage 220. Will it fit?

they were all hand fitted. may be a shade larger or smaller

Ok, thanks! Its already ordered so we'll just have to see.

Any concerns shooting 000 or 00 buck out of this gun?