OT Savage sporter in 25-20 (model 23B)

[iceman]

Has anybody ever had or used one of these? I have a chance on one for $160. I will need more photos before I decide, but it sounds like a 75% -85% rifle. It sounds like a fun little bolt gun but I'm not sure yet.

[2ndovc]

Great little rifles!

That's a steal!

jb

[Wind]

Iceman - I had a 23A in .22 Long Rifle. Great rifle and it was at least as accurate as my Anschutz. After fifty five years of owning it, I sent down the road to a family with some young shooters recently. Good price and good cartridge by the way. Best regards. Wind

[jlchucker]

Way back when I was in grade school, my father came home from work with one of these, used but well-kept, won in a raffle. Dad said it was the only raffle he ever won. Me and my 3 brothers all hunted deer with it--of course this was before the gunrag writers were all saying that the only way you could kill deer was with a zippydo shortymag whizbanger. I never got a shot at a deer when I carried it, but my brother Jim got 4. Only once did he have to take a second shot. You're getting a great rifle at a real bargain price. Get some dies and a mold, though. Those little shells come 50 to a box, and they're not cheap as factory loads. You'll like this rifle. Don't pass this one up.

[JerryB]

Many years ago in south Florida my brother had one just like it.That little 25-20 killed deer, hogs, and tirkey as slick as anything. It didn't seem to bother his horse either.

[AJMD429]

Has anybody ever had or used one of these? I have a chance on one for $160. I will need more photos before I decide, but it sounds like a 75% -85% rifle. It sounds like a fun little bolt gun but I'm not sure yet.

I don't have any experience with Savage's other than their newest bolt-guns, but for $160, I'd buy it in a minute, unless it was in bad shape.

As far as the .25-20, I sort of equate it with the .22 Hornet only maybe a step up. It's "big brother" the .32-20 is sure a nice cartridge, especially in a modern-steel gun, so in the modern-steel Savage, I'd expect the .25-20 to be a nice easy-shooting and accurate round. Not a ".25 WSSM" but just right for most stuff.

[gordylew]

I recently picked up one for $100 but ended up with over $200 in it after replacing missing parts. I have not got around to shooting it but did find one box of shells. neat little guns for sure, I would like to find one in .22 Hornet,.

[Sixgun]

They are ugly guns but..............they shoot . I've shot 'em but never did own one. $160 is a nice snag price. Just make sure the magazine is in the rifle as many of these guns are missing them. Replacements in 25-20 are very hard to find.

Also, make sure the bore is nice as 25-20's with nasty bores don't shoot well.-----------Sixgun

[iceman]

Thanks for the info guys. I have asked the owner for some better photos and what condition the bore is in already. I am waiting for his answer. It is sort of too far to drive to to check (3hours each way) so I am relying on his honesty and photos. Thanks again and keep the comments coming about this rifle.

[jlchucker]

They are ugly guns but..............they shoot . I've shot 'em but never did own one. $160 is a nice snag price. Just make sure the magazine is in the rifle as many of these guns are missing them. Replacements in 25-20 are very hard to find.

Also, make sure the bore is nice as 25-20's with nasty bores don't shoot well.-----------Sixgun

Speaking of magazines, I once picked up a spare for Dad's old rifle. The magazines for these Savages are clearly stamped "25-20 or 32-20".
Another point is that the barrel and action on the Savage 23B's are all one piece, so if you find that the barrel is a bad one, your only choice would be to get a competent gunsmith to reline it. This can be done but may be a little pricey--mabe worth it if you like a pleasant little shooter.

[iceman]

I was too slow, it has sold. I really only wanted a winter project to clean up and resell, so I guess I'll keep looking.