Savage model 24 with shortened barrel

So if it's from the 60's, it's probably 22 LR/.410, right? Barrels are brazed, not banded?

Well, the cut probably caused a loss of value, so you should be getting it for a good price. Doesn't mean you shouldn't buy it, though.

On the 22 barrel: although longer barrels usually mean more velocity, sometimes better accuracy, it's a little know fact that after 18.4", standard .22 LR bullets begin to slow down in the barrel, and that those shorter barrels provide more velocity. Target ammo slows even more, hyper-velocity not quite as much. It has to do with friction overcoming the comparatively anemic powder/bullet weight formula of the .22 LR.

The cut may not necessarily provide better accuracy, but doesn't mean it's less accurate either....you'll have to test it. I'm curious what kind of a front sight it now enjoys.

Assuming it's a .410 shotgun barrel, the cut will have removed any choke. My vintage '58 Mdl 24 has a choke that gradually starts about 4" from the end of its 24" barrel, and then in the last 1.5" narrows all the way down to .37".

That shortened barrel could provide some versatility not enjoyed by the vintage, highly-choked shotgun barrels. In a long, boring treatise (read it here *), I opined why the plethora of .410 slugs, disc and/or hard shot loads, being produced for Taurus Judge, S&W Governor and various non-choked .410 semi-auto rifles, are probably not well suited for vintage .410 fixed-choke shotguns. **

Since the shortened barrels obliterated those chokes, that's not a concern with that firearm. One can probably shoot almost any combination load out there, still cautiously keeping in mind that the various combo .410/45 Colt revolvers do have larger bores, right? (.45" vs. .41").

I'd guess also that regular shot charges, because of the lack of choke, will disburse into the next 3 counties within 5 feet of the muzzle. So be prepared for that too..... (at least you won't have to purchase/build spreader loads....)

So, of course, whether to buy it or not depends on how much the price is reduced from a non-altered Mdl 24, and the quality of the gunsmithing work.

FWIW, I measured 6" back on my 22/410, and the shortened barrels probably wouldn't mess up the appearance much.

Let us know what you do!


*http://savage24forum.boards.net/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=49

**I haven't bothered doing the same research on my 20 gauge Mdl 24, since no one is (as yet) producing ammo for a 60 caliber/20 gauge combo revolver.... they'll call it (The Emperor maybe?