Savage Model 19

[Loki_762]

I have been considering for quite a while purchasing a Hornet rifle, and I read in a recent thread about the Savage model 19 in .22 Hornet. From what I have read, it sounds like a dandy rifle, and it sounds like it is in my price range (cheap!) However, it sounds like they are older rifles, and I have heard that Hornet rifles built before 1960 had a .223 bore diameter, while the ones built after have a .224 bore diameter. From what I understand, these model 19s are pre '60 guns, and therefore have the tighter bore. Can I still use the .224 bullets? I was thinking something along the lines of a Calhoon 30 or 37 grain load. Also, would this gun lend itself well to being made into a K-Hornet? Oh, one more thing - I have a .17 HMR, and it will kill ground squirrels beautifully, which is what I would use the Hornet for. Do I need a Hornet for longer shots (100yds plus), or am I good with the .17?
Thanks for your replies,
Loki

[skeet]

Have had a couple of the 219's in 22 Hornet and both measured .224. The problem is finding a decent scope mount for a 1 inch scope. They were ready for a Weaver N(side) 22 scope mount. Friend has my last one and he is trying to find all the different caliber bbls made for the darn thing. You could have the bbl drilled and tapped for scope mounts i guess. BTW both of them shot pretty fair groups..not spectacular but pretty fair.

[Catfish]

I would think that the .17 HMR would be good for ground squirrels at any range that you could hit them. The .22 Hornet would definately shoot flatter, but if your looking for a cheap one I would recomand getting a newer NEF or H&R than a Model 19. As for going to the K-Hornet, I woulsd recomand getting a .222 or a .223 instead. Eather would give you more range and both a factory rounds. While they use alittle more powder than the K-Hornet, the extra range of eather is more than worth it. I thin that the .222 will have an accuracy advantage, but the .223 has a range advantage, both being small.

[BILLY D.]

LOKI

I'M NOT TRYING TO BURST YOUR BALLOON BUT IF IT WERE ME I WOULD LOOK AT A NEW SAVAGE MODEL 40 IN THE HORNET. HAS ACCUTRIGGER AND SAVAGE RIFLES OUT OF THE BOX THESE DAYS ARE ACCURATE.

I HAVEN'T CHECKED THE PRICE BUT IN MY AREA SAVAGES ARE LOWER IN PRICE TO COMPARABLE WINCHESTERS AND REMINGTONS. I DON'T LIKE THE WORD CHEAP, I LIKE THE WORD FRUGAL. IT SOUNDS MUCH MORE REFINED. I'M "CHEAP" TOO AND I LIKE GETTING MY MONEYS WORTH. I THINK THE SAVAGE IS IT.

GOOD LUCK WITH WHATEVER YOU CHOOSE.

[Cossack]

Both are essentially 200 yrd guns for ground squrrels ( I shoot both). If you're looking for more accuracy and reach consider the 204. Going K Hornet won't increase your range much. It will keep the cases from stretching as much and (may) affect accuracy a bit. But the slight powder increase won't amount to more than 100 fps. increase, which you can do by using light bullets.
I agree with Billy, the Model 40 looks like a real winner albeit it's a single shot.

[SavageShooters]

The Savage Model 19H was only offered from 1933 to 1940. The Savage Model 23 shared the same action as the Model 19, and were made from 1923 thru 1946. As such, both will have the smaller bore diameter.