Vintage Savage 340B in Rem .222 - Thoughts?

Grumpah said:

Hey Guys and Gals, I'm picking up an old Savage 340B in .222 very soon. I had one when I was a kid, now I'm an antique and want it simply because it brings back fond memories. I'll plink with it and maybe do a little varmint hunting. It's quite a homely rifle but with a little love it'll be restored. It's definitley a shooter, nothing wrong with it per se except asthetics.

That said, I see Boyds Stocks makes replacement wood for the 340E. My question is....will it fit properly? Getting answers from Boyd's is like hitting the lotto. I really don't know the differences between the 340, B,C,D and E My guess is that there was barrel length changes and action upgrades over the life of the 340. Any input if the stock will fit would be appreciated.

Also, what has been some of your experiences with the ole .222 caliber? Thanks, all.

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I finally got a 222 in a 788 rem. Beautiful rifle, it was made in 1974, actually groups better than any other rifle I own and I've got several factory rifles and a couple of semi customs. I'm running factory 50 gr vmax. With 1/4 moa accuracy. I'm sure the savage is probably just as accurate.

Grumpah said:

I don't have the rifle yet. Supposed to look it over this week but before I buy, I intend to look it over well, tool kit will go with me.... lol. BTW I answered my own question about stock fitment throughout the series. The 340E stock is NOT replaceable to the B,C and D models, however the B,C and D stocks will interchange.

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I would like to hear how yours shoots if you do buy it. I have one I got on another purchase. A two for one. I wanted the Rem 870 in 410 & the Savage 340 in 222 Rem came with it. I have yet to shoot it after 10 years. lol It's better than 95% condition IMO. My older brother had one he said he regretted selling. After your inquiry I may have to change the scope out & give it a go. The scope mount is the only issue I have with the rifle. Side mount. But from what I gathered this was the way then. It has a BSA scope on it.

Frank in the Laurels said:

it's a shame these young whipersnappers have never even heard of it..

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Not really.

What's old is now new and what's new is even more new. Folks get all worked up about the heavily advertised new cartridges and rifles. Occasionally, something like the .222 Remington makes a comeback through these forum threads and generate more excitement and memories. It was simply over shadowed by the point blank range shooters who embraced the PPC. That doesn't make it a bad cartridge. I still build several rifles every year with .222 Rem chambers.

What's even more fun are the wildcat cartridges using the .222 or .222 Magnum brass. 6x45 or x47 and the .25 Copperhead are just three.

Enjoy the fact that we have the opportunity to reflect and remember these cartridges and maybe generate some interest by the younger folks.