opinions re: Savage 340E & 340D

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Hi. I've been looking at a couple of Savages (340E & D) chambered in .222, for the purpose of hunting coyotes. Does anyone have an opinion on these rifles? Any thoughts on what they are worth? Differences between the E & D (I can't see any)? Thanks for any input!
 
An old "Consumer Guide" from 1972 basically describes the Savage 340 in .30-30 and .222 Remington as budget rifles along the lines of the Remington 788. The Savage sold for $89.95 US while the 788 was $104.95. By further comparison, a Savage 110 sold for $149.99 and a Winchester 94 was $99.95. IIRC, the 340 was also made at some point in .22 Hornet, which would be a rather attractive rifle for my purposes.

As the Remington 788 has shown, being an economy rifle doesn't necessarily mean that it's not functionable or accurate. I haven't had any experience with the Savage and cannot speak to it, and am sure that I wouldn't want a .30-30 bolt gun. I could imagine that the .222 model might have been a popular pick for farmers in your area back when they were in production, essentially as a handy and inexpensive pest control rifle. If the price is right (i.e. should be less than a Stevens 200 and probably about that of an older, used Winchester 94), I'd consider one.

I'm also curious about what others who've owned one of these would say about it.

With Regards,

Frank
 
I've had two in 30-30. They shot ok but they're clumsy feeling and difficult to scope properly. A Rem 788 is in a completely different ball park, a much better rifle, the Stevens 200 better still. I wouldn't buy another Savage 340.
 
I have a Stevens 325B in 30-30 which is the same rifle. It's accurate and reliable. I replaced the main spring and front sight. It actually feeds empty cartridges from the single stack magazine into the chamber. Never seen any rifle do that before.

The big advantage is it cost me 150.00. For that price it's a tremendous rifle. As the price goes up it's utility goes down. IMO.
 
Thanks for the responses. Both rifles are in the $350.00 range. One has a crappy 4X scope that would need to be replaced, the other has a "homemade" serial # poorly engraved on the barrel. My interest was in the first one, but I'm thinking I'll pass. Thanks for helping out a varmint gun newbie.
 
Why not? said:
Smart move! Now, get a Stevens 200 in 223 for the same money, and be far ahead in every way.

Ted
Click to expand...

I'm with Ted.

350.00 is way too much for any 340, and the two you describe are at the lower end of the scale. I paid 150.00 for my unfired 340E in .22 Hornet about 10 years ago, and I think I could sell it for about that today. Maybe. It's seen plenty of rounds since, but is in the same condition as when I got it.

Around here, there seem to be many 340's in 30-30. They sell for very cheap prices....anywhere from 125.00-175.00. If they are more than that they sit on the shelf.

If you are budgeted for 300.00-400.00, get a Stevens 200 in .223, or if your in a vintage mood, look for a Rem 788. Plenty of both on the EE in the past few weeks.
 
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Savage 340s are usually accurate, but anything over $200 for a pristine, mint, never been fired is just too much money.
Both the 340s I have had were extremely accurate but they were also very bulky.
Get a Stevens 200 in .223....
 
Thanks for your input everybody!! I've been calling the local shops and checking the 'net for Stevens 200's. New ones go for anywhere from $339.00 for a bare one one $545.00 for a camo one with a 3-9 X 40 scope. I will be checking the shops around here and on-line to find a reasonably priced new or used one. Thanks again everybody, I really appreciate it.
 
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