Savage24/chiappa/baikal/Stevens 22/410

[bcnorth]

So as I live in the middle of nowhere I am unable to handle each to decide which is "better"
I like wood over plastic and am a fan of good construction. So my question (to someone who has actually handled most or all of these) is...
Which would be the best investment to pass on to a young hunter? I'm not against going to a larger shotgun as I reloading but I feel the 22lr is a must for starting them off with inexpensive ammunition.

Thanks in advance folks.
Aaron

 

[kamlooky]

Port numero uno................................

 

[brybenn]

I prefer the baikal the most. It's slightly heavier overall but built soild

 

[MooseMann]

Baikal, IMHO. You will not be disappointed.

 

[dand883]

I've only handled one Baikal, and it was of the 410/22 variety, but it felt nice in the hand. Wasn't mine so I never got to shoot it or anything, but I liked it.

The savage 24's came in all shapes, sizes and quality levels. I've probably held or tried 6 or 8 of them over the years, most 20ga/22 or 20ga/22wm. Most has something I didn't like about them, A few had crally crappy triggers, a couple had crappy sights, some were the exact opposite with nice trigger and sights. I didn't get to shoot most, so I can't comment on both barrels hitting the same point of aim or not. One of my biggest dislikes was just how they felt in the hand. I found the stocks on most very slim and small and just didn't feel right for the balance of the gun, which in most cases was very muzzle heavy. If you find a good one, it would be at the top of my list, if it's a crappy one, I wouldn't obsess too much over it.

Chiappa, I would like to try, double triggers seem like a good idea, but I haven't had my hands on one yet.

 

[Lexthedestroyer]

I have a Chiappa 20ga/.22lr. Mind you, mine is the "M6" model, so Styrofoam stock, etc., but I suspect the action is the same as the wood ones. I prefer it to my friends Savage 42 (again, his is plastic), as with the Savage 42 you have to recock the hammer after each shot, and click the little switch on the hammer to switch barrels. With the Chiappa, if you miss with the .22lr, you just move your finger to the forward trigger, and touch off the 20gauge. Works very well for grouse, but it took a little tinkering on my end to get the barrels regulated properly...