Savage Model 29A

When I was a little boy I saw a pump action 22 in my grandfather's gun closet. He told me it fired without touching the trigger. At 98 years old he passed away this week. After the visitation my uncle handed me the rifle, a Savage 29a with the same warning and story of what happened. He loaded it, it fired, and my great-grandfather (or great uncle) said "you put that damn thing back in the truck".

I have played with it for a bit and so far it seems sound. Hasn't fired after cocking, banging it around a bit. I took the rifle down and exposed the top side of the hammer, so far the only curious thing is very right tolerance between the receiver and hammer. I have to wonder if it didn't hang up the last time it was out of the closet and fired when it was charged.

I'd like to put this gun back into service. It hasn't left his closet since the sixties and is a neat rifle with a family story behind it. Doesn't deserve to be in the closet as long as the rifle is sound or repairable (I haven't met one that can't be saved to some extent). According to what I can figure out, it's a post-war rifle, round barrel, checkered stock. The stock shows me it's been used quite a bit. I figure it was around ten years old or so when put away.

Anyone have any insight? Thanks!

Ran ten rounds through it today with no malfunctions. I'm not satisfied yet it's safe though.

Thank you, Picher. I'll definitely have it checked out before letting my son have it.

GarrettJ said:

Can't help you on the "fires by itself" issue. I have my grandfather's pre-war Savage. I shot a lot of jackrabbits with it when I was in high school.

One caution: don't use high-velocity ammo with it. Stick with standard velocity .22LR (or .22 Long or Short). The HV stuff will peen the receiver where the bolt locks into place.

It's a neat gun. Enjoy it.

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Thanks. Will do.

Thanks for the replies. It definitely needs some oil but the firing pin is free.