Combo gun experiences, anyone?

[seeker_two]

(I didn't know if this belongs more in the "Rifles" section or the "Shotgun" section of THR, so I'm posting it here. Mods: feel free to place it in the proper section...)

I've about decided on a dedicated longgun for the truck, and I'm leaning heavily toward a rifle/shotgun combo like the Savage 24 or the EAA IZH. I've heard a lot of good things about the former, but no reviews of the latter.

Has anyone shot one or both? How accurate & reliable are they? Can you mount a scope on either (for the rifle, of course)? And what caliber/gauge combination would you recommend for a general-purpose "truck gun"?

Many thanks in advance...

 

[Spoonman]

One of my old hunting buds has an older model Savage combo gun. I believe it's a .30-30/ 12 gauge. It's at least 20 yrs old (he's had it as long as I've known him) and seems pretty well-made. It's heavy but points and shoots well w/ minimal recoil, reasonably accurate for open sights. My overall impression was positive. It's not what I picked for a truck gun, but it would work. I have a Marlin .357 lever action behind the seat of the trusty old F150 (when I can drive again, little motorcycle accident has me a bit gimpy).

 

[BogBabe]

I've never shot either of the ones you mentioned, but my husband has a Rossi combo .17 HMR and 28 gauge (?) shotgun. The barrels swap out easily, and he's got a scope mount for when he's using it as the rifle. (Those .17 HMR rounds are something else, too! Tiny little bullets that do lots more damage than a .22)

It's a tiny little thing -- looks like a toy in his hands. But now that I think about it, it would make for a great truck gun. Because it's so small it would be easy to stow, and much easier to maneuver inside a vehicle than a regular-size long gun.

Plus, it's fun to shoot!

 

[Hutch]

Can't speak for the Roosian, but I have a 24D in .22LR and 20g w/ full choke. It is THE perfect squirrel-hunting arm. It also grouped 5 slugs at about 4" at 50yds. Has tip-off mounts for scope, but I've never scoped it, thinking a scope would make shotgunning a bit difficult. Breaks down easily into 2 pieces that store in an M60 barrel bag, along w/ some other "possibles".

 

[JohnBT]

I had a .22Mag/.410 Model 24 back around 1960 and the only bad thing I can say about is that it was too heavy for dragging up and down the mountain. Then again I was only 10, but I was big for my age. I'd definitely recommend one for a truck gun or barnyard gun. Pick a caliber combo you like and have at it.

John

 

[BigG]

I have a EAA Roosian O/U double rifle .308 Winchester. They also make the same design in 12 bore/ 308 etc. The gun is bulletproof, compact, accurate and worth at least double what they charge. Either the Savage or the EAA will serve your needs perfectly. HTH

 

[243_shooter]

My fathers "truck gun" is an old (....old....) savage over / under. .22 LR on the top, .410 shotgun on the bottom. Not exactly a defensive weapon by any stretch but it works great for what he uses it for (pest conrol). Grandfather used to use it both for pest control, and as a pretty handy hunting rifle (partridge, etc..).

He has a small scope mounted on it, it's a delightfull little gun to shoot (probably mostly because it's unique). I've had my eye's peeled for one at the local shops, without much luck.

My friend carries it's twin, except it's 22LR / 20 ga. which wouldn't be bad either. Still can't get him to sell it to me (been behind the seat of his truck for as long as he can remember, LOL)..

They make handy guns in rural areas, and are definately an interesting concept. I'd say if you can find one in the calibers that meet your needs, go for it!

Leo

 

[Pappy John]

The first gun that I ever hunted with was a model 24 in .22 mag./20 ga mag. Great small game getter, but I still have a brow scar from the time I had my head screwed down tight to the scope for a rifle shot and had the hammer select in the wrong position. Really REALLY wrong. Ball of fire in scope (or maybe it was stars) and lotsa blood.

 

[Bob R]

I have a 24F in 12 ga/30-30 that is a great niche gun. Like has been said, it is a heavy gun, but we are talking two barrels. I think of mine as my turkey gun.

Accurate enough that I would use it anyplace I would use my lever 30-30. As a plus, with concurrent seasons on birds/deer, it will cover the bases fairly well. The only problem is the single shot...something you get used to.

I would not use it as a primary gun for much, but, as a trunk gun when you need to stop for some impromptu hunting in the middle of the day, it is hard to beat.

bob

 

[kudu]

Iv'e got a Savage 24V, .357mag over 20ga. Shoots very well, accurate with the open sights well out to 150yds. In my area these guns are hard to find new or used. Always liked having the option of two different shells in the same gun.

 

[M67]

I have tried a couple of Baikals. Just handled the Savage, no shooting experience with it.

Based on this limited experience I would choose the Russian without second thought. To me, it just feels better. YMMV.

Unless I'm mistaken, there is one important difference other than "feel". On the Baikal you can regulate the rifle barrel so that it shoots to the same point of aim as the shotgun barrel. If I remember correctly, this can't be done with the Savage - someone please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[landon74]

I've got an older Tikka, not sure what the model is, but it's a .222 Remington/12 Ga. combo gun. It's excellent for Turkey hunting. It has a 24 inch barrel but the shotgun patterns tighter than any of the other shotguns I own. The rifle shoots about 3/4" at 100 yds with handloads.

My granddad has a little Savage .22 Mag/20 ga. combo gun, it's kinda clunky but a pretty good little shooter all in all.

Those EAA guns seem to balance a little better, and were I to purchase a new combo gun that'd be the way I'd go..... FWIW