32-20 rifle project

ginmaster

July 10, 2012 15:44

I'm looking for a good donor for a 32-20 bolt action. The Savages I see listed are all vintage. I'd like a NIB Savage or start yet another project. I'd build a 32-20 bolt gun but would need some help from the experts. I would want an action that I can put some glass on. Not so sure the Savage is really set up for a scope. Can anyone help me?

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  llama

  July 10, 2012 17:52

  Some quick googling shows that the case head size/rim diameter/etc is about the same as a 357, so maybe one of the new Ruger 77/357 rifles?
  
  There are 2 listed on the auction side. http://www.gunbroker.com/All/BI.aspx?Keywords=ruger+357+bolt+action

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  rufe-snow

  July 10, 2012 18:22

  Years ago I attempted to load 32-20 for one of the Anzac Martini training rifles. Recently I gave it another try with one of the Model 1887 Swede military revolvers, which chambers a cartridge just a little shorter then our 32-20. Take Llama's advice and go with one of the BA Rugers in .357, you will be way ahead of the game money and aggravation wise, IMHO.

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  ginmaster

  July 10, 2012 19:16

  I'm starting to agree with you Rufe-snow. By the time I get a barrel made for one of those Rugers I'll be broke. I do reload .357 a lot and have some 110 grainers loaded for a lever gun I no longer have.

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  dfletcher

  July 10, 2012 20:15

  I'm just winging it - how about a Savage 340 in 222 Remington or a Remington 788 in 223 as the donor? The 340 can be scoped with a side mount, I had one years ago and it may have come drilled & tapped from the factory - don't quite recall.
  
  A little off topic but how about a 25.35 WCF as a project with either of the above in 30.30 as the donor?

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  Geri

  July 11, 2012 05:12

  Look at one of the CZ's in 223, or 221 caliber. A few years ago I rebarreled one to a 17 ackley bee and it worked fine. The 32-20 would be no different.

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  v35

  July 12, 2012 11:02

  I wouldn't build a custom rifle on a cheap action like a Savage 340.
  A single shot Cadet Martini action would be a worthy candidate and an easy conversion. I wouldn't use the original barrel though.

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  elubsme

  July 13, 2012 17:28

  Why not consider a Savage 23C? They are reasonably priced on the auction side and a lot of fun to shoot. Mine is quite accurate and velocity is close to 2000 fps with Hornady XTP's in the 24 1/2 inch barrel. I liked it so much I bought a 23B. [:)]

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  ginmaster

  August 09, 2012 17:17

  I picked up a fine Savage 23C. It's drilled for a receiver sight but it's missing. It has the regular rear leaf sight but it soon will sport a scope. I have slugged the bore and shot some initial loads. It's a .312 and it groups great. It's barely used but has some rust/patina.

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