I inherited one from my grandfather. I never even knew he had guns. I told him about when I went pig hunting with my scoped .30-06 and a hog jumped out at about 40 yards and ran back into the brush before I could get it into my view, he said to come over to his house. Pulled out this OLD, cracked leather rifle case from the back of his closet and showed me this antique Savage 340. He just gave it to me. Now it's my dedicated short-range brush hunting rifle. Most of my friends have never seen a .30-30 in a bolt action, so it's kind of unique in that way. I love it. It's not elegant, but it's effective. It's an antique and I consider it a family heirloom. Wouldn't sell it for $10k.
@@314299 My Dad gave my Grandpa a Savage 340C 30-30 in the 1950's. Grandpa pulled it out of his closet and gave it to me around 35 years ago. Took my whitetail with it last fall. I'll never part with it.
It's an excellent weapon, I have one handed down to me from my wife's Grandfather, it's well balanced very easy to get on target and very easy to carry, and like you said because it's shorter it makes a good bush gun. Side history note, this weapon was designed to be a farmers nuisance gun in the north east, cheap, durable and easy to use.
Great story! I´m from Iceland and here we have this superstition that you can´t give away tools like guns or knifes, you have to pay for them somehow. Otherwise the tool will bring the user bad luck. Often the giver slips money into the pocket of the one being gifted before giving his tool away, so that he can pay for it. I wonder if this superstition is found among other nations. My grandpa "gave" me his old pocket knife when I was a kid, I asked him how much I should pay him, he said I could decide the price and that I would not have to worry about hurrying the payment. Many years later he died 92 years of age, after his funeral I slipped a coin under his tombstone and thus the debt was payed. This knife has always served me well.
My first rifle was (and is) my Savage 340A, 30-30. I was too young to buy it at the time, so I had an older friend of mine from church buy it for me in 1970 at a pawn shop. I paid $60 for it.. I just recently restored it. I have always loved the bolt action movement on this gun. Smooth as silk!
I have owned one since I was in high school, some 45 years ago. Has brought home many of deer. My Son used it now my Grandson. Still shoots great. Lever evolution ammo makes it even better.
Watching the video bring back bitter-sweet memories, I had one of the 340s in 22 Hornet it was my first center fire rifle. Unfortunately it was stolen somewhere along the way coming back from a factory repair. I know it was a cheap rifle but mine was a tack driver with handloads, I still miss that rifle.
I like it when a producer of firearms has quality for a reasonable price. this trend still goes on today with the TC Compass, the Ruger All American, just to name a couple. Many people get started using a rifle like these. Savage has made a foundation on offering quality "Gets the Job done" firearms. -Dave
Let me tell you something on tc customer service. I bought a old old tc 3x handgun scope and mounted on a 44 mag wouldn't group for crap then lens shattered I looked totally my fault rings were loose maybe I hadn't tightend good regardless my fault. I sent to tc asking if it could be fixed it was totally my fault and I expect to pay for it if possible to fix. About 2 weeks passed and I get a package from tc . Damn what service. I open box and to total surprise was a new 2.5 x7 lighted reticle with a statement of no charge. In my eyes tc is the best company anywhere
Watched from Yosemite Kentucky. Same rifle that I received on my 13th birthday 53 years ago. I have killed many deer with it and will be using it again this Saturday when hunting season starts again here in Kentucky. I really love this gun.
I have one of these in .222 Remington, shoots around 1.5 MoA. Magazines are available through Brownells and Numrich had other spare parts such as barrel bands available last time I looked. Thanks for the video!
They used a decent piece of walnut on it, much nicer than most of the "walnut finished hardwood" you got on many of the other economy rifles of the same era.
I have a 340A in 30-30. Part of my "vintage" Savage collection. I also have a 45 super sporter in 30-06, a Model 99 takedown in 300 Savage made in 1925, and a Model 1922 (made in 1922) in 22cal. The neat thing about the 1922 is the bolt has 2 firing pins. Those bolt actions from that era are smooth as butter!
I think I would enjoy this gun as much or if not more of some of my expensive guns. I just like the fact that it was a no frills design and they went after that market.
Your shooting those flat nosed bullets through it. A bolt gun in 30-30 is a wonderfully flexible gun. I spent much of my teens handloading 140 grain spitzers and knocking down white tails with them. Sierra factory loads 110 grain flat nosed bullets for a claimed 2700 ft./sec, bet mine didn't do that, but certainly better than 1800 ft./sec. I've not been deer hunting in a long time, but I'm thinking of breaking out my 30-30 bolt and loading it with 95 grain spitzers to thin out the coyotes around my place.
This rifle likes round nose bullets. I've tried different pointed/spitzer hand loads in it and so far have not found any that shoot nearly as well as the round nose bullets. I suspect the vast majority of ammo fired in these rifles is the plain old fashioned 150 or 170 grain round nose. Most of my shooting is done with cast bullets, it's nice to be able to use any style and not have to worry about the magazine, except of course for the length.
I enjoyed reading the stories and watching this video. My grandfather gave me a Savage 340B in 30-30 when I was 15 years old back in the mid-1980s. Of course I sold it like an idiot when I was in college… but I just found another one - also a B model - and I’m looking forward to having one in the collection again.
@@314299 I just got it, but “both”, eventually. I’ll test it with factory ammo, then work up a hand load for it. I’m thinking N-120 with Hornady Interlock RN 150 gr. to start with. Vita Vouri N-120 is a relatively unknown ‘secret’ for 30-30 loads..!
One of the most accurate guns I ever owned as a hunting gun Most accurate load used 29gr If H335 , magnum large rifle primer... CCI250.And a 150 hornady round nose...clover leaf at 100 yards with a vintage bushnell scopechief 4x32 scope
They can be suprisingly accurate rifles. Mine liked the cheap Winchester 170 grain Power Points, less than an inch for five shots at 100 with ammo that was $12 a box at the time.
I Have it’s grandpa , model 325 also in 30-30.. made from 1947 through 1949. Has the Mannlicher looking "butter knife" bolt handle. Nice little beater rifle.
Been eyeing those since I first saw one of your videos on it a while back. I guess what like is that it is unpretentious and makes no airs about itself. Yet as you prove, with the right ammo it is as accurate as I could ever expect be. Here in southern Maine they seem to be selling for about 350 US in not as nice condition as yours.
Often the 340's and 325's I see at gun shows are in tough condition, and when they are nice the prices are starting to get up there. Seen a few 222 Rem versions that the seller wanted over $450 for.
blood moon 30-30👍 I like the fact I can whack a deer in the front shoulder and I’m not looking at a bunch of blood shot meat, not so with my 270. Savage 110, which with a Leupold scope is a tack driver
After My grandfather passed I was given this exact rifle I'm Canadian so it was the first gun I ever held. Sadly my cousin stole it from me when I was out of my home and despite my efforts I've had zero luck getting it back. My aunt even outright ignored me and my grandmother when we told her she protects him like a child thinking he can do no wrong. I hope to get it back in my possession some day if possible it breaks my heart it was the only thing I had to remember him by.
@@314299 The funny part is the police know him well he's in and out of jail frequently he recently ended up in there for stealing someone's truck. I probably should make that call.
Wish I had one, it would be my preferred youth rifle, ideal for the distances most kids should be shooting, the 243 has gotten way more notoriety than it deserves and should be left to more experienced shooters.
I have the savage 340 in 30-30 there is no letter designation after the number 340. Mine also has checkering. I believe mine is from the 50’s or 60’s. Any help with more info on this rifle would be greatly appreciated.
I have a Steven's 325-B and a Savage 340 both in 30-30 and they both lock the bolt down with the safety on. The 340 is an early model with no letter behind it. I've also seen a Springfield model 840-E and a Revelation 225 built on this platform with very minor differences.
I recently accuired an old one. After seeing this I'm looking forward to shooting it. First I need to find a scope mount. If you have the time could you give me the numbers on your mount?
You will need a Weaver #1 Side Mount Base #48401 and a side mount bracket. Side mount brackets are either #49340 (1" Long High Bracket & Rings) or #49350 (1" High Bracket & Rings). I have the #49350 bracket/rings on my 340.
The 30-30 round is a very hard hitting round up to and maybe 300 meters. The velocity of the round allows for more damage at impact at shorter ranges. It's a perfect round for me when I hunt, living in upstate NY, unless I go to the Southern tier there is simply no reason for me to use a different .30 I don't need to reach out that far and the round will drop a buck where it stands every time.
I dont think a standard 30/30 load is up to 300 yard shooting. For example a traditional 170 grain round nose bullet is only going to get 2050 fps out of the regular 20" barrel found on most Winchester 94 rifles. With a zero at 100 yards that bullet will drop about 42" at 300 yards and will only be going 1116 fps. Wind drift would be bad as well, with a 15mph wind at 90 degrees to the shooter there would be 45" of drift. The 30/30 is a 200 yard max round for hunting in my opinion.
I’ve got several 340’s. .222, 30-30, .22 Hornet and the .225 Winchester. All shoot well. But I think the .225 is right at the edge of the actions pressure range. I notice the bolt feels slow/sticky to open after shooting Winchester factory 55gr. loads. But it is the most accurate of all my 340’s. I can nail jack rabbits with open sights with my old eyes out 100 yds using the old .225.
No I have not tried the Hornady Leverevolution ammo. Since the 340 has a box magazine it is easy enough to make up reloads with pointed bullets, and loading to somewhat higher performance than standard factory ammo is possible as well. Id someone gave me a box of that ammo I'd certainly try it.
@@314299 .....30-30 actually was used in benchrest competition in the past.....it is afterall a .308.....yup .... very accurate round when loaded properly .... I have this model in .222 and 30-30 ...... I also own model 70 30-06 and nylon 66 22 LR ..... I don't need hunting rifles because these 4 do it all .... however, the 30-30 sees the most use
I had a post 64 Winchester 94 in 30/30 that I should have kept. It was an almost unused rifle that the previous owner let get rusty so it looked like it had the measles. I traded it in at the local gun shop.
@@314299 I hear that, no point in keeping one you don't want to even look at. As Marie Kondo says "does it spark joy?" Thankfully all mine spark joy at the moment :)
Good looking rifle , noting the shiny blued finish on that scope. We don't see much of that today, do we? I have one of these , but the stock seems to have much more good looking grain to it. That's pretty fair shooting in the last grouping you've done that day, and interesting to watch the older rifles being fired. Thanks.
The scope is a cheap Simmons 4x unit and I would like to replace it (optical quality is just fair) but so far I have not found another reasonably priced scope that will clear the bolt handle at the eyepiece. Most of today's scopes are rather bulky.
314299 Shooting Channel certainly not common. Im discovering this as im trying to find a magazine for it in Canada. .22hornet and such type calibres are popular in Ontario because on private property its illegal to shoot any rifle larger than a calibre starting .2__ so 30-30s werent popular up here because of that.
Did ever reload this with a polytip bullet? since it has a mag it would be safe to do so, wondering if it would improve the traditional 30 30. Big fan of the 340 savage, have it in 22 hornet, 222 and 225
I tried some 150 grain Hornady plastic tip bullets in this rifle but the accuracy was not as good as it was with the 170 round nose. Given the current cost and scarcity of jacketed bullets I'm not likely to get back to those experiments anytime soon.
Hey if u don’t mind if u remember how u got a scope to mount do you think you can do a video on mounting it or explain it please because I can’t figure out how I can mount a scope to this rifle lol. But if you can please help me🙏🏻
A lot of the later Savage 340's were factory drilled and tapped, and a lot of the ones there were not factory D&T not have already been done by by (hopefully) a gunsmith.
The original version with over 100K views was victim to one of YT's demonetization purges. Demonetized video's still get ads put on them, but YT keeps all the proceeds and the content creator gets nothing, that is why I have set content that has been demonetized to unlisted. The original version is still there but has had the name changed and the description removed. I left the original there as sometimes there are external links to video's from web pages and forums and I don't want to mess up their links. Hopefully the YT censors find this "version" of the video to be Adsense acceptable.
@@314299 UA-cam sucks! If it's so bad they don't want you to make any money off of it when you put all the work into it to create it, why is it okay for them to still make money off of it? Scum sucking leftist bastards!
From what I know the Savage 340 and Stevens 840 were manufactured concurrently. The Savage 340 had a walnut stock where the Stevens 840 had a "hardwood" stock of maple or birch.
Yes, gas checks are used. I usually use the Hornady crimp on ones but I have also used the old Lyman ones that don't crimp on, I've not really noticed any difference in performance / accuracy between the two types.
Does your rifle have trouble ejecting live rounds? Friend of mine bought one and we had a heck of a time getting a live round out of it, seemed like the ejection port was too small. Other than that I thought that it was an interesting rifle.
There is not a lot of room for ejecting live rounds, the action seems set up to work best with factory loaded 150 or 170 grain round nose ammo. With some of my reloads I have to take the mag out to get a loaded round out of the action.
Good review / explanation. I have the cousin to your rifle --- the Stevens model 325. Got it at a gun show about 2019. Puts the bullets where I aim at. The bolt is simple but effective. The Safety is where it should be. I wish the barrel was 2 inches longer, but that would have made the price higher at the factory. I wonder if you have ever "slugged" your cold barrel? Push a bullet down the barrel with a wooden stick or a cleaning rod , then look at the rifling marks on the bullet. Since you had a better group with the cast lead bullet of .311 caliber than the copper coated factory .30-30 bullets ,,,, (which should be .308 caliber) ,,,, Ima wundrin' ,,,, if maybe the Savage factory put on a leftover barrel (shortened down a few inches) from a .303 Brit Lee-Enfield which Savage made for Britain during WW2 time. {The .303 Brit cartridge uses a .311 caliber bullet.}
I dont ever recall slugging this particular barrel. If I recall correctly the best groups ever fired with this rifle were with Winchester 170 grain "Power Point" ammo, the stuff that used to be $12 a box and sold everywhere, it would shoot 1" to 1-1/8" five shot groups at 100 yards. The Dominion brand soft points I shot in the video were very old, beat up and tarnished and weathered, so it was not surprising that they did not shoot so well - actually I was impressed that they even fired! As for Savage using leftover 303 barrels from WW2 I think that is extremely unlikely. I expect any leftover WW2 parts they made would have been disposed of by the early 1950's, this rifle was made in the 1980's.
@@314299 Okay. BTW - I saw a box of "Dominion " ammo at a Gun Show table a couple of years ago. I think they went out of business several years ago. I have several older issues of ammo and firearms magazines and recall seeing/reading good reports/reviews of that Canadian made ammo.
@@gusloader123 True Canadian made "Dominion" ammo has not been made since the 1960's. Dominion/CIL became "IVI" and eventually IVI stopped making and selling hunting ammo, now they are part of General Dynamics Land Systems and only make military ammo.
@@314299 Thank you for being so responsive to a comment on a old video. I found a couple on gun broker and want to have one in hand. I also am getting into reloading and will try out some of your cartridge loadings. Thanks.
The particular scope I'm using is long out of production so I have no idea where you could get one like it, however there are lots of similar scopes sold. Best to buy from a local gun shop so you can be sure that the scope/mount combo you use will clear the bolt handle.
First time i ever seen a 30/30 in a bolt action rifle.... When ever i hear 30/30 i always think of Winchester model 94 ... Do you know of any other model that was chambered in 307 other then win
I have a A stevens and savage three twenty five a Bolt Action I need a sidescope mount For it Do you know where I can get one i've been looking for a long time Thanks
I understand the 340 has a lot of 'free bore' and thus velocities drop some. One could load the bullets (handload) them a bit farther out and use LeverRevolution power to up the velocities. Add a '30/30 improved' chamber and you might end up with almost a .303 British in power (if you need that kind of power.)
I don't think the 340 has any more free bore than any other 30/30. Chambers of 30/30's are cut to accommodate the standard round nose 30/30 bullet such as the common 170 grain load. While one can load streamlined bullets out further than the round nose types this leads to rounds that are too long to fit in the rifle's magazine.
i have the same gun but mine is 1978 and mine dosnt have ejection problems but the load i use is a reload it a 150 grain seaira match piont and ive killed deer and beer with its and no problems wit erection of the spent case
If I work the bolt fast enough the ejection is OK. I've tried some pointed bullets in this rifle but they dont shoot as accurately as the traditional round points do.
I have a 340 no letter original in 30 30 has a dockendorf rear sight and it shoots awful it would be cost prohibitive to have it drilled and tapped for that scope mount but I can mount a peep sight with factory holes might be my next step the gun has family value just wish I could get it to shoot better
No, the gun does not have an ejector issue, it's behaving as it does in the video as I was not opening the bolt abruptly enough. I have other video's of this rifle in action and it works fine when I operate it smartly,
There is a whole lot of bullet drop at 250 yards with most 30/30 loads. While you may have an accurate rifle/load combo you had best have a rangefinder and good bullet drop data if you want to make hits.
I recently bought 1 of these 340's, older by a lot than yours looking at the furniture....a novelty buy..Bolt action 30.30(why, because I can and it was a steal)...I have a Marlin 336 and a Winchester '94, both 30.30....this Savage weighs a metric crap ton....compared to those rifles..but it's a fun sand pit rifle. I wouldn't hunt with it....my arms would fall off lugging it up here in the Adirondacks...but I kind of like the heifer. It's heavy, ugly, and a bolt 30.30..when I shoot it I automatically try to lever it...'bolt gun dumbass'....makes it fun for me
Have you weighed your rifle? Mine, with scope, mounts and sling weighs 8.2 pounds, which does not seem all that heavy to me, but then again I'm used to lugging around military surplus rifles that weigh more than that.
@@314299 No Sir I haven't weighed it. I assume your number is close as mine is also scoped. I should have mentioned I have a neck issue that causes arm weakness....that's the reason I bought the Winchester '94...yrs ago. Low weight.
funny to me that deer have gotten so TOUGH in the last 100 years.... in 1895 the 30-30 was considered like 'lightning' that could take ANY north american big game (YES, even grizzly and moose) and now everyone seems to NEED a '4 bore mega magnum' to shoot ground squirrels ... WHAT happened ???? why is every rifle that's more than 2 years old is just not 'Powerful' enough to hunt deer......
Amazon is one source of mounts/rings for the 340 series rifles. You will need a Weaver side mount base part #48401 and the side mount/rings part #49350.
Thanks for the response. What size groups are you getting? My neighbor had one when I was a kid. I liked it almost as much as never fired P.O. Ackely custom 7mm mag he had that was accidentally built left handed.
I bought my gun back in 1978 when I went to get a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06. The 30-06 was going for $220.00 but was on sale for $157! So I got the Savage for $75.00. What???
@@314299 nope , very true. I want another Krag carbine someday.. had a beautiful one years back and traded it on a Ruger .44 auto carbine I thought I had to have , now I have neither.
I inherited one from my grandfather. I never even knew he had guns. I told him about when I went pig hunting with my scoped .30-06 and a hog jumped out at about 40 yards and ran back into the brush before I could get it into my view, he said to come over to his house. Pulled out this OLD, cracked leather rifle case from the back of his closet and showed me this antique Savage 340. He just gave it to me. Now it's my dedicated short-range brush hunting rifle. Most of my friends have never seen a .30-30 in a bolt action, so it's kind of unique in that way. I love it. It's not elegant, but it's effective. It's an antique and I consider it a family heirloom. Wouldn't sell it for $10k.
Cool story. It's always nice to hear that a family can keep such a piece in the family and appreciate it.
@@314299 My Dad gave my Grandpa a Savage 340C 30-30 in the 1950's. Grandpa pulled it out of his closet and gave it to me around 35 years ago. Took my whitetail with it last fall. I'll never part with it.
It's an excellent weapon, I have one handed down to me from my wife's Grandfather, it's well balanced very easy to get on target and very easy to carry, and like you said because it's shorter it makes a good bush gun. Side history note, this weapon was designed to be a farmers nuisance gun in the north east, cheap, durable and easy to use.
They’re Nice! My friend has his grandfather’s Savage 340 and I have a Stevens 325 both are .30-30.
Great story!
I´m from Iceland and here we have this superstition that you can´t give away tools like guns or knifes, you have to pay for them somehow. Otherwise the tool will bring the user bad luck. Often the giver slips money into the pocket of the one being gifted before giving his tool away, so that he can pay for it.
I wonder if this superstition is found among other nations.
My grandpa "gave" me his old pocket knife when I was a kid, I asked him how much I should pay him, he said I could decide the price and that I would not have to worry about hurrying the payment. Many years later he died 92 years of age, after his funeral I slipped a coin under his tombstone and thus the debt was payed.
This knife has always served me well.
My first rifle was (and is) my Savage 340A, 30-30. I was too young to buy it at the time, so I had an older friend of mine from church buy it for me in 1970 at a pawn shop. I paid $60 for it.. I just recently restored it. I have always loved the bolt action movement on this gun. Smooth as silk!
You've owned that rifle almost as long as I've been alive!
Great video and I just inherited the 340a. Beautiful shape and excited to shoot it. We own a model 94 so it'll be fun to compare them!
Robb
I have owned one since I was in high school, some 45 years ago. Has brought home many of deer. My Son used it now my Grandson. Still shoots great. Lever evolution ammo makes it even better.
Sounds like you made a good investment all those years ago.
Watching the video bring back bitter-sweet memories, I had one of the 340s in 22 Hornet it was my first center fire rifle. Unfortunately it was stolen somewhere along the way coming back from a factory repair. I know it was a cheap rifle but mine was a tack driver with handloads, I still miss that rifle.
Well, that would have been a bummer, it would have been bad enough but to loose one that was a tack driver just rubs salt in the wound.
I was very impressed by the group you got with your cast boolit handload. Very cool. I’d love to get my hands on one in .30-30 . Looks pretty handy.
The Lyman 311291 is a good shooting bullet in the 30/30, and also in other 30 caliber rounds. I really should load some more up.
I like it when a producer of firearms has quality for a reasonable price. this trend still goes on today with the TC Compass, the Ruger All American, just to name a couple. Many people get started using a rifle like these. Savage has made a foundation on offering quality "Gets the Job done" firearms. -Dave
The economy rifles of today are amazing with the accuracy that they offer for the dollar. $300 rifles that shot MOA or better.
Let me tell you something on tc customer service. I bought a old old tc 3x handgun scope and mounted on a 44 mag wouldn't group for crap then lens shattered I looked totally my fault rings were loose maybe I hadn't tightend good regardless my fault. I sent to tc asking if it could be fixed it was totally my fault and I expect to pay for it if possible to fix. About 2 weeks passed and I get a package from tc . Damn what service. I open box and to total surprise was a new 2.5 x7 lighted reticle with a statement of no charge. In my eyes tc is the best company anywhere
@@leshemby9430 That's good to hear! Glad they stand behind their products!
Watched from Yosemite Kentucky. Same rifle that I received on my 13th birthday 53 years ago. I have killed many deer with it and will be using it again this Saturday when hunting season starts again here in Kentucky. I really love this gun.
Cool. Best of luck with your hunting this year.
I have one of these in .222 Remington, shoots around 1.5 MoA. Magazines are available through Brownells and Numrich had other spare parts such as barrel bands available last time I looked. Thanks for the video!
I've looked at a couple of these in .222 but they were too expensive for the condition that they were in.
I just picked up this rifle in 222. Can’t wait to take it out.
I just picked one up for $150 in 222 can’t wait to put a nicer scope and take it out varmint hunting
I don’t care if it’s a “fairly cheap rifle.” It’s beautiful and I want one.
They used a decent piece of walnut on it, much nicer than most of the "walnut finished hardwood" you got on many of the other economy rifles of the same era.
I have to agree it's a beautiful quality gun budget guns back in the day were better than budget guns you see today
I have a 340A in 30-30. Part of my "vintage" Savage collection. I also have a 45 super sporter in 30-06, a Model 99 takedown in 300 Savage made in 1925, and a Model 1922 (made in 1922) in 22cal. The neat thing about the 1922 is the bolt has 2 firing pins. Those bolt actions from that era are smooth as butter!
You are lucky to have a Savage 45 Super Sporter, those are quite uncommon.
A really cool collection
I think I would enjoy this gun as much or if not more of some of my expensive guns. I just like the fact that it was a no frills design and they went after that market.
I think similarly. For the most part I prefer simple, unadorned guns made to be used.
I had a 340 compact in 3030 loved it! Got in a spot for money when I was young had to sell it
What's the barrel length on those? Twenty inches?
Your shooting those flat nosed bullets through it. A bolt gun in 30-30 is a wonderfully flexible gun. I spent much of my teens handloading 140 grain spitzers and knocking down white tails with them. Sierra factory loads 110 grain flat nosed bullets for a claimed 2700 ft./sec, bet mine didn't do that, but certainly better than 1800 ft./sec. I've not been deer hunting in a long time, but I'm thinking of breaking out my 30-30 bolt and loading it with 95 grain spitzers to thin out the coyotes around my place.
This rifle likes round nose bullets. I've tried different pointed/spitzer hand loads in it and so far have not found any that shoot nearly as well as the round nose bullets. I suspect the vast majority of ammo fired in these rifles is the plain old fashioned 150 or 170 grain round nose. Most of my shooting is done with cast bullets, it's nice to be able to use any style and not have to worry about the magazine, except of course for the length.
The Savage 30 30 was the first rifle I used for deer hunting back in the day.
Was it yours or was it borrowed?
It was my uncle's
I enjoyed reading the stories and watching this video. My grandfather gave me a Savage 340B in 30-30 when I was 15 years old back in the mid-1980s. Of course I sold it like an idiot when I was in college… but I just found another one - also a B model - and I’m looking forward to having one in the collection again.
Do you reload for yours or just use factory loads in it?
@@314299 I just got it, but “both”, eventually. I’ll test it with factory ammo, then work up a hand load for it. I’m thinking N-120 with Hornady Interlock RN 150 gr. to start with. Vita Vouri N-120 is a relatively unknown ‘secret’ for 30-30 loads..!
@@314299 since my reply, I’ve done a lot of reloading for 30-30 and have found a few very good loads for this gun. Let me know if you’re interested.
@@mortimerbeetrootplimpton2985 We are always interested. What do you come up with?
@@floridagunrat1625
Powder: H335, 34.0gr
Bullet: HDY 150 gr. Interlock RN
Primer: WLR
Brass: F/C, 1x
COAL: 2.550
Powder: AA2460, 33.2gr.
Bullet: HDY150gr. Interlock RN
Primer: WLR
Brass: F/C, 1x
COAL: 2.550
Powder: N-120, 22.0gr (yes, 22.0, not 32.0)
Bullet: PPU, 150gr. FSP
Primer: WLR
Brass: F/C, 2x
COAL: 2.539
Powder: H335, 28.8gr.
Bullet: HDY 160gr. FTX
Primer: WLR
Brass: F/C, 2x
COAL: 2.550
Thanks a good luck!
Love this gun, they also stamped them for Sears and Roebuck.
Sears sold a lot of guns back in the day.
I've got one stamped coast to coast stores on it
One of the most accurate guns I ever owned as a hunting gun
Most accurate load used 29gr
If H335 , magnum large rifle primer... CCI250.And a 150 hornady round nose...clover leaf at 100 yards with a vintage bushnell scopechief 4x32 scope
Also had a 325 Steven's model with butter knife bolt handle..
They can be suprisingly accurate rifles. Mine liked the cheap Winchester 170 grain Power Points, less than an inch for five shots at 100 with ammo that was $12 a box at the time.
@@rodsvintagesxschannel.3095 I had one of those 325's as well, but it was a rather hard used example and I traded it away.
I Have it’s grandpa , model 325
also in 30-30.. made from 1947 through 1949. Has the Mannlicher looking "butter
knife" bolt handle. Nice little beater rifle.
I once had one of those 325 carbines but decided the 340 with the standard bolt knob was something I preferred.
@@314299 I prefer a standard bolt handle as well.
I have not seen one of those rifles for years and years. Nice.
They dont seem to be terribly common anymore.
Been eyeing those since I first saw one of your videos on it a while back. I guess what like is that it is unpretentious and makes no airs about itself. Yet as you prove, with the right ammo it is as accurate as I could ever expect be. Here in southern Maine they seem to be selling for about 350 US in not as nice condition as yours.
Me too but yet to find one in any condition with a 30/30 chamber.
Often the 340's and 325's I see at gun shows are in tough condition, and when they are nice the prices are starting to get up there. Seen a few 222 Rem versions that the seller wanted over $450 for.
@@314299 450 Holy crap I feel like a bandit for paying 200 for my 222 rem
nice little rifle you have great video
Thanks. I get a lot of use from my 340.
That was my first hunting rifle and it's still my favorite
How long have you owned yours?
blood moon 30-30👍 I like the fact I can whack a deer in the front shoulder and I’m not looking at a bunch of blood shot meat, not so with my 270. Savage 110, which with a Leupold scope is a tack driver
After My grandfather passed I was given this exact rifle I'm Canadian so it was the first gun I ever held. Sadly my cousin stole it from me when I was out of my home and despite my efforts I've had zero luck getting it back. My aunt even outright ignored me and my grandmother when we told her she protects him like a child thinking he can do no wrong. I hope to get it back in my possession some day if possible it breaks my heart it was the only thing I had to remember him by.
Sounds to me like you need to call the police, theft of a firearm is a big deal.
@@314299 The funny part is the police know him well he's in and out of jail frequently he recently ended up in there for stealing someone's truck. I probably should make that call.
I got my grandfather's, factory 4× weaver and mount sears package. It still shoots well and drops critters
Cool. It's always nice to have a rifle with family connections.
Have a 325b 3030. Love it. Shots all factory rounds in same 3 inch bull 100yrds. You find one buy it.
I had a 325B years ago but it was in rough shape so I sold it.
Wish I had one, it would be my preferred youth rifle, ideal for the distances most kids should be shooting, the 243 has gotten way more notoriety than it deserves and should be left to more experienced shooters.
Most hunting is done at short to medium range anyway.
I have the savage 340 in 30-30 there is no letter designation after the number 340. Mine also has checkering. I believe mine is from the 50’s or 60’s. Any help with more info on this rifle would be greatly appreciated.
All your firearms are so clean.
I have a few scruffy ones too!
I have a Steven's 325-B and a Savage 340 both in 30-30 and they both lock the bolt down with the safety on. The 340 is an early model with no letter behind it. I've also seen a Springfield model 840-E and a Revelation 225 built on this platform with very minor differences.
There was also a CIL 840 that was essentially the same rifle, if you bought enough of them Savage would do the store brand thing to them.
I have the Coast to Coast hardware store model of this gun. I love it, though the stock is a little short for me.
I wonder if your " Coast to Coast" version has the same length stock as a regular model 340?
@@314299 It looks the same from all the pictures I see.
Johnny Cash shooting a rogue crocodile with a rusty old 30/30 brought me here .Nice video brother.
The world was a better place when Johnny was still here.
I recently accuired an old one. After seeing this I'm looking forward to shooting it. First I need to find a scope mount. If you have the time could you give me the numbers on your mount?
You will need a Weaver #1 Side Mount Base #48401 and a side mount bracket. Side mount brackets are either #49340 (1" Long High Bracket & Rings) or #49350 (1" High Bracket & Rings). I have the #49350 bracket/rings on my 340.
@@314299 Thanks very much for the help.
I inherited my 340 c, 30-30 from my grandfather. My only deer rifle
It's nice having a rifle passed down from a family member.
Wow thats such a beautiful rifle. I want one . 3030 would be the best.
I'm sure if you look around for awhile you can find one.
The 30-30 round is a very hard hitting round up to and maybe 300 meters. The velocity of the round allows for more damage at impact at shorter ranges. It's a perfect round for me when I hunt, living in upstate NY, unless I go to the Southern tier there is simply no reason for me to use a different .30 I don't need to reach out that far and the round will drop a buck where it stands every time.
I dont think a standard 30/30 load is up to 300 yard shooting. For example a traditional 170 grain round nose bullet is only going to get 2050 fps out of the regular 20" barrel found on most Winchester 94 rifles. With a zero at 100 yards that bullet will drop about 42" at 300 yards and will only be going 1116 fps. Wind drift would be bad as well, with a 15mph wind at 90 degrees to the shooter there would be 45" of drift. The 30/30 is a 200 yard max round for hunting in my opinion.
I’ve been on the hunt for a Remington 788 in 30-30. I like the oddballs.
I would love to have one of those, or one in .44 magnum. Neither is common.
I ordered one online today.can.t wait to check out the 30 30 boltaction.way to go savage arm.tanks for the info great gun hazelton b c
Hopefully yours arrives promptly and is in good shape.
Working on trying to obtain a 340A 30-30 at the moment.
Nice. Good luck, hope you get one.
Very nice. Inherited one from my step dad. No magazines though?! Love the scope mount on yours.
Brownells have new mags for $37.99.
Just bough one of these rifle from a friend for 100 CAD. Can't wait to shoot it !
Good deal.
The 30/30 packs a wallop like no other!
It's certainly no .375 H&H magnum.
Thank you for making this video 👍💥😁
You are welcome. Thanks for watching.
I’ve got several 340’s. .222, 30-30, .22 Hornet and the .225 Winchester. All shoot well. But I think the .225 is right at the edge of the actions pressure range. I notice the bolt feels slow/sticky to open after shooting Winchester factory 55gr. loads. But it is the most accurate of all my 340’s. I can nail jack rabbits with open sights with my old eyes out 100 yds using the old .225.
All I ever see around here are 30/30's and .222's.
Great stuff!!👍🏼👍🏼 Thanks very much for sharing this with us!
Thanks, glad you liked it.
I have a series E in 223
I bought it new it the early 80s. It has a checked stock
I shot a lot of woodchucks with it back then.
I would like to get one in either 223 or 222, but they don't come up for sale very often.
Did you ever try Hornady Leverevolution ammo through it? It wakes up any 3030
No I have not tried the Hornady Leverevolution ammo. Since the 340 has a box magazine it is easy enough to make up reloads with pointed bullets, and loading to somewhat higher performance than standard factory ammo is possible as well. Id someone gave me a box of that ammo I'd certainly try it.
@@314299 i forgot to mention nice rifle in superb shape looks brand new
@@314299 .....30-30 actually was used in benchrest competition in the past.....it is afterall a .308.....yup .... very accurate round when loaded properly .... I have this model in .222 and 30-30 ...... I also own model 70 30-06 and nylon 66 22 LR ..... I don't need hunting rifles because these 4 do it all .... however, the 30-30 sees the most use
@@deanflewelling8702 It was new when I bought it, has a few scuffs on the stock now but still looks pretty nice.
Always great videos... Thanks again
I totally associate the 30-30 with lever guns, that set-up looks pretty slick though. 👍
I had a post 64 Winchester 94 in 30/30 that I should have kept. It was an almost unused rifle that the previous owner let get rusty so it looked like it had the measles. I traded it in at the local gun shop.
@@314299 gun sale regrets are terrible thing, I have a few... lol
@@westcoaster7.62 I actually don't regret letting that one go as it was painfull to look at with all the spots it had on it.
@@314299 I hear that, no point in keeping one you don't want to even look at. As Marie Kondo says "does it spark joy?" Thankfully all mine spark joy at the moment :)
thank you so much great video intro to the savage
No problem, thanks for the comment.
Good looking rifle , noting the shiny blued finish on that scope. We don't see much of that today, do we?
I have one of these , but the stock seems to have much more good looking grain to it. That's pretty fair shooting in the last grouping you've done that day, and interesting to watch the older rifles being fired.
Thanks.
The scope is a cheap Simmons 4x unit and I would like to replace it (optical quality is just fair) but so far I have not found another reasonably priced scope that will clear the bolt handle at the eyepiece. Most of today's scopes are rather bulky.
Cool video, thanks for your time.
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment.
Just bought one of these as a brush gun in .22 hornet. Just need to find a magazine. Fun little gun
Nice find. I'd like to have one of these in 22 hornet, not terribly common in that caliber.
314299 Shooting Channel certainly not common. Im discovering this as im trying to find a magazine for it in Canada. .22hornet and such type calibres are popular in Ontario because on private property its illegal to shoot any rifle larger than a calibre starting .2__ so 30-30s werent popular up here because of that.
Did ever reload this with a polytip bullet? since it has a mag it would be safe to do so, wondering if it would improve the traditional 30 30. Big fan of the 340 savage, have it in 22 hornet, 222 and 225
I tried some 150 grain Hornady plastic tip bullets in this rifle but the accuracy was not as good as it was with the 170 round nose. Given the current cost and scarcity of jacketed bullets I'm not likely to get back to those experiments anytime soon.
@@314299 Hmmm Iwas thinking it would improve accuracy and speed. I have been stocking up for a couple years now
Hey if u don’t mind if u remember how u got a scope to mount do you think you can do a video on mounting it or explain it please because I can’t figure out how I can mount a scope to this rifle lol. But if you can please help me🙏🏻
To each his own... but I would never drill into it and put scope on it. But that's just me. I don't have the heart to drill into my classics!
A lot of the later Savage 340's were factory drilled and tapped, and a lot of the ones there were not factory D&T not have already been done by by (hopefully) a gunsmith.
Did youtube take it down the first time?
The original version with over 100K views was victim to one of YT's demonetization purges. Demonetized video's still get ads put on them, but YT keeps all the proceeds and the content creator gets nothing, that is why I have set content that has been demonetized to unlisted. The original version is still there but has had the name changed and the description removed. I left the original there as sometimes there are external links to video's from web pages and forums and I don't want to mess up their links. Hopefully the YT censors find this "version" of the video to be Adsense acceptable.
@@314299 Well played.
@@cmasailor Since I already did all the work to make the original video I might as well try this approach.
@@314299 UA-cam sucks! If it's so bad they don't want you to make any money off of it when you put all the work into it to create it, why is it okay for them to still make money off of it? Scum sucking leftist bastards!
I love them rifles I have the 18 inch barrel in 30/30 and the longer one in 222 🤩.
Nice. I would like to get one in 222 myself.
*Yes, the SAVAGE threaded barrel locking collar (or lock nut) is designed to allow for adjustment of head-space.*
It's a pretty popular system being used by other manufactures now as well.
I have the Springfield Savage 840 30-30, basically the same rifle. Just produced later I think than the 340.
From what I know the Savage 340 and Stevens 840 were manufactured concurrently. The Savage 340 had a walnut stock where the Stevens 840 had a "hardwood" stock of maple or birch.
I was able to finalize the deal on a 340A 30-30. Super nice condition. $350
Nice, sounds like a good deal.
Any chance a bolt disassembly video?
Not likely. Bolts like this were not made for casual disassembly and there is rarely justifiable reason to take them apart.
Are you using gas checks with the cast bullet load?
Yes, gas checks are used. I usually use the Hornady crimp on ones but I have also used the old Lyman ones that don't crimp on, I've not really noticed any difference in performance / accuracy between the two types.
@@314299 Thanks. Much appreciated.
Does your rifle have trouble ejecting live rounds? Friend of mine bought one and we had a heck of a time getting a live round out of it, seemed like the ejection port was too small. Other than that I thought that it was an interesting rifle.
There is not a lot of room for ejecting live rounds, the action seems set up to work best with factory loaded 150 or 170 grain round nose ammo. With some of my reloads I have to take the mag out to get a loaded round out of the action.
Good review / explanation. I have the cousin to your rifle --- the Stevens model 325. Got it at a gun show about 2019. Puts the bullets where I aim at. The bolt is simple but effective. The Safety is where it should be. I wish the barrel was 2 inches longer, but that would have made the price higher at the factory.
I wonder if you have ever "slugged" your cold barrel? Push a bullet down the barrel with a wooden stick or a cleaning rod , then look at the rifling marks on the bullet. Since you had a better group with the cast lead bullet of .311 caliber than the copper coated factory .30-30 bullets ,,,, (which should be .308 caliber) ,,,, Ima wundrin' ,,,, if maybe the Savage factory put on a leftover barrel (shortened down a few inches) from a .303 Brit Lee-Enfield which Savage made for Britain during WW2 time. {The .303 Brit cartridge uses a .311 caliber bullet.}
I dont ever recall slugging this particular barrel. If I recall correctly the best groups ever fired with this rifle were with Winchester 170 grain "Power Point" ammo, the stuff that used to be $12 a box and sold everywhere, it would shoot 1" to 1-1/8" five shot groups at 100 yards. The Dominion brand soft points I shot in the video were very old, beat up and tarnished and weathered, so it was not surprising that they did not shoot so well - actually I was impressed that they even fired!
As for Savage using leftover 303 barrels from WW2 I think that is extremely unlikely. I expect any leftover WW2 parts they made would have been disposed of by the early 1950's, this rifle was made in the 1980's.
@@314299 Okay. BTW - I saw a box of "Dominion " ammo at a Gun Show table a couple of years ago. I think they went out of business several years ago. I have several older issues of ammo and firearms magazines and recall seeing/reading good reports/reviews of that Canadian made ammo.
@@gusloader123 True Canadian made "Dominion" ammo has not been made since the 1960's. Dominion/CIL became "IVI" and eventually IVI stopped making and selling hunting ammo, now they are part of General Dynamics Land Systems and only make military ammo.
@@314299 Okay.
Saw one in early 80s in .223.
Those .223's are far less common than the 30/30's.
I had one in 223,wish I still had it!
Man i really want that gun! im going to have to find one!
They made lots of them, I'm sure you can find one if you look for a while.
@@314299 Thank you for being so responsive to a comment on a old video. I found a couple on gun broker and want to have one in hand. I also am getting into reloading and will try out some of your cartridge loadings. Thanks.
What kind of scope mount is the one you have on it?
Rifle has a Weaver #1 Side Mount Base (#48401) and a Weaver side mount bracket.
I love it!! So did they come together or were purchased seperately.
@@portugal5698 The side mount and side mount bracket are separate parts and therefore sold separately.
With a bolt action 30-30, could you load up cartridges with a more aerodynamic bullet?
It's possible if you single load such rounds, but for the most part rounds loaded with pointed bullets will not fit in the magazine of the 340.
@@314299 thanks for the response.
How do you disassemble the bolt assembly
That is not something I've ever done.
i'm just trying to sight mine in. shooting the hornady leverevolution, but the gun dooesn't seem to like them.
Are those 150 grain? My rifle never shot as well with 150 grain as it does with 170 drain.
@@314299 ah, maybe that's it. They are 150.
With the weaver side scope mount shown in the video mine is a tack driver
I have a 3030 savage 340. Where do I purchase the scope?
The particular scope I'm using is long out of production so I have no idea where you could get one like it, however there are lots of similar scopes sold. Best to buy from a local gun shop so you can be sure that the scope/mount combo you use will clear the bolt handle.
🇦🇺😎👍 I wouldn’t mind one of them bad boys …very interesting 🧐
Many of them in your part of the world?
First time i ever seen a 30/30 in a bolt action rifle.... When ever i hear 30/30 i always think of Winchester model 94 ... Do you know of any other model that was chambered in 307 other then win
I'm not aware of any other manufacture making rifles in .307 other than the Winchester.
@@314299 I kinda figured that its a pretty rare cal...
I have a A stevens and savage three twenty five a Bolt Action I need a sidescope mount For it Do you know where I can get one i've been looking for a long time Thanks
Any decent gun shop should be able to order you a Weaver side mount and base to fit your rifle.
I like it. I wish I had a 22 hornet
I'd like to have a 340 in 22 Hornet as well, and perhaps one in 222 Rem.
My first center fire rifle. Dad bought it for me around 1974. Will never part with it.
Nice. That's a pretty good record of ownership. Thanks for the comment.
was the weak ejection the gun or the ammo?
It's the gun, mostly. If operated briskly the empties will eject.
Cool video.
Thanks.
So how many yards was the target..???
Target was 100 yards, I guess I should have mentioned that.
I understand the 340 has a lot of 'free bore' and thus velocities drop some. One could load the bullets (handload) them a bit farther out and use LeverRevolution power to up the velocities. Add a '30/30 improved' chamber and you might end up with almost a .303 British in power (if you need that kind of power.)
I don't think the 340 has any more free bore than any other 30/30. Chambers of 30/30's are cut to accommodate the standard round nose 30/30 bullet such as the common 170 grain load. While one can load streamlined bullets out further than the round nose types this leads to rounds that are too long to fit in the rifle's magazine.
i have the same gun but mine is 1978 and mine dosnt have ejection problems but the load i use is a reload it a 150 grain seaira match piont and ive killed deer and beer with its and no problems wit erection of the spent case
If I work the bolt fast enough the ejection is OK. I've tried some pointed bullets in this rifle but they dont shoot as accurately as the traditional round points do.
very nice gun, if i had a new one of them, I would only shoot Accelerators down the barrel
In my experience Remington Accelerators are poor as far as accuracy.
I wished I could find one of these in 30-30! I'd buy it.
There were a lot of these made, especially in 30/30, I'm sure if you look around long enough you'll find one.
Can I buy this one?
I'm sure you can buy one like it, but mine is not for sale.
I have a 340 no letter original in 30 30 has a dockendorf rear sight and it shoots awful it would be cost prohibitive to have it drilled and tapped for that scope mount but I can mount a peep sight with factory holes might be my next step the gun has family value just wish I could get it to shoot better
Is there anything obviously wrong with it that would explain the inaccuracy?
Try tightening all stock, receiver screws. That happens with these.
A bit crude, but effective, by and large. I've been described the same way myself.
I think that describes a lot of us!
I would love to have this gun
There were a lot of these made, I'm sure you could find one for sale.
Definitely have an ejector issue but, a very nice rifle for the price point when they built them.
No, the gun does not have an ejector issue, it's behaving as it does in the video as I was not opening the bolt abruptly enough. I have other video's of this rifle in action and it works fine when I operate it smartly,
@@314299 👍🙂
Tack driver’s I have the same weaver side mount and a vintage Lyman scope 250 yard rifle with ease
There is a whole lot of bullet drop at 250 yards with most 30/30 loads. While you may have an accurate rifle/load combo you had best have a rangefinder and good bullet drop data if you want to make hits.
I recently bought 1 of these 340's, older by a lot than yours looking at the furniture....a novelty buy..Bolt action 30.30(why, because I can and it was a steal)...I have a Marlin 336 and a Winchester '94, both 30.30....this Savage weighs a metric crap ton....compared to those rifles..but it's a fun sand pit rifle.
I wouldn't hunt with it....my arms would fall off lugging it up here in the Adirondacks...but I kind of like the heifer. It's heavy, ugly, and a bolt 30.30..when I shoot it I automatically try to lever it...'bolt gun dumbass'....makes it fun for me
Have you weighed your rifle? Mine, with scope, mounts and sling weighs 8.2 pounds, which does not seem all that heavy to me, but then again I'm used to lugging around military surplus rifles that weigh more than that.
@@314299
No Sir I haven't weighed it. I assume your number is close as mine is also scoped.
I should have mentioned I have a neck issue that causes arm weakness....that's the reason I bought the Winchester '94...yrs ago. Low weight.
Anybody know where I can get a bolt for savage model 6400 30-30 I’m missing the bolt for it when I bought it and I need one it’s the same for this 340
You might try Gun Parts Corporation.
I never seen a bolt 30-30! My dad had a lever action
Winchester and Marlin 3030 lever actions are certainly more common.
funny to me that deer have gotten so TOUGH in the last 100 years.... in 1895 the 30-30 was considered like 'lightning' that could take ANY north american big game (YES, even grizzly and moose) and now everyone seems to NEED a '4 bore mega magnum' to shoot ground squirrels ... WHAT happened ???? why is every rifle that's more than 2 years old is just not 'Powerful' enough to hunt deer......
and they make up into an awesome 30-30 A.I. handles the pressure just fine....
Marketing sells the vast majority of guns today, it's not need.
Amigo soy de monterrey México me puedes recomendar alguna página para comprar los anillos de la mira
Amazon is one source of mounts/rings for the 340 series rifles. You will need a Weaver side mount base part #48401 and the side mount/rings part #49350.
@@314299 gracias amigo me podrás mandar el lik por favor
Anyone ran some spicy hand loads and higher bc’s meant for non lever gun .30’s?
I've tried spitzer/pointed type bullets in this rifle but they did not group very well for me.
Thanks for the response. What size groups are you getting? My neighbor had one when I was a kid. I liked it almost as much as never fired P.O. Ackely custom 7mm mag he had that was accidentally built left handed.
I had one in 222.
Nice. I've seen a few in 222 for sale but the asking price was too high for the condition they were in.
I bought my gun back in 1978 when I went to get a Winchester Model 70 in 30-06. The 30-06 was going for $220.00 but was on sale for $157! So I got the Savage for $75.00. What???
You should have bought both.
@@314299 I did and for the original price of just the Winchester.
Revelation 225 Stevens 322/325 Savage 340 & 342/6400 Springfield 840 Westernfield 712 Cil 830
Don't forget the CIL Model 830 as well.
@@314299 Thanks!!
kinda reminds me of a Krag-Jorgensen action.
The action of these is nowhere near as smooth operating as a Krag.
@@314299 nope , very true. I want another Krag carbine someday.. had a beautiful one years back and traded it on a Ruger .44 auto carbine I thought I had to have , now I have neither.
If we were to use just the right amount of firepower to hunt in North east, it would be 30-30 or 7.62x39 I want one.
The old 30/30 has certainly been "doing the business" for a long time in that part of the world.