A Look Back at the Legacy of the .22 Hornet and the Savage 340
The .22 Hornet cartridge, a rimmed bottlenecked centerfire rifle cartridge, boasts a rich history. Introduced in the early 20th century, it was designed to provide effective performance on varmints and small game at moderate ranges. Its small bore, high velocity, and relatively low recoil quickly made it a favorite among hunters looking for a versatile round that was accurate and economical. The .22 Hornet’s popularity continues, proving its enduring design.
Savage Arms, a name synonymous with innovation and value in the firearms industry, played a crucial role in bringing this cartridge to the masses. Savage, with its reputation for producing quality firearms at reasonable prices, introduced the Model 340 rifle series. This line of rifles was conceived to be a workhorse, built for reliability and functionality, without sacrificing accuracy. These rifles rapidly became a popular choice for hunters across North America. The Savage 340 was offered in a variety of chamberings, but the .22 Hornet version quickly found a place as a top choice, perfectly complementing the cartridge’s intended use.
The Savage 340’s legacy also reflects the changing landscape of hunting. As hunters pursued smaller, quicker targets, the .22 Hornet and the Savage 340 became ideal tools.
Unveiling the Design and Characteristics of the Savage 340 22 Hornet
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet is built around a straightforward, robust bolt-action design. The bolt itself is known for its reliable locking mechanism, contributing to the rifle’s overall safety and accuracy. This style is known for its simplicity, resulting in few mechanical issues during usage.
The barrel length of the Savage 340 typically falls in the range of 22 to 24 inches, which provides a balance of velocity and maneuverability. This length is optimal for the .22 Hornet, allowing the round to reach its full potential while maintaining excellent accuracy for hunting. The twist rate of the rifling is typically in the range of 1 in 14 or 1 in 16 inches, which stabilizes the relatively lightweight bullets commonly used in .22 Hornet ammunition. This is vital for shot consistency.
Magazine capacity of the Savage 340 .22 Hornet generally holds four or five rounds. While not the highest capacity available, the magazine offers sufficient firepower for most hunting scenarios, while providing an easy way to carry and load the rifle.
The Savage 340 often features a simple wooden stock, which has become a characteristic design choice. Some models were produced with synthetic stocks, offering greater weather resistance. These stocks often have a classic, straightforward design.
The Savage 340 typically comes equipped with iron sights, consisting of a front blade and a rear adjustable leaf sight. However, most owners choose to mount a scope for enhanced accuracy at longer ranges. Mounting a scope is relatively simple, and many rifles have pre-drilled and tapped holes for scope bases.
The trigger mechanism on the Savage 340 is simple but effective, providing a crisp trigger pull. While not an adjustable trigger, it offers a good balance of safety and performance, which is suitable for varmint hunting.
The overall weight of the Savage 340 .22 Hornet makes it a practical choice for hunters. The rifle is generally easy to carry and maneuver, making it suitable for prolonged periods spent in the field. The balance and weight of the rifle combine to give the hunter a comfortable experience.
Achieving Precision: The Savage 340’s Accuracy Potential
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet has earned a reputation for its accuracy. With the right ammunition and a skilled shooter, this rifle is capable of consistently hitting targets at reasonable distances.
The .22 Hornet itself is known for its flat trajectory, making it easier to compensate for bullet drop at range. With the Savage 340, this flat trajectory translates into excellent performance for varmint hunting.
Several factors contribute to the Savage 340’s accuracy potential. Firstly, the solid bolt-action design helps to ensure consistent chambering and extraction of rounds, minimizing variables that can affect accuracy. Also, the rifle’s barrel, when properly cared for, provides a stable platform for the bullet to exit the muzzle with precision.
The accuracy of the Savage 340 .22 Hornet also depends on the ammunition used. Different loads will perform differently in the rifle. Hunters often experiment with various bullet weights, powders, and brands to find the ammunition that delivers the best results in their individual rifles. Handloading allows the owner to tweak their ammunition to ensure the greatest performance possible.
While the Savage 340 .22 Hornet is capable of excellent accuracy, it is important to remember that external factors can influence performance. Wind, for instance, can affect the flight of light .22 Hornet bullets. Also, the shooter’s skill plays a critical role. Practice and familiarity with the rifle are essential to achieving consistent accuracy.
Exploring Hunting Applications: Where the Savage 340 22 Hornet Excels
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet is a superb choice for varmint hunting, where its combination of accuracy, flat trajectory, and moderate recoil make it ideal for taking down a range of pests. It’s also ideal for small game such as squirrels and rabbits. The .22 Hornet cartridge delivers enough power to dispatch these animals cleanly.
The .22 Hornet’s flat trajectory contributes to accurate shots at moderate ranges, making the Savage 340 an effective tool for prairie dog hunting, where ranges can vary significantly. The flat-shooting characteristics of the round helps to reduce the need for excessive holdover.
In addition to varmint hunting, the Savage 340 .22 Hornet can be used for certain types of pest control. This includes situations where precision is more important than raw power.
Caring for Your Rifle: Disassembly, Maintenance, and Proper Storage
To keep your Savage 340 .22 Hornet in peak condition, it’s essential to know how to disassemble, maintain, and store it correctly.
Disassembly for cleaning and inspection is a relatively straightforward process. After ensuring the rifle is unloaded and safe, you can typically remove the bolt and then clean the barrel.
Regular cleaning is vital to maintaining accuracy and preventing corrosion. After each shooting session, the barrel should be cleaned with a bore brush and cleaning solvent to remove powder residue, copper fouling, and other debris.
Lubrication is also important. The bolt and other moving parts should be lightly lubricated with a gun oil to keep them functioning smoothly. This also prevents corrosion.
When storing your Savage 340 .22 Hornet, it’s important to keep it in a safe, dry place. A gun case or a secure cabinet is recommended. The rifle should be stored unloaded, with the bolt removed to reduce the risk of accidental discharge.
Common issues with the Savage 340 .22 Hornet are rare, but the occasional problem can occur. Regular inspection and maintenance can prevent most issues. If problems do arise, consult a qualified gunsmith for assistance.
The Pros and Cons: Weighing the Advantages and Disadvantages
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet offers many advantages:
Affordability: Savage Arms has always been known for producing affordable firearms, and the Savage 340 .22 Hornet is no exception. This makes it an accessible option for hunters of various budgets.
Accuracy Potential: As mentioned earlier, the rifle has the potential for excellent accuracy.
Reliability: The simple bolt-action design and robust construction contribute to the Savage 340’s reliability.
Ease of Use: The rifle is easy to operate and maintain, making it ideal for both experienced hunters and those new to the sport.
Manageable Weight: The rifle’s moderate weight makes it comfortable to carry.
However, there are some potential disadvantages to consider:
Availability of Spare Parts: It can sometimes be challenging to find specific replacement parts.
Magazine Capacity: The magazine capacity is moderate.
Scope Mounting: Older models might need extra considerations for mounting modern scopes.
Compared to the Competition: Contrasting with Other Rifles
While the Savage 340 is an excellent rifle, it is important to consider other .22 Hornet rifles to make an informed decision. The Ruger 77/22 Hornet, for instance, is known for its accuracy and build quality. CZ offers a range of Hornet rifles that are praised for their design and craftsmanship.
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet stands out for its affordability and simplicity. It offers a great balance of performance and value, making it an attractive option for many hunters.
Finding Your Own Savage 340 22 Hornet
Finding a Savage 340 .22 Hornet is generally easier today than in the past. With its continued popularity as a varminting rifle, it is a sought-after item.
Online auction sites and firearms forums can also be fruitful resources. These can often be found at reasonable prices.
When considering a used rifle, be sure to inspect it carefully. Check for any signs of wear and tear, rust, or damage. Pay attention to the condition of the bore, the action, and the stock. Check for any potential problems.
Concluding Thoughts on the Savage 340 22 Hornet
The Savage 340 .22 Hornet remains a viable and attractive choice for varmint hunters and small game enthusiasts. Its legacy of reliability, accuracy, and affordability makes it a classic.
If you are in the market for a .22 Hornet rifle, consider the Savage 340. It may be the perfect combination of performance and value, allowing you to enjoy the sport.
Remember to always practice safe gun handling, follow all local laws and regulations, and always treat every firearm as if it were loaded. Responsible gun ownership is key to a positive and safe hunting experience.
