Savage 219 and 220 Single Shot Rifles & Shotguns

What great embellishments! Interesting how the forends all have different checkering patterns. Are the forends interchangeable? Checkering is a nice addition on this rifle. Gun looks very well maintained. Have you and your Dad shot it much?

In 1985 my father acquired a unique Savage Model 219/220 that included a lower receiver with a walnut butt stock and 3 interchangeable barrels chambered in 22 Hornet, 30-30 Winchester, and 20 gauge.  Each of the forearms is checkered and the butt stock is ornately carved.  The set came in a custom wooden case.  The previous owner told him that he bought the gun from a manufacturer’s sales representative in the early 1950s. 

Here are some details.  I’ll also post some photos.  My most sincere thanks to Garnett Stancil for teaching me about this gun!
 
1.  The manufacturer’s stamp on each barrel says Savage Arms Corporation, Utica, New York, USA.  Being manufactured in Utica, narrows the date of manufacture to 1938 – 1946.  Savage Arms moved to Chicopee Falls in 1946.
 
2.  Matching manufacturing codes on the butt stock, frame, and barrels indicate that the 22 Hornet and the 28” barreled 20 gauge were part of a Savage Utility Rifle and Shotgun Set.  This specific configuration was sold as the Model 229 Utility Set.  Utility sets first appeared in 1940.  This narrows the date of manufacture a bit more to 1940-1946.
 
3.  The firing pin is cocked by moving the top lever to the right.  This striker-fired mechanism was the original internal design.
 
4.  The frame is fitted with an alloy painted trigger guard and a slim trigger.  Garnett refers to this as a 2nd Model Utica version.
 
5.  There are manufacturing codes, but no obvious serial numbering anywhere on this gun.

6.  The iron sights have been removed from the 22 Hornet barrel and replaced with a Weaver M 29S Special Scope (3/4” tube).

7.  The manufacturer’s stamp on the 22 Hornet barrel, normally on the left side of the barrel, is actually located on top of the barrel.  This made room for the unusual option of factory-drilled and tapped holes for a scope mount

8.  The ornately carved stock, the third barrel, and the custom case make this set unique.  We believe that a Savage Arms salesman had this set made for a customer that sold large numbers of these guns.  This seems to fit the story told to my dad when he bought it. 

Anyway… I found your awesome forum during my search for information.  It is a goldmine of information.  I would be very interested to learn more about this particular gun or about a similar gun any of you might have.  Thanks for the opportunity…   

It has been many years since I “glassed” a stock.  As well as I remember, I purchased a brand called “Accura-Glass and followed the directions.  I would recommend stripping all parts from inside the action, and then put a very thin coat on the inside surfaces that touch the action, and then a little more inside the flat surfaces that do not touch the action.  The most import thing to remember is to completely cover all the metal surfaces where the wood touches with the release agent.  I am sorry I can’t be more specific, but it has been a really long time.  The last 219/220 stock cracks that I repaired were minor and I used an epoxy based liquid glue from Hobby Lobby.  It is as thin as water.  I don’t have access to my bottle now so I can’t tell you the name. Be careful not to breathe it when applying as it emits a very strong fume.  I put it in the crack(s) and clamp them back together.  After that dries I saturate the flat insides of the stock.  It soaks into the wood and dries very hard.  I hope this helps some.  Maybe someone else with more experience can help. That is one major fault to the design of the stock as I have seen .22 Hornet stocks cracked.

Yep, my shotgun accuracy with clays is still fair, but rifle accuracy with open sights is in the toilet. Just for kicks I also brought along my New England Firearms single shot 22" barrel Handi Rifle in .22 Hornet to the range for comparison. The Handi-Rifle has a big advantage with a Williams peep and a firesight front sight setup. What a huge difference being able to see that bright front bead makes!

Best I could manage with these 70 yr old eyes at 40' and open sights . Very sad. But the rifle shoots where it's aimed.
I could really improve my accuracy with a peep sight but this 219 Hornet is in great condition, all original and I hesitate to drill holes in the barrel. Ok, so woodchucks are out of the question but a close up shot at wiley coyote is another story. Cheers!