The world of bolt-action shotguns often sparks passionate debates, and at the forefront of those discussions sit the Savage 220 and 212. Savage Arms has carved a respected reputation for producing reliable and accurate firearms, particularly in the slug shotgun arena. These two models, while sharing the same innovative bolt-action platform, offer distinct characteristics tailored to different hunting styles and individual preferences. Choosing between the Savage 220 and 212 can be a significant decision, so a comprehensive comparison is essential. This article delves into the nuances of each firearm, providing a detailed examination to help you determine which Savage shotgun best fits your needs.
Unveiling the Savage 220
The Savage 220 has cemented its place as a favorite for hunters seeking a dedicated slug gun, especially those who appreciate the benefits of a twenty-gauge platform. Its bolt-action design is not just about looks; it’s engineered for precision. Let’s explore the elements that define the Savage 220.
A Legacy Focused on Accuracy
While the exact genesis of the Savage 220’s design evolution is difficult to pinpoint definitively, its rise in popularity closely mirrors the growing emphasis on slug hunting accuracy. The 220, often favored for deer hunting, represents a shift towards more specialized firearms within the hunting community. It underscores a focus on precision and user-friendliness, making it an accessible choice for both seasoned hunters and those new to the sport. The 220 is designed to be a straightforward slug gun, built to deliver consistent performance in the field.
Key Design Elements
The Savage 220, with its bolt-action, is built for deliberate shots. Its design encourages careful aiming and a controlled firing process. It’s a single-shot system, necessitating the manual cycling of the bolt after each shot, emphasizing accuracy over rapid follow-up shots.
- The Heart of the System The bolt-action mechanism on the Savage 220 is central to its appeal. This design contributes to improved accuracy by minimizing the movement of the barrel during firing compared to some semi-automatic designs. The bolt locks securely into the receiver, which helps enhance the consistency of each shot.
- Gauge and Power The 220 is primarily chambered in twenty-gauge. This gauge offers a middle-ground between the larger, harder-kicking twelve-gauge and the smaller, less potent gauges. It’s often favored for its generally lower recoil compared to a twelve-gauge, which is particularly beneficial for smaller-framed shooters or those who may shoot more frequently.
- Barrel Mastery The barrel of the Savage 220 is crafted for accuracy. The length of the barrel is often optimized for slug performance, ensuring the slug leaves the muzzle at an optimal velocity and trajectory. The presence of rifling in the barrel is crucial. Rifling imparts a spin to the slug as it travels down the bore, greatly improving its stability in flight and contributing to tighter groupings downrange.
- A Foundation for Control The stock on the Savage 220 is designed for both comfort and handling. Generally, the stock material is synthetic, which offers durability and weather resistance. The stock design often includes features that enhance the shooter’s comfort, such as a recoil pad to absorb some of the energy from the shot. Ergonomics are also carefully considered, ensuring the shooter can achieve a proper cheek weld and sight alignment for precise shooting.
- The Magazine Arrangement Typically, the Savage 220 features a detachable box magazine. This system allows for fast reloading. The magazine capacity is usually between two and three rounds, as single-shot or a magazine holding the cartridges.
- On Target The sighting system on the Savage 220 is prepared for different users. It may come with open sights, allowing for quick target acquisition in closer ranges. More commonly, it’s equipped with a scope rail. This allows for the mounting of a scope or red-dot sight. The ability to mount optics enhances accuracy, especially at longer ranges or in low-light conditions.
- The Trigger Advantage The Savage 220 incorporates the famous AccuTrigger. The AccuTrigger is a key selling point for Savage rifles, offering an adjustable trigger pull. This customization lets the shooter tailor the trigger to their specific preferences, improving shot consistency. The AccuTrigger design usually includes a safety blade, which provides an added layer of security, which means that a trigger pull requires the user to consciously depress the blade.
- Size and Structure The Savage 220 is designed to be relatively compact and manageable. Its weight is a consideration for shooters, making it easier to carry in the field for long periods. The overall dimensions are carefully considered to balance performance with ease of use. The size and weight are particularly relevant when discussing the differences between the 220 and its big brother, the 212.
Exploring the Savage 212
While the Savage 220 has gained prominence, the Savage 212 presents a contrasting, but no less compelling, option. The Savage 212 holds a strong position, particularly among hunters who favor the power and performance of the twelve-gauge. The Savage 212 is also a bolt-action slug gun, and it also places a high value on accuracy and ease of use. Here’s a closer look at the features that differentiate the Savage 212.
Evolution Focused on Delivering Power
The Savage 212, like the 220, is designed to emphasize precision. However, its design focuses on delivering the substantial power of the twelve-gauge. The evolution of the 212 closely aligns with the needs of hunters who seek the advantages of the twelve-gauge, including the wide selection of ammunition and the ability to effectively take down larger game at longer distances. It is built for those who are happy to bear the recoil in favor of a harder-hitting projectile.
Key Design Elements
The Savage 212 mirrors the 220 in several ways. However, critical differences reflect its emphasis on power.
- Core Operations The bolt-action on the 212 is a key feature, just like the 220. This design emphasizes precision by controlling the movement of the barrel during firing. Each shot involves manually cycling the bolt, creating a process focused on accurate shot placement.
- Gauge Selection and Potential The Savage 212 is built around the twelve-gauge platform. The twelve-gauge is known for its stopping power and versatility, making it a common choice among hunters. It offers a wide range of ammunition options, from standard slugs to specialized loads designed for specific hunting situations. The twelve-gauge is an advantage if you are in need of a more powerful shell.
- Barrel Quality The barrel of the Savage 212 is engineered to deliver consistent slug performance. Barrel length is optimized for slug ballistics, ensuring the slug reaches its target with precision. Barrel rifling is standard on the Savage 212, imparting the necessary spin for projectile stabilization and maximizing accuracy.
- Stock for Confidence The stock on the Savage 212 is crucial for handling recoil and improving shooting comfort. The stock material is often a durable synthetic material that can endure the rigors of hunting. The design emphasizes ergonomics to ensure proper cheek weld and sighting. The recoil pad is important, as the twelve-gauge round has more felt recoil than the twenty-gauge round.
- Magazines and Function The Savage 212 uses a magazine. This enables rapid reloading. The magazine capacity varies, but it’s usually a manageable number of rounds, which facilitates quick reloading in the field.
- Sighting System The Savage 212 comes prepared with an adaptable sighting system. It can have traditional open sights for quicker target acquisition at shorter distances. It also provides the option of mounting optics, typically with a scope rail. This option is preferred for long-range shooting, and also in lower-light situations.
- Trigger Control The Savage 212 uses the innovative AccuTrigger, which is designed to improve accuracy. The AccuTrigger is adjustable to give the shooter control over their trigger pull, improving shot consistency. The design also includes the safety blade.
- Weight and Size The Savage 212 is crafted to give the hunter a manageable hunting experience. While the twelve-gauge platform is larger, the dimensions are carefully considered to balance performance with ease of use. The weight of the 212 is generally higher than the 220, reflecting its heavier components and higher gauge.
Detailed Comparison: Weighing the Savage 220 Against the 212
Both the Savage 220 and 212 are fine firearms. However, the differences between them shape their performance.
The Gauge Dilemma
- Twenty-Gauge Considerations: The .20-gauge is a great choice for those who prefer less recoil and easier handling. The .20-gauge is typically lighter than the twelve-gauge, making it easier to carry in the field. It is also a favorite among shooters who are more sensitive to recoil. The availability of ammunition for twenty-gauge, while not as extensive as for the twelve-gauge, still offers many options suitable for hunting. The effective range is generally shorter compared to the twelve-gauge, but it still provides sufficient range for many hunting scenarios.
- Twelve-Gauge Strengths: The twelve-gauge is known for its raw power and knockdown force. The twelve-gauge is generally a good choice for bigger game, and for shots at longer ranges. The availability of ammunition for the twelve-gauge is very good, providing hunters with a multitude of bullet types, shot sizes, and specialized loads. The increased recoil and overall weight is important, and shooters may want to consider this factor.
Weight and Ease of Use
The weight is an important consideration when comparing the Savage 220 and 212.
- The Agile Twenty-Gauge: The Savage 220 is generally lighter and easier to maneuver. This contributes to user comfort, particularly during extended hunting trips. The lighter weight also makes it easier to bring to the shoulder quickly, which is beneficial when hunting in dense cover or in situations where fast target acquisition is essential.
- Twelve-Gauge Power: The Savage 212 is heavier, which is typical for twelve-gauge shotguns. The added weight helps manage the increased recoil. The larger size can make the 212 feel less agile compared to the 220, which requires more effort to carry in the field for long periods.
Dealing with the Recoil
Recoil is a critical factor to consider for all shooters.
- Reduced Recoil of the Twenty-Gauge: The Savage 220, being a twenty-gauge, generates significantly less recoil than the Savage 212. This feature is helpful for shooters who are new to shotgunning or for those who wish to shoot more comfortably and accurately over an extended period.
- Managing the Twelve-Gauge Kick: The Savage 212, chambered in the twelve-gauge, delivers a more powerful recoil. The added weight of the shotgun helps lessen felt recoil. Effective recoil management is crucial for maintaining accuracy and reducing fatigue during shooting.
Accuracy on the Range
The accuracy of both shotguns is a main selling point.
- Precision of the Twenty-Gauge: The Savage 220 can be remarkably accurate, due to its design, the rifle barrel, and its user-friendly ergonomics. The .20-gauge slug, while having less kinetic energy than its twelve-gauge counterpart, tends to be more easily managed, which helps with more accurate shot placement.
- Accuracy with the Twelve-Gauge: The Savage 212 is known for its accuracy. The larger bore diameter allows for heavier slugs, which can retain more energy downrange, especially when combined with rifled barrels. The heavier weight of the shotgun helps manage recoil, leading to more consistent shot placement.
Ergonomics and Functionality
- Stock Design and Features: Both shotguns feature ergonomic stocks and good designs, which enhances their performance. The synthetic stocks that are frequently found on the Savage models are weather-resistant and durable. The AccuTrigger also allows shooters to adapt the system to suit their own preferences.
- The Trigger Assembly The AccuTrigger is a major selling point for both the Savage 220 and 212. The design allows the shooter to personalize the trigger pull, thus improving consistency.
Application in the Field
- The Twenty-Gauge’s Niche: The Savage 220 is well-suited for hunters who prioritize ease of carrying, reduced recoil, and moderate ranges. It is a strong option for whitetail deer and other game where the .20-gauge’s power is adequate.
- The Twelve-Gauge’s Capabilities: The Savage 212 is an excellent option when you want a gun with extra power and the ability to hunt at greater distances. It’s a good choice when you need to take down larger game. The twelve-gauge also has a lot of ammunition choices.
The Economics of Choice
- Pricing Differences: The price of the Savage 220 and 212 can change based on market factors. However, both shotguns generally provide great value for their performance.
- Ammo Considerations: The price of ammunition is critical. The .20-gauge slugs are frequently less expensive than the twelve-gauge slugs, although it can vary. The greater ammo availability of the twelve-gauge also helps.
Making the Choice: Deciding which Savage to get
Determining which Savage shotgun is right requires careful consideration of your requirements.
- For the Hunter Focused on Comfort: The Savage 220 is great if you are wanting lighter recoil and easier handling.
- For More Power at Longer Ranges: The Savage 212 offers the added power and range of the twelve-gauge.
- Experience is Important: Experienced shooters, used to the recoil of the twelve-gauge, can find the 212 to be a great option. Hunters seeking a lighter and more manageable shotgun will enjoy the 220.
Conclusion
The Savage 220 and 212 offer bolt-action slug shotgun designs. The 220 is favored for its twenty-gauge design, lighter weight, and reduced recoil. The 212 is known for its twelve-gauge power and ability to reach out and engage targets at longer ranges. Each model offers specific advantages, making them very popular with hunters. Consider your hunting style, preferences, and the type of game you pursue to determine which Savage shotgun meets your needs. Whether you are a seasoned hunter or a newcomer to the sport, Savage Arms provides a tool for achieving a successful hunting experience.
