So, I open the box and as I unpack it, first I have a sense of relief b/c it indeed is a 24DL in .22LR/20ga that appears original (not a lump of coal). Next impression is that it is filthy! Has yellowish dirt/stain on the receiver, the outside and inside of the barrels are grungy. The .22 barrel is so fouled that it took a minute of looking to be able to see any hint of rifling. It's a head-scratcher to me how someone could leave a gun like that. Anyhow, I spent an hour or so cleaning and am very happy with it now. All grunge & stains went away with some wd40 and light rubbing. Fouling wasn't bad to get rid of, both barrels became mirror-like and rifle barrel has strong rifling. It was advertised as "NRA Very Good" and I think it's at least that. Flaws are, small ding/puncture wound on the pistol grip area of the stock, a bit of wear showing on the edges of the trigger guard (satin finish rubbed off), and the odd speck or freckle on the outside of the barrels (which could well go away when I do a better cleaning). There is also the odd light handling mark on the buttstock, but it's definately not beat up. Blueing's good (but rubbed off at sharp edges around muzzles) and the satin receiver looks good with only a couple of minute scuff marks that you can only see if the light's hitting it right.
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<br>It has no serial # and the barrel selector button on the side of the receiver, which if I understand Bearrr264 correctly, puts it as either a 1962 or 63. One thing that struck me as funny... it was advertised as a "24C", but I could tell that it wasn't the "camper's companion" version. I knew it had 24" barrels and was the satin receiver etc. I just figured the vendor got his models mixed up. But low and behold, it's stamped "Savage 24C, DL". Is that how all 24DL's are labelled? I have a winchester shotgun that's got a different model number (2200) designating it a canadian version of the 1200. Same thing here maybe?
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<br>Anyhow, after my first firearm purchase via the internet, so far I'm pleased. If it shoots as good as it looks then I'll say I've done really well. I'd post a pict if I knew how to do it on this forum! Anyone know of a free picture hosting site??
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<br>Brent