Home Forums Birds & Dogs Shotguns Wards model 60

One of these caught my eye due to the figure in the walnut stock and being a 16 ga. Action was a little stiff but a good cleaning would probably due that wonders. Internet search shows this as a john browning design. Does anyone have real world experience with one?

I think its a private label Savage 620 which evolved from the 520. It is a Browning design though it's one of his designs no one seems too interested in these days. Have you shot it? I'd be interested in reading your observations on how it works as 520s and 620s have caught my eye as of late..

Yep it is a 620 Savage labeled Westernfield Wards. Have not bought it yet, thought it might be a good cheap shotgun to throw in the Pioneer. Was hoping someone can comment on reliability, function, etc. It is cheap enough and seems well made, has un-cracked walnut stocks and milled receiver with most of the blue remaining. I plan on picking it up after work tonight and give it a whirl.

I've never shot one nut the design should be sound. I guess the execution would be the only thing in question and being a fan of Savage I certainly hope they built them well. I look forward to your comments as these guns, especially the private labeled versions, may be a decent little secret.

Well?

Went to pick it up Saturday. Shop owner asked if I liked the shotgun or the gauge. I told him I was interested more in the gauge. He then went to the back and brought out an Auto 5 16ga standard that was built in 1955. It has a 28" mod VR barrel and shows a little honest hunting wear. It came home with me instead of the Model 60. If the Wards is still there in a week, I will pick it up also.

So I guess the 60 shoots like a Sweet 16?

Something like that, the Auto 5 is a standard weight and not a Sweet. I shot a half a box of Herter's 6's through it at clays in the back yard. It is very smooth and I don't regret my decision one bit.

Very cool. I have a 12-gauge Remington 11. I've been tempted to find a Savage 720. Both are A-5s, but built by different factories.

Ok, went back by the shop this morning and spoke to the manager and we agreed on a price. It is now headed home. Will give a report as soon as possible. My son has a M11 in 16ga that he fell in love with this fall while shooting doves. They are true sleepers around here. Good functioning M11's can be had from time to time for less than a couple hundred.

Finally had a chance to clean it up and shoot it for pattern today. Shoots a very good even full choke pattern at 30 yards with Herter #6 just a tad above point of aim. A couple of drops reel oil made it shuck like it was champ. I think I am going to like it.

Cool, thanks for the review. These too may be sleepers - but don't tell anyone that.