The Savage Model 24 has long held a special place among hunters who like one gun that can do more than one job. Part rifle, part shotgun, it offers a kind of old-school versatility that still makes sense in the field. These seven setups show how different barrel pairings can suit everything from squirrels and rabbits to predators and camp meat duty.
.22 LR over 20 gauge for small game woods walks
This is the setup many people picture when they think about a classic combo gun. A .22 LR barrel gives you a quiet, precise option for squirrels on a limb, while the 20 gauge handles rabbits that break from cover or birds flushing at close range.
It feels tailor-made for long walks through mixed cover where every turn can present a different shot. The lighter recoil of the 20 gauge also keeps the gun approachable for newer hunters, and the affordable .22 LR side makes practice easy before the season ever starts.
.22 Magnum over 20 gauge for farm and fencerow hunting
Stepping up to .22 Magnum gives the rifle barrel more reach and more punch, which makes this pairing especially useful around fields, hedgerows, and open farm country. It is still handy enough for casual carrying, but it stretches the Model 24 beyond strictly close-range work.
That extra rimfire power pairs nicely with a 20 gauge when the day might include pests in a pasture, a rabbit cutting across a lane, or an opportunistic bird shot. For hunters who split time between woods edges and open pockets, this setup feels balanced and very practical.
.222 Remington over 20 gauge for versatile predator duty
When the rifle barrel is chambered in .222 Remington, the Model 24 starts leaning into serious varmint and predator territory. The cartridge has a long reputation for accuracy, and it gives the upper barrel enough performance to handle coyotes, foxes, and similar game with confidence.
The 20 gauge below it remains the wildcard that makes the package interesting. In tighter cover or when a fast-moving target appears suddenly, a shotgun shell can solve a problem a scoped rifle might not. That mix makes this setup appealing for hunters covering varied ground in a single outing.
.223 Remington over 12 gauge for modern all-around use
A .223 Remington over 12 gauge combination is one of the more capable do-it-all arrangements a hunter can carry. The rifle barrel brings flat-shooting performance and easy ammunition availability, while the 12 gauge opens the door to everything from upland birds to buckshot work at short range.
This setup feels especially relevant for hunters who want one firearm for truck duty, camp use, and mixed-species opportunities. It is not the lightest version of the Model 24 idea, but it may be the broadest in terms of practical field roles, which helps explain its enduring appeal.
.30-30 Winchester over 12 gauge for deer camp flexibility
A .30-30 Winchester barrel changes the personality of the Model 24 in a hurry. Now the rifle side is clearly aimed at deer-sized game in woods and broken country, giving the hunter a proven cartridge with enough authority for classic whitetail distances.
The 12 gauge underneath adds a second layer of usefulness that can shine around camp or during overlapping seasons. It can handle slugs, birdshot, or buckshot depending on the task, making the gun feel like a true utility piece. For hunters who appreciate old-school practicality, this is one of the most character-rich combinations around.
.22 Hornet over 410 for light carry and careful shooting
The .22 Hornet over .410 version has always appealed to hunters who value portability and precision over brute force. It is slim, easy to carry, and surprisingly capable when used within its limits, especially for trappers, wanderers, and anyone covering a lot of ground on foot.
The Hornet offers more reach and authority than the rimfires, while the .410 remains useful for very close, very controlled shotgun work. This is not the most forgiving setup for every situation, but in practiced hands it becomes a wonderfully efficient companion for quiet days in the field.
.357 Magnum over 20 gauge for close-range brush country
A .357 Magnum rifle barrel gives the Model 24 a different kind of charm. In brushy country where shots stay moderate and reaction time matters, it delivers solid performance with manageable recoil, and it carries a practical, straight-walled simplicity that many hunters still enjoy.
Matched with a 20 gauge, the result is a setup that feels at home in thickets, creek bottoms, and rough edges where game can appear suddenly. It is not a long-range specialist, but that is not the point. This pairing is about handy field use, fast decisions, and confidence at realistic hunting distances.
