Savage Arms Model 23D Sporter .22 Hornet Bolt-Action Rifle, Pre-WWII, 25 in Barrel, Blued/Walnut
This pre-WWII Savage Arms Model 23D Sporter in .22 Hornet stands out as the first commercially offered rifle in this chambering, with approximately 15,000 produced circa 1932–1945. It features a 25-inch carbon steel barrel with recessed crown, classic blued finish, walnut stock, and open sights. A detachable 7-round steel magazine and installed canvas sling are included.
Condition
Overall Condition: Good condition, showing some signs of prior use and handling.
Bore Condition: Good - Clean, well-maintained, minor wear marks.
Bore Rifling: Good Rifling - Intact, well-defined lands and grooves.
Specific Condition Notes: There are small scratches on the stock. A small area of checkering is missing on the right-side palm rest.
What’s Included
- 1x 7-round detachable single-stack steel box magazine
- Canvas sling (installed)
Built in the 1930s–1940s, the Model 23D Sporter reflects a key moment in small-bore centerfire history as the first commercial .22 Hornet rifle. Production numbers were modest, with about 15,000 made during its run, appealing to buyers who value early examples of the cartridge’s adoption.
The 25-inch carbon steel barrel uses a recessed crown and is paired with open sights: a fixed blade front on a ramp and an open leaf rear with a step elevator. The top ahead of the rear sight has tapped holes with filler screws for scope blocks, offering a period-correct provision for block mounting.
This bolt-action design includes a polished bolt handle knob and an exposed cocking piece, with a right-side ejection port. Feeding is via a detachable, single-stack 7-round steel magazine, and the sliding, bottom-mounted magazine release provides straightforward magazine changes. Capacity is 7+1.
The walnut stock features a straight comb, cut checkering, and a steel buttplate bearing the Savage monogram, along with sling swivels for carry. The rifle wears a classic blued finish on the carbon steel receiver and barrel. Length of pull is 13.5 inches, and a canvas sling is already installed.