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Which Savage do i have?

old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
edited November 2013 in Ask the Experts
I recently picked up an old Savage lever action rifle.I have narrowed it down to either a model 1895 or 1899.Not sure which.Hopeing someone can tell me.The rifle has a 26" barrel chambered in 303 Savage.Serial no. 59xx Barrel reads-Savage repeating Arms Utica,NY USA 2nd line on barrel reads-patented Feb. 7 1893 July 25 1893 cal 303.It has a hole on top of the bolt with a loaded chamber indicator.Left side of receiver has a similar hole with a brass cartridge counter.A very slender 11" forearm and shotgun style buttstock with steel buttplate.Barrel,receiver,and lever are blued retaining about 90% and appears original.My research seems to indicate a model 1895 in rifle configuration.Can anyone tell me for sure????
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Comments

  • charliemeyer007charliemeyer007 Member Posts: 6,572 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    If its an oblong cocking indicator on the bolt it sounds like an early 99, later ones had a pin in the upper tang (1908), from The blue book of gun values. They say about 6000 95 were made and stamped as you listed but without the July 25 1893 date or cal 303.

    The blue book has some bolt and receiver differences listed. So is what you have a cocking or a loaded chamber indicator?

    Could be a transition piece, those old guys never threw anything away. My favorite was a 303 S with an auxiliary .410 barrel. The write up was in an old Shooter's or Gun Digest. The story was about shooting big croc's in the walnut sized brain across a big river and bagging birds with the scatter gun.
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    I just tried 2 different web sites putting in the serial no. of my rifle.They both stated that my rifle is an 1895.So,I am still unsure.
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    I just found the number at Savage to call for historical information.They should be able to give me the answer.I will post what I find out.
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  • Hawk CarseHawk Carse Member Posts: 4,381 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Address and patent dates are correct for an 1895.
    The hole in the top of the bolt is showing the striker. It should be marked C for cocked and S for safe (fired).
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    Hawk-That is how it is marked.
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  • old single shotsold single shots Member Posts: 3,594
    edited November -1
    This morning I found a JM proof mark on the barrel after removing the forearm.Most 1895's were made by Marlin.I now believe this rifle is a 95,not a 99.Going to call Savage in a few minutes to try and verify this.
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