New Savage No4Mk1

Hi Guys,

I just picked up this interesting rifle yesterday. It's a Savage No4Mk1 (with no *). I havn't seen this serial number series before as there is no "#C" prefix. It has what appears to be the original 6 groove barrel, and the savage Mk1 rear sight. There are no signs of refinish or that it's done much work, but the butt is an well matched but poorly fitted replacement. Bedding seems okay.

I think I'll tidy up the fitting of the butt and the bedding if it needs it and give it a bit of a run over the next little while. I havn't been as happy with a new rifle for ages... This is a ripper!!

Nice pick up tbonesmith a range test for sure I gather.

I'm not quite convinced that that is the correct number Tom. The format and lettering just doesn't look genuine somehow. But I stand to be corrected by those experts in the numbering and minute of the detail of course.

Reminds me of sometime ago when there were a few Savages that seemingly weren't US PROPERTY marked. They were but cleaned off!

You could well be right. It looks a lot like the Boker 3mm stamp font. It's certainly not obviously scrubbed, and it's for sure and certain an early Savage No4Mk1. It's no million dollar rifle and I'll just enjoy it for what it is.

Ahhh, and no flaming bomb on the wrist... So it's renumbered and reblued.

Still a very nice and rare one, B-smith!! Again, Very nice.

Tbone: How is the bore? My own similar rifle with 6 groove barrel shoots quite well in spite of a very rough bore. It, unfortunately, had a renumbered bolt that I had to replace due to chipping on one lug.

Ridolpho

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Originally Posted by Ridolpho

6 groove barrel

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That would be a late barrel? Cut with the Bren machine?

No BAR, early Savage. I believe they retain the normal left hand twist unlike the Longbranch Cmk4 barrels you're referring to.

Ridolpho

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Originally Posted by Ridolpho

early Savage.

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Guess it's time to have another look at the book...

According to Skennerton, the early Savage six groove barrels were rifled on machines set up for the French Lebel or Berthier, (can't remember which). The twist was 1 turn in 9.5" instead of 1 turn in 10" if memory serves.

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Originally Posted by Brian Dick

machines set up for the French Lebel or Berthier

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I'd never even heard that one...