The Nicest Savage No.4 Mk1* I've Ever Seen

[Hesalite]

Hesalite: I don't know what the odds of finding a "3" bolt head on a virtually unused No. 4 would be but I wouldn't think it would be high. On the other hand, a former owner/ tinkerer might have put a "3" on it to tighten up headspace to the lower limits and for no real reason. I have a Longbranch with a really big "3" on it that was set up by a target shooter to just barely allow the bolt to close on thicker rimmed brass. Gauging it showed I could easily get acceptable headspace with a normal "1" or "2" bolt head. Getting back to your rifle, the only thing I see in the photos that I wonder about is the strap at the rear of the forend. To me that doesn't look like the way they came from the factory. Is the forend Savage stamped?

Ridolpho

Not sure what you mean by strap at rear of forend.

[CINDERS]

It is the flat tie strap & rivet that goes across the back of the bottom wood where it meets the wrist which is what I think Ridolpho is referring to.
Also the chunky "S" in side the box under the wrist looks like it denotes a Savage Butt not a "Small" one if I am correct.

[Hesalite]

It is the flat tie strap & rivet that goes across the back of the bottom wood where it meets the wrist which is what I think Ridolpho is referring to.
Also the chunky "S" in side the box under the wrist looks like it denotes a Savage Butt not a "Small" one if I am correct.

Ah gotcha. Looks good to me. And not sure if the forend is stamped S. Rifle arrives Saturday. I'd bet my Savage scopeless T it is though. No one else used that kind of wood for their stocks.

[André]

Very nice specimen but the sling is mounted incorrectly. Hooks should be facing outside to avoid scratching the stock.

[Hesalite]

Very nice specimen but the sling is mounted incorrectly. Hooks should be facing outside to avoid scratching the stock.

Yup, I'll be sure to flip it around once I pick it up Saturday.

[SpikeDD]

Hesalite: I don't know what the odds of finding a "3" bolt head on a virtually unused No. 4 would be but I wouldn't think it would be high. On the other hand, a former owner/ tinkerer might have put a "3" on it to tighten up headspace to the lower limits and for no real reason. I have a Longbranch with a really big "3" on it that was set up by a target shooter to just barely allow the bolt to close on thicker rimmed brass. Gauging it showed I could easily get acceptable headspace with a normal "1" or "2" bolt head. Getting back to your rifle, the only thing I see in the photos that I wonder about is the strap at the rear of the forend. To me that doesn't look like the way they came from the factory. Is the forend Savage stamped?

Ridolpho

I wouldn't doubt a bolt head would be changed out to tighten up head space but many rifles left the armory with No.3 bolt heads. I couldn't venture a guess as to the number, but in this case, a Savage marked No.3 bolt head being found that indexed correctly AND head spaced correctly? A No.3 bolt head is difficult enough to find to begin with...what are the odds of finding a Savage marked one that was right on the first go?

AS to the rear strap on the forend....I have seen this type of fitment before. I don't know if it is something done from new or a "re shape" of some kind to fit a new pin. It also appears to be sanded along with the contour of the wood.

[Baal]

I had a 1955 Faz No 4 Mk 2 in mummy wrap some years back. I unwrapped it (kicks self). It had a No 3 bolt head.

[SpikeDD]

With permission from Hesalite, here is my example of the nicest Savage I have seen. It is essentially un issued and shows no sign of having seen anything but storage wear. I've owned this rifle for 12 to 14 years? Note the No.3 bolt head.

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[SpikeDD]

After looking at the close up of the bolt head, I noticed the bolt head guide appeared to be chamfered on both edges. I cleaned the grease out and attempted a better shot...

Attachment 78231

[CINDERS]

Probably to assist in guiding it into the rail as it travels during cycling past the cut out area where you engage the bolt head.