Savage 23 D questions

[mannyrock]

 
   Any experts out there on these rifles?  I have a few of questions:
 
   1.  Was the checkering hand cut, or impressed?
 
   2.  What were the years of production?
 
   3.  Are the magazines on this model suppose to be flush with the bottom of the rifle, or protrude about a half an inch out of the bottom?
 
   Thanks for all information.
 
Mannyrock

[Flash]

   Any experts out there on these rifles?  I have a few of questions:
 
   1.  Was the checkering hand cut, or impressed?
 
   2.  What were the years of production?
 
   3.  Are the magazines on this model suppose to be flush with the bottom of the rifle, or protrude about a half an inch out of the bottom?
 
   Thanks for all information.
 
Mannyrock

The mags do stick out and I never liked that. I believe they were introduced in 1923 and went on until 1942. If you take the bolt out and look at the rear receiver ring, you'll find the serial number there on the back. As far as production numbers, I'm not sure but there might be a site that shows the production years, based on serial numbers. I never saw any with checkering but my guess would be cut checkering. I believe pressed checkering didn't appear until the early 50's.

[Mike A.]

The checkering should be cut.  Only the few Deluxe models had factory checkering, so there is a chance yours has non-factory checkering which is fine as long as it was done well.

The clip does protrude a little,  but there is a very good chance you have an aftermarket clip, since the clips were easy to lose and hard to find.  It should have ".22 Hornet" marked on the bottom plate.  If it's a real Savage clip, DON'T lose it; they cost about what the gun costs.

Don't go over the factory-equivalent .22 Hornet specs for handloads; you can create excessive headspace in these and Winchester 43s by hotrodding the loads.  That can be fixed since it has a two-piece bolt, but it's a pain.

NEAT little rifles!