DESCRIPTION: One of the kind Savage experimental bolt action rifle! There is no information on this rifle available in known to me Savage reference literature. The rifle was, most likely, manufactured during the World War One. The style of the rifle copies the lines of British military Lee Enfield (SMLE) rifles. One piece (!) SMLE style walnut stock with a pistol grip and a full length handguard. The front sight/nosecap assembly, rear sights, brass buttplate and magazine are taken from standard SMLE rifle and they show British markings (and old serial numbers on the magazine and nosecap only). The caliber is standard British military .303 Enfield. This may lead to the conclusion that the rifle was offered to the British military during the Great War, or at least, was intended for some kind of British military trials. The rifle features very sturdy, military style bolt action. In fact, the latter is very similar to the action utilized in Savage Model 1920 rifle, just the bolt seems to be slightly longer. This rifle may be a predecessor of Savage Model 1920! The trigger guard and a single shot cut off are missing from the rifle, and there is no sign that they were ever installed. Perhaps, the rifle was never completed by the Savage factory. The left side of the buttstock displays a brass disc with following markings, "Made by Savage Arms Co., Utica, N.Y., U.S.A.". The serial number is stamped only on the right side of the receiver ring. No other markings are present on the rifle. Complete with a long range dial sight on the left side of the stock. The bolt cocking piece is also a safety device. It can be turned left and right and is marked accordingly, "Safe" and "Fire". Two sling swivels. Bayonet lug on the nosecap. One barrel band. Brass buttplate with a trap. Overall length: 46 inch. Barrel length: 25.5 inch. CONDITION: The rifle would be in excellent condition, if not for missing (uninstalled) parts. 96% of original blue finish is still remaining on metal. The balance is in white mixed with some light patina. Some finish is turning to brownish color. Most of the wear is on the magazine, barrel band and nosecap. The SMLE magazine shows some roughness and some handling marks. The SMLE nosecap shows two small spots of pitting. Nice, smooth stock in original finish, with some handling marks and light dings. No cracks in wood. All the markings on metal are clearly visible. Excellent+ bore with strong and shiny rifling. Crisp action. All the internal parts of the rifle are in excellent condition, with no visible wear. One of the kind Savage experimental bolt action rifle from the time of the Great War! Serial# 97XX. Ships to FFL or C&R Only!
