Since you asked for the opinion of a former Savage employee that worked the line how about you contact John Callahan. He is presently the Savage Historian and the source of all "Factory" letters these days. His contact info is posted in the Misc Good Info thread above. Just admit you made a mistake and move on.

Go tell the Spartans,Travelers passing by,That here,Obedient to their laws we lie.

I'm older now but I'm still runnin' against the wind