As stated above, no "...insults intended, merely comments and learned opinions."
At one point Savage operated a production facility and a specialty shop. You could order it "your way". I think the specialty shop modified factory guns and there were some strange ones produced. Your rifle might have been one of those rifles. But with a recoil pad, no grip cap and no checkering there is not much there to indicate Savage production wood. It would be a good idea to try and document it. Should you deside to sell the rifle at some point in time, proof of Savage work will get you a much better price then just a story. In the gun world that is just the way it is.
No expert, just my opinion. Thanks for posting the pictures. I alway enjoy looking at nice wood.
