Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors best way to acquire lefty bolt in 300 Savage?

I want a left handed Savage bolt action rifle in 300 Savage with a wood stock. Since I haven't found such a rifle for sale, there appear to be two options.

I could order a new rifle from Savage. I've seen the limited edition model 110 in 300 Savage, but not left handed. I assume they would be glad to make a lefty.

I could find a left handed Savage bolt gun I like in 30.06 or 308 and change the barrel or ream the chamber for 300 Savage. It would be nice just to change the barrel, but I haven't found a 300 Savage barrel for any model bolt action rifle.

Doesn't the action require work, if it is not made for 300 Savage?

I have no idea which would be less expensive. Any ideas?

What's the best starting point caliber for the second option?

Just purchase you a Left Hand 308 and have it barreled to 300 Savage or unless you just have to own a rifle in 300 Savage just leave it a 308 which is better that the 300 Savage from the start. ER Shaw would be your cheapest way to go.

I already have a 1929 Savage 99F in 300 Savage, and lots of brass that I've been reloading, like the cartridge very much.

Will the action for a 308 work with the shorter 300 cartridges?

I asked this question on this forum last year, and got some good information about barrel makers, but nothing about compatible actions. The devil is in the details. I've been diligently searching for lefty bolts, with no succes.

Downloaded the catalog... the American Classic is offered with a straight stock, which I prefer. 300 Savage would be a custom barrel, according to the spec chart. Maybe I should just save my pennies and get one new.

P.S. Love your bumper sticker... "keep the change"

"Will the action for a 308 work with the shorter 300 cartridges?"

Yes, the .300 Savage and the .308 Win. are just about the same length.

I rebarreled a Sav. mod. 11 308 to 250 Sav. and it feeds just fine. But before I opened my big mouth about the 300 I checked the feeding through the 250 and a 308 and they fed fine in both rifles.

I'd call up Savage and ask about a new one, looks like they will chamber the model 16 at least in 300 starting next year. They may have a left handed version available. If not, ask what it would cost to get a left handed one from the custom shop.

After that, I'd start looking at rebarreling with a 3rd party rifle.

Custom shop would have to make a lefty American Classic. MSRP is $875. I think I can find a lefty 110 in some caliber for $350 or so; all it will need is a barrel.

Chris at Shaw says any short or long action 110 with a .473 bolt face will work for 300 Savage. Unless a new barrel costs $500, it will be significantly less expensive than a new rifle from the custom shop.

I can make you one. My lefty 700 action, all trued, 3 position safety, Ruger bolt release, ceracoated bolt. $850.00 to your door. Comes with two stocks, wood and synthetic. Speak fast or I'll be getting the 308 barrel instead. Needs only the bottom metal. ie., the hinged floorplate.

Buy a short action lefty Remington 700 and have your 'smith install a 300 Savage barrel from the 2003(?) 700 Classic. The 700 Classic 300 Savage barrels are 24" long, so if you want a shorter barrel, there isn't any problem getting there.

Jeff

I am certain that I will spend much less. Thanks, but no, thanks, but thank you just the same!


A Savage would be far less expensive, from what I have seen sold lately.

Simple. Go find a Savage lefty in 308/243/7mm-08 with the wood/metal you want. Send it to IT&D Custom Guns in OH. I am pretty sure he can get Douglas to match the contour of your factory barrel. He will chamber/crown/assemble/test fire it. His costs are very reasonable and it will be put together by a good gunsmith. At the very minimum, send him an e-mail or call with your questions. I've had 3 rifles done with IT&D and am very happy.

RH

I think I'll keep looking for a lefty bolt action rifle that I like; maybe I'll find one in 300 Savage.

You folks have been very helpful. Thanks!

- MacEntyre