Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors 1901 model 1899 30 Sav.

I just purchased this 30/30 and took it out today to test fire. With a round in the chamber the trigger will not move, but when the chamber is empty it will dry fire no problem. Anyone have any ideas what the problem is?

A real SWAG would be that the headspace is way too tight and the bolt isn't completely going into battery. Just a SWAG though. I've never seen that happen.

Sure it's in 30/30?

Your title says 30 Sav, are you sure your not looking at the barrel address instead of the caliber?

Might be in 303 Savage.

Clearly, something is binding the action. I don't recall all the details surrounding the 30 Sav marking but mad dog may be spot on with it being a .303 Sav. If so, the lever must be pretty hard to close on that .30-30 round. You are probably lucky it won't fire.

Among other things, the neck on a .303 is longer than the 30-30. That would get in the way. Is the rifle well used? Sometimes I wonder if the fantastic condition you sometimes find old rifles in is on account of mechanical issues with the firearm - resulting in little use from past users. Beware, you may find out that museum shoots around corners - just kidding.

The first 30-30 was offered in 1900 and were marked "SAV 30" on top of the barrel in front of the receiver. By 1901 the marking was changed to "30-30".

Wow, didn't know that. That would make determining the chamber a little more problematic than reading the caliber stamp.

Barrel address says cal 30 Stamped Sav 30 on top of barrel in front of receiver ring. SN is 19.700 Pretty sure that makes it a 30/30. I was pretty short on time when I tried it yesterday

As I get looking at it this morning the safety seems a little loose so maybe that had slid ahead enough to prevent it from firing.As I stated I was a little rushed for time which was probably a mistake on my part.

When you're not so rushed, see if you can't post some pictures of that little gem on here.

Ok problem solved it was just that the safety is so loose that when you place your fingers in the lever loop the safety slides into lock position with a slight touch. So 3 more questions:
1 is there a way to tighten the safety up?
2 was the bluing on these early rifles more of a black shade?
3 who makes stocks for the 1899 ,this one is a mess cracked and HEAVILY sanded.
shoots fine now

The early safety is split like a clothespin ,just take it out and spread it a bit more ,that will make it slide a bit harder! Don

Thanks Don, sounds like a simple fix, now if someone drops by to answer the other 2 questions, I will be good to go.

The bluing on the early ones was a mirror black, very reflective.

Stocks... Lots of reproductions, all will take a lot of work to get fitted properly. Otherwise watch eBay for originals.

Remember that the rifles before 90,000 have a longer tang. Just requires a little inletting to make later stock fit.

Boyds Gun Stocks sells a cheap finished stock, ~$65 for the butt stock. Does not look original but functional.

Thanks for the serial. That is the highest SAV 30 I've seen. I think it will letter as a late 1900 production.

Thanks Rick, I have seen the Boyds, but would really like to use the crescent butt plate. If you are recording Sn,s I am looking at an 1899 B 30 Sav. # 16226. It looks pretty good but is going to cost $850 so I am thinking that is a little high.

NOT!!!!!!!!!! Unless there's not much condition........

I'am just sending some stocks for reproduction with recievers for fitting by my stock maker he has masters for 1899 befor 90.000 with cresent.


norm -----canadian made

Thanks Norm. I would be interested Could you let me know price and other details. PM if you like.
So Longbeard you are saying $850 is a reasonable price. Remember we Canadians don't have as deep of pockets as you guys down south.Have to spend most of our income keeping warm.