I usually see those cutouts on rifles whose wood has been refinished, Rick has even commented on it to me. Don't know why it was so popular. I'll have to look in David's book when I get home, maybe it's not just on refinished rifles.

“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”.
All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered.
Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com