Sn is 597XXX. With bifocals and a 10X loupe, i was able to barely make out the upper curve of a "C". Looks like 1951. Yes, the caps tighten with a screw.
The cheek piece is very well done and looks like it was made by someone who took pride in their work. I wouldn't be surprised if it was another Savage stock. The story i got was "the widow wanted to use her her husbands gun but it didn't fit her well enough to get the scope lined up so she had that put on".