That's my thought also. Or the rifle maybe failed quality assurance for some relatively minor reason, but it would take twice as much time to fix the fault on that rifle than it would to work a new gun. So management had them put on problem racks because total output was important to meet orders. Maybe had a few skilled guys that would work the "problem" racks as piecework for overtime or something.

“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