Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Saddle Ring Replacement Part WTB

I have a 1908 dated 1899 F Saddle Ring Carbine in 303 Savage. It came with a mangled saddle ring that had been split and reinstalled since the staple was not removed, and is way out of round. The seller said it was a replacement. If anyone has an original they want to sell that is in decent condition, please PM me. Otherwise, assuming there are't too many of these laying around loose, I was wondering if anyone knows what the diameter of the ring material was as well as the actual diameter of the ring, so that I can locate a suitable reproduction. Any thoughts as to replacement sources or suitable repro replacements (Marlin, Winchester?) would be appreciated.

oldtimer303 asked me the same question . Here is what I found.



Malcolm Online Content
Member

Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 165
Vancouver,B.C.
Hello oldtimer303,
I just measured an 1903 made 303 Savage Saddle Ring Carbine saddle ring,100% sure it's all original.

OD = .925"

ID = .685"

Thickness of material used to make ring = .125".

All measuremants checked twice using good quality calipers. MF.


My idea was to heat red a length of .125" wire and wrap it round a .685" steel mandrel in a spiral (spring like configuration) and while still on the mandrel , slice it along the mandrel length , and close up each ring with pliers to use as saddle rings. One ring for every turn around the mandrel..

Thank you Malcolm, that helps a lot. Now I know what I am looking for dimension wise. I have a jeweler friend, he might be able to make one too.

Is anyone here making and selling these? I have an SRC that needs a ring. David

If i remember correctly Rick researched this earlier and seems there were 3 different size rings ! i got mine from Wisners but think they are out at the moment.

http://www.wisnersinc.com/part-catelog/

I have a replacement on mine, and I guess it looks ok. The originals were welded closed. The replacements just squeeze together. Once I learned that, I can see it across the room, and it just looks cheap. Kind of like a master carpenter seeing flaws in his own work, that nobody else can see.

That's what I thought Joe, that it should be a solid ring. I'm like you, details matter on a nice piece. Rules out the Winchester and Marlin replacements I think unless no other option comes up.

Well, even if I found an original, and it was welded, I'm too sheepish to pull the staple to slide it on. Then have to peen the staple back. I'd be afraid I'd bugger up the staple then be looking for one of them too.

I have already pulled the staple on mine. I had to use a punch to tap it out, but it did not require excessive force. I think it fits tight enough for a press fit so that it won't have to be peened, but if I do I will do it from the inside, drifting the receiver material tight to the staple leg. I'm sure I will not be hanging the carbine off a sling while on horseback...

Ken Womack lists new manufacture saddle rings for Remington rolling blocks on ebay that are similar to the dimensions provided by Malcolm - OD = 0.965", material dia = 0.176". I think the thickness might be noticeable. They are one piece however with no welding seam.

There is also one made for the new Henry lever actions on ebay, 0.9825" dia and .1215" thick. It looks to have a seam.

Nortwesthunter , since you managed to get your staple pulled, could you put up a detailed description of the procedure for some of us , myself included ,who need to remove said staple ,as this problem is not altogether uncommon.
For instance , did you stick a drift into the staple bow and draw it out like a crowbar using leverage ,or did you tap each leg of the staple out with a drift from the inside of the receiver out ? Thanx.

I will do that Malcolm. I will start a separate thread so it doesn't get buried in here

Here is what you do. Send me a private message with an email address. I have a couple saddle rings. Not sure where I got them, not sure when I got them, not sure what I paid for them. I can send you specifics on one and if you can use it I will mail you one. Don't want nothing for it. At my age I suspect my chances of using it are pretty slim. Younger person with savage fever needs it more than me. Of course it may not be what you need. I am pretty sure they are welded shut/solid.

If you run across another in the future, I have a need...

Lemme check. I am not even sure they are what you guys are looking for. I have to dig them out and measure them. Miracles of all miracles I even know where they are. I will let you know.

Appreciate it. Whenever you can get to it, my project isn't going anywhere.

IIRC there was an old man in Maine that used to advertize in Shotgun News, I think his name was Fred Goodwin of Sherman Mills, ME. It has been many years since I've seen his ad, a Google search may turn up something.

Google search turned up an obituary from the Bangor Daily News which says Fred Goodwin died at age 102 on Nov. 27, 2011.

Fred Goodwin was quite a guy ,Winchester collector,antler collector, but he hunted with a Savage 99 which he killed the "Silver ridge" buck with this whitetail had a 3' antler spread. Now to get back on topic,i knew the 5 saddle ring carbines i have have 2 different ring wire sizes, the newest one in 25-35 has a thinner wire then the others,but i went out and checked none of them have welded ends. Don

Thank you Don, I think that is pretty conclusive if you have 3 and none are solid rings

Thank Don , Looking at the Inside diameter on the measurements above ; .685 ". 11/16 " = .687 ,only two thousants. over size. That mandrel size is readily available . The wire is 1/8 " so using 4130 steel wire should be a piece of.cake.