Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Nice 303 added to collection

Yes, we've seen a factory repair sheet which said that takedowns would be fixed and returned as a solid frame.

But I have a takedown with a Westfield barrel which still takes down, so not sure that was always true or maybe it was just late.

I almost wonder if they just did that if they needed to restock it or replace any of the takedown hardware. They didn't have any of the forearm takedown parts any more.

Thanks, Rory, that makes sense. Once the parts were gone, what else could you do?

Interesting info.
So how can I determine if my replaced barrel is a takedown or fixed one ?

Remove the forearm, open the bolt, and see if you can unscrew the barrel. Bolt has to be open for that, otherwise the barrel is locked in place.

Don't use the forearm to help turn it even if there is a lug to do it, too much force on that can crack the wood. Just see if you can unscrew it by hand.

A replacement TD barrel would need the slot machined for the forearm lug to drop into. Other option would be to set the barrel solid and remove the lug from the forearm metal.

It has the slot and the lug is still on the forend iron. Don't plan to ever take it apart.

Looks like you have a TD.

My curiosity for taking one down has long passed. If it unscrews by hand then okay. If it doesn't want to unscrew then it stays that way.

My 303 takedown wouldn't budge when I got it. A little time spent with breakfree and a hair dryer did the trick. Just frozen with old grease. Now that its gor the lightfoot mount it may never come apart again.

I had a 22HP that wouldn't take down. Dang thing was solid as heck, ended up there was a burr in the threads just a it finished turning. Got it free for the new buyer, cleaned up the burr and it was a nice, tight takedown but not locked up.

Since it's nice and tight I see no reason to try and take it apart.
"If it a'int broke, don't fix it."

and i have at least 6 30-30barrels 24"