I recently inherited a Savage Model 1920 chambered in 300 Savage, four digit serial number 92XX. The stock is dinged up some, the action has been drilled/tapped on the side, the butt plate has been replaced with an old Red Head brand rubber, and it’s missing one screw underneath and the safety button. This was never a safe queen, it was well used by my great grandfather down near the Medicine Bow mountains. Not perfect by any means, and could probably benefit from a good cleaning. My question is, for selling purposes, is it better with these old rifles to try and fix/clean up these things or sell as is? I realize it being d/t already knocks the value way down, but I’d rather not do more damage by trying to make it “better”. I really have no intention of ever shooting it, it will most likely be sold if there is any interest in it. Any and all info is appreciated!
Savage Model 1920 300 Savage
- Thread starter Wyo82
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NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Its already past the point of high-dollar collector gun, but a good cleaning wont hurt. Dont bother with any refinishing, let the next owner decide what to do with it.
NIGHTLORD40K
Member
Oh sure, its a rare example of a high-quality prewar Savage. The ammo is somewhat hard to get, but it has its fans. If you check completed auctions on Gunbroker, you can get a good idea of what the last few sold for. Someone will treasure and enjoy it if you dont think it should stay in the family.
It’s one of those “complicated family” situations, In my mind I would rather sell it and buy something that my kids would enjoy inheriting from me. My 9 year old son told me this fall, after I bought a S&W 500 mag, that “I’ll be sad when you die, but I call dibs on that one” Ha!
I have the same model in 250-3000. It’s a fun shooter and hopefully when I have a chance I’ll take it out after deer or pigs. It’s the first modern US bolt action hunting rifle and has controlled round feed and a convenient safety. The trigger feels crude by today’s standards and the old scopes are similar but it took a lot of hawks in my great grandfather’s hands in the 1930s.
I last checked values about a year ago but enough were on gunbroker to get a feel for value.
I last checked values about a year ago but enough were on gunbroker to get a feel for value.
ApacheCoTodd
member
My point of view:
First, bore-chamber quality will set the standard for any lingering shooter value to the gun.
Second, nonreversible period modifications will usually queer true collector value but when done well are appealing to fellas like myself who value intelligent and well performed modifications. So, aside from spending money on parts or work (like welding) I would make the mods look as good as possible.
True-up the fit of the stock, be-burr the threaded holes and maybe fill them with a good screw if they are empty, etc... Fun work with no deadlines.
Given the family legacy, even if it came down to a wall-hanger it'd be fun to spruce up for a family member that cares. They are beautifully shaped guns to look at on a wall.
Todd.
First, bore-chamber quality will set the standard for any lingering shooter value to the gun.
Second, nonreversible period modifications will usually queer true collector value but when done well are appealing to fellas like myself who value intelligent and well performed modifications. So, aside from spending money on parts or work (like welding) I would make the mods look as good as possible.
True-up the fit of the stock, be-burr the threaded holes and maybe fill them with a good screw if they are empty, etc... Fun work with no deadlines.
Given the family legacy, even if it came down to a wall-hanger it'd be fun to spruce up for a family member that cares. They are beautifully shaped guns to look at on a wall.
Todd.
.455_Hunter
Member
If I had my great grandfather's hunting rifle, it would have a place of honor in my home.
If the Savage was mine, I would replace the recoil pad, find some screws to fill the scope mount holes, locate a serviceable replacement for the tang screw, and then take it shooting.
If the Savage was mine, I would replace the recoil pad, find some screws to fill the scope mount holes, locate a serviceable replacement for the tang screw, and then take it shooting.
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