Rob62
Member
Maybe someone here will be able to add some information to a thread I started over on Rimfirecentral.com. The original thread can be found here:
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163291
I am looking for *any* information about the Savage model 3 series of rifles. These great little rimfire guns were made in the early 1930’s through late 40’s or early 50’s.
Specially interested in pictures of your guns. If you have any additional information, or if you can just confirm the configuration of your specific rifle that would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to post the pics or info here.
Some of the questions that need answering or confirmation.
1. What version of the model 3 do you own and is it in original condition?
2. What is the barrel length?
3. Do you know when it was made?
4. What kind of sights does it have on it?
5. Does it have a cast or metal stamped trigger guard?
6. Is the bolt and or trigger chrome plated?
7. Is the stock walnut, and does it have finger groove/s on the front?
8. What kind of butt plate does it have, metal, hard rubber, or plastic?
Lastly I thought I had a link to a Savage firearms collectors bulletin board. Unfortunately I can't find it. Does anyone have a link?
Thanks and Happy New Year,
Rob
--------SAVAGE 3 SERIES Rifle Information--------
There were several variations of the Savage model 3 rifle made. The basic version is a single shot bolt action, .22RF chambered rifle. It appears that all variations of the M3 were single shot and that the added model variation such as “A”, “B”, “C” and so forth only denoted minor changes or additions to the rifle. But none included major modifications such as a box or tube magazine. Models included the 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3DE, 3E, 3S, and 3ST.
There is conflicting information as to dates of manufacture. Some references show they were manufactured 1930-47, others 1933-52.
One reference that was printed in 1931, listed the M3 as "new" at that time, with a wholesale price of $3.90, retail $4.85, packed 10 and 25 in a case. Therefore it is reasonable to presume that in fact the first M3’s came off of the production line in either 1930 or ’31. However, this same reference showed M3’s with a 39" over all length, and having a 22" barrel and steel butt plate. The stock pictured is not grooved on the sides. (This might have been pre-production info).
Some 1931 dated materials show a grooved stock and list a 24" barrel. The barrel length is important in narrowing down when M3’s were manufactured. Most references printed recently show that Pre-war (WWII) models have 26" barrels, post-war 24". This is confusing, as publications from the early 1930’s do not reflect this same information, reference above.
The below information comes directly from Savage Wholesale fliers, catalogs, and parts manuals, unless otherwise shown, all printed in the years indicated.
1933, listed overall length at 41 1/2" with a 24" barrel, walnut stock w/groove on side and steel butt plate. Bolt and trigger are chrome plated. D&T'ed for the 55 Lyman rear peep.
1934, (Catalog) Same as 1933 but now 43 1/2" over all w/26" barrel.
1934, (Parts Manual) lists a 3-A & 3-B (not in 1932, 1933 not available). 3-A is a change to the bolt assembly (1/2 cocks on opening, 1/2 on close?), no parts difference listed for 3-B (something minor?)
1935, (Catalog) stock is heavier (no groove), hard rubber butt plate. D&T for Lyman 55 dropped, replaces with Savage peep sight on 3-S. 3-ST listed
1936, the Savage #10 scope was available but rifle not D&T'ed.
1937, rifle now D&T'ed for telescope sight (this would be for the Weaver "T" mount, 2 holes on left side of action).
1938, no change
From “The Rifle in America” by Philip B. Sharpe. (NRA reprint of the 1938 version)
M3’s were introduced in 1931. Walnut stock, 26" barrel, hard-rubber plate.
Model 3, gold bead front sight, flat-top rear.
Model 3S, slot blank in rear sight dovetail, hooded front sight on ramp base (hood holds the removable sight in place). Savage receiver peep sight attached on the left side at rear. Sometime before 1938 the rear blank was replace with a fold down Savage rear sight.
Model 3ST, same as the 3S plus a 7/8" sling strap, sling studs and swivels.
The above three variations were still in production in 1938.
In 1938 the Model 3 with basic iron sights was available with the Savage #10 scope (Weaver 329) in Weaver mounts (Presumably this would have been the "T" series as in 3T. However it is not clear in the way it is listed.)
The later parts manual shows only the "3" as the first variation. The later rifle (post WWII?) lists the 3C, 3D, 3DE, 3E, 53C, 53CD, 53D and the Model 83. Whenever a change was made Savage would bump the letter call out on the model.
1939, pictured with the bent metal guard, 1940 has the cast metal guard. 3-ST no longer listed.
1940, no change noted
1941, no change noted
Production was around 9000 units per year in 1933-1939 (Savage sales records...this is the only years data available on so far)
Basic rifle information (Note - all these models may in fact not be in existence. Reference to some was found on the internet, as such it is subject to question):
Model 3, open iron sights, gold bead front, flat-top rear.
Model 3A, open iron sights, stamped metal trigger guard, finger groove in front of stock
Model 3B - open iron sights, blued bead front, 24” barrel, bolt has a cocking knob, chromed smooth-
handled bolt and trigger, finger groove in front of walnut stock, no sling attachments, metal butt plate with factory horizontal grooves cut in it, slot for bolt; is straight with an arrow stamped in the bolt pointing to the cocking knob, no safety, left rear of receiver drilled and tapped w/ 2 holes, manufactured prior to mid 1944
Model 3C - ?
Model 3D, open iron sights, gold bead front, 24" barrel, cast "pot metal" trigger guard, walnut stock, no finger groove in front of walnut stock, left rear of receiver drilled and tapped w/ 2 holes, chrome plated bolt and trigger, bolt knob is smooth - not knurled.
Model 3DE - ?
Model 3E - ?
Model 3S, slot blank in rear sight dovetail, hooded front sight on ramp base (hood holds the removable sight in place). Savage receiver peep sight attached on the left side at rear. Sometime before 1938 the rear blank was replace with a fold down Savage rear sight.
Model 3ST, same as the 3S plus a 7/8" sling strap, sling studs and swivels.
---------------------End of general info---------------------------------------------
Savage model 3D shown over a Remington 510
Left side of Savage 3D
http://www.rimfirecentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=163291
I am looking for *any* information about the Savage model 3 series of rifles. These great little rimfire guns were made in the early 1930’s through late 40’s or early 50’s.
Specially interested in pictures of your guns. If you have any additional information, or if you can just confirm the configuration of your specific rifle that would be greatly appreciated. Feel free to post the pics or info here.
Some of the questions that need answering or confirmation.
1. What version of the model 3 do you own and is it in original condition?
2. What is the barrel length?
3. Do you know when it was made?
4. What kind of sights does it have on it?
5. Does it have a cast or metal stamped trigger guard?
6. Is the bolt and or trigger chrome plated?
7. Is the stock walnut, and does it have finger groove/s on the front?
8. What kind of butt plate does it have, metal, hard rubber, or plastic?
Lastly I thought I had a link to a Savage firearms collectors bulletin board. Unfortunately I can't find it. Does anyone have a link?
Thanks and Happy New Year,
Rob
--------SAVAGE 3 SERIES Rifle Information--------
There were several variations of the Savage model 3 rifle made. The basic version is a single shot bolt action, .22RF chambered rifle. It appears that all variations of the M3 were single shot and that the added model variation such as “A”, “B”, “C” and so forth only denoted minor changes or additions to the rifle. But none included major modifications such as a box or tube magazine. Models included the 3, 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3DE, 3E, 3S, and 3ST.
There is conflicting information as to dates of manufacture. Some references show they were manufactured 1930-47, others 1933-52.
One reference that was printed in 1931, listed the M3 as "new" at that time, with a wholesale price of $3.90, retail $4.85, packed 10 and 25 in a case. Therefore it is reasonable to presume that in fact the first M3’s came off of the production line in either 1930 or ’31. However, this same reference showed M3’s with a 39" over all length, and having a 22" barrel and steel butt plate. The stock pictured is not grooved on the sides. (This might have been pre-production info).
Some 1931 dated materials show a grooved stock and list a 24" barrel. The barrel length is important in narrowing down when M3’s were manufactured. Most references printed recently show that Pre-war (WWII) models have 26" barrels, post-war 24". This is confusing, as publications from the early 1930’s do not reflect this same information, reference above.
The below information comes directly from Savage Wholesale fliers, catalogs, and parts manuals, unless otherwise shown, all printed in the years indicated.
1933, listed overall length at 41 1/2" with a 24" barrel, walnut stock w/groove on side and steel butt plate. Bolt and trigger are chrome plated. D&T'ed for the 55 Lyman rear peep.
1934, (Catalog) Same as 1933 but now 43 1/2" over all w/26" barrel.
1934, (Parts Manual) lists a 3-A & 3-B (not in 1932, 1933 not available). 3-A is a change to the bolt assembly (1/2 cocks on opening, 1/2 on close?), no parts difference listed for 3-B (something minor?)
1935, (Catalog) stock is heavier (no groove), hard rubber butt plate. D&T for Lyman 55 dropped, replaces with Savage peep sight on 3-S. 3-ST listed
1936, the Savage #10 scope was available but rifle not D&T'ed.
1937, rifle now D&T'ed for telescope sight (this would be for the Weaver "T" mount, 2 holes on left side of action).
1938, no change
From “The Rifle in America” by Philip B. Sharpe. (NRA reprint of the 1938 version)
M3’s were introduced in 1931. Walnut stock, 26" barrel, hard-rubber plate.
Model 3, gold bead front sight, flat-top rear.
Model 3S, slot blank in rear sight dovetail, hooded front sight on ramp base (hood holds the removable sight in place). Savage receiver peep sight attached on the left side at rear. Sometime before 1938 the rear blank was replace with a fold down Savage rear sight.
Model 3ST, same as the 3S plus a 7/8" sling strap, sling studs and swivels.
The above three variations were still in production in 1938.
In 1938 the Model 3 with basic iron sights was available with the Savage #10 scope (Weaver 329) in Weaver mounts (Presumably this would have been the "T" series as in 3T. However it is not clear in the way it is listed.)
The later parts manual shows only the "3" as the first variation. The later rifle (post WWII?) lists the 3C, 3D, 3DE, 3E, 53C, 53CD, 53D and the Model 83. Whenever a change was made Savage would bump the letter call out on the model.
1939, pictured with the bent metal guard, 1940 has the cast metal guard. 3-ST no longer listed.
1940, no change noted
1941, no change noted
Production was around 9000 units per year in 1933-1939 (Savage sales records...this is the only years data available on so far)
Basic rifle information (Note - all these models may in fact not be in existence. Reference to some was found on the internet, as such it is subject to question):
Model 3, open iron sights, gold bead front, flat-top rear.
Model 3A, open iron sights, stamped metal trigger guard, finger groove in front of stock
Model 3B - open iron sights, blued bead front, 24” barrel, bolt has a cocking knob, chromed smooth-
handled bolt and trigger, finger groove in front of walnut stock, no sling attachments, metal butt plate with factory horizontal grooves cut in it, slot for bolt; is straight with an arrow stamped in the bolt pointing to the cocking knob, no safety, left rear of receiver drilled and tapped w/ 2 holes, manufactured prior to mid 1944
Model 3C - ?
Model 3D, open iron sights, gold bead front, 24" barrel, cast "pot metal" trigger guard, walnut stock, no finger groove in front of walnut stock, left rear of receiver drilled and tapped w/ 2 holes, chrome plated bolt and trigger, bolt knob is smooth - not knurled.
Model 3DE - ?
Model 3E - ?
Model 3S, slot blank in rear sight dovetail, hooded front sight on ramp base (hood holds the removable sight in place). Savage receiver peep sight attached on the left side at rear. Sometime before 1938 the rear blank was replace with a fold down Savage rear sight.
Model 3ST, same as the 3S plus a 7/8" sling strap, sling studs and swivels.
---------------------End of general info---------------------------------------------
Savage model 3D shown over a Remington 510
Left side of Savage 3D
Last edited:
