Savage 3 / Springfield 83 - Catt57's gun of the day #21

[Catt57]

See the full list of posts here
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Savage 3 / Springfield 83


The Springfield/Stevens 83 is the same as the Savage 3 but with cheaper wood. Usually Birch or Beech instead of Walnut.





During my research of these rifles, I found that someone had already done a fantastic job of collecting info on these rifles.
The Rimfire Central member Rob62 made a very informative post several years ago that likely out does anything that could be found in a reference book. Sadly they have been absent from RFC for over 6 years now and I would like to make sure this knowledge is retained. To that end, I am going to repost the info in its entirety over here for preservation and posterity. Also adding my usual pictures for good measure.

Top Springfield 83
Bottom Savage 3B



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[Catt57]

Thanks to Rob62 from RFC whomever you are.

The original post can be found here. There is probably more info to be found in the thread than just what I've posted here.
https://www.rimfirecentral.com/thre...-model-3-series-rifle-information-here.163291


--------SAVAGE 3 SERIES Rifle Information--------

There were several variations of the Savage model 3 rifle made. All were bolt action, single shot, .22 RF (S, L, LR). Added model designation such as "A", "B", "C", etc. only denoted minor changes or additions to the rifle. 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 3's with a 39" overall 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.

Of considerable help in identifying dates of manufacture will be the barrel stamp as to city of manufacture (Chicopee Falls, MA and Utica, NY). Savage was back in production during 1947 at the Chicopee Falls, MA, plant. Therefore you wouldn't find a Chicopee Falls stamped barrel before 1947, but you might find a Utica stamped barrel for a little while after the move, till inventory was used up.

The below information comes directly from Savage wholesale fliers, catalogs, and parts manuals, unless otherwise identified, 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 sight that mounts to a receiver with 2 hole receiver spacing being 1/2" center to center.

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 rear peep sight dropped, replaced 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, 2 holes on left side of action. The mount used was the Weaver "T" mount (T-1 and T-3). The 2 hole spacing was 2 3/8", center to center. (The next later common mount Weaver made and may be encountered on these rifles is the "N" mount, it used four holes but the outside two holes are only 3 1/8" apart)

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.

From Stoeger Arms Corporation catalog of 1939 (Models 3, 3S, and 3ST shown) - 26" barrel, Chrome plated bolt and trigger, walnut stock with finger grooves and steel butt plate, receiver D&Td for #55 Lyman rear peep sight. Pictured rifle shows cocking knob on bolt. Prices shown M3 - $5.65, M3S - $6.40, M3ST - $8.40.

1940, no change noted

1941, no change noted

1946, Savage Catalog #76, 24" barrel, high luster finish on bolt and trigger, walnut stock with fluted comb - large broad forend, hard composition butt plate, pictured with the cast trigger guard. Model 3 listed price $11.60, Model 3S still shown and described in catalog - however shown in price list as not being available in 1946.

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: .22RF (S, L, LR) Bolt Action Single Shot. (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. Stamped metal trigger guard. Walnut stock. Bolt has a cocking knob/safety. There is a report that at least one of these rifles came with a 22" factory barrel. At least one specimen known not to have had its receiver D&Ted for a scope base or receiver peep sight (same specimen as the one reported with a 22" factory barrel).

Model 3A, open iron sights. Stamped metal trigger guard. Finger groove in forend of walnut stock.

Model 3B - open iron sights, blued bead front, 24" or 26" barrel, bolt has a cocking knob/safety, chrome plated smooth-handled bolt and trigger, finger groove in fore end of walnut stock - there is also a report that some stocks did not have the finger groove in the forend, no sling attachments, metal butt plate with factory horizontal grooves cut in it - also reported to come with a hard rubber/plastic butt plate, stamped metal trigger guard, 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, known to have been manufactured prior to mid-1944 - unknown when production stopped.

Model 3C - open iron sights, gold bead front, 26" barrel, chrome plated smooth-handled bolt and trigger, cast "pot metal" trigger guard, no finger groove in forend of walnut stock, hard rubber/plastic butt plate, left front of receiver drilled and tapped with 2 holes, 2 3/8" hole spacing center to center for the Weaver "T" mount, does not have a cocking knob.

Model 3D, open iron sights, gold bead front, 24" barrel, cast "pot metal" trigger guard, no finger groove in forend of walnut stock, left rear of receiver drilled and tapped w/ 2 holes, 7/8" hole spacing center to center for the Savage #150 peep sight, chrome plated bolt and trigger, bolt handle is smooth - not knurled, does not have a cocking knob, known to have still been in production as late as early 1947. (At least 2 known specimens of model 3Ds are known to be in this exact configuration.)

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 replaced with a fold down Savage rear sight.

Model 3ST, same as the 3S plus a 7/8" sling strap, sling studs and swivels.

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The milled down area at the right rear of the receiver is to allow the bolt to be swung down and removed without needing to remove the peep sight.

 

[Catt57]

More close-ups

Springfield 83









Savage 3B with peep sight.








The rear sight flips down for use of the peep sight without having to remove it.

 

[ILGAC]

Those a nice rifles! I especially like the adjustable aperture on the 3B peep sight.

Like many other things, I wish that I would have bought several old 22 bolt actions when they seemingly had little value.

Not to resell at today’s prices but just to have and shoot.

 

[ILGAC]

this is an interesting feature.