Savage M1928A1 time capsule

[reconbob]

    It does not happen often, but I just finished working on a M1928A1 Savage trigger frame, that has without question, been un-touched since the day it was made. The mechanism pocket had 3/16" of hardened dirt/crud that had to be scraped off the parts. The springs were cemented in their holes. Even on the outside the pivot plated was buried in crud. The thing of interest is the serial number and that the frame has the checkered safety and rocker pivot. I don't know when the switch was made, but frame # S-116791 has checkered levers. The reason the frame looks good now it that I glass beaded and blued it - there was very little finish left. Also don't be alarmed at the cutout on the wood grip. That is just a stray grip that I fitted to the frame to make it easier to hold while assembling it.

Bob

[TD.]

Bob,

That is a very nice frame. Thank you for sharing.

Regarding the knurled levers, I have seen Savage knurled levers on higher serial numbered guns. As a general rule, I do not study the World War II guns, but I have pictures of several original Model of 1928 Savage guns in the 120,000 serial number range that have knurled levers. I also have a number of Savage guns with knurled safety levers but smooth rocker pivots. Original condition Savage Commercial S-147383, pictured on page 40 of, A Thompson Compendium, has a knurled rocker pivot and smooth safety lever. It becomes mix and match in the later serial numbers. Of course, guns that have been arsenal or depot overhauled (and there are many) could have any type of levers. What really impressed me is the how the coining on the magazine catch is near perfect. Most World War II magazine catches have run over lines.