Savage Pistols

[jeed]

I've seen a number of posts about Savage pistols and thought I would share mine. I've been collection them for years.

I'm not sure why they have never really caught on more than they have. They were the first high capacity - staggered magazine - pistol. They are very well made and function flawlessly. I don't think I've ever had a fail to feed or misfire with a Savage. There are many different variations. The only model with no variations is the 1915, but they were only made a very short time.

The first group of pictures show the three different models - 1907, 1915 (hammerless with grip safety) & 1917. Top pistol is a .380, bottom a .32

 

[jeed]

These pics show the three different safety levers on the 1907. First model "dished", very early 2nd model "full round", and the final "half round" used throughout production.

 

[jeed]

Different variations of the 1907. 1) Early rear sight, metal grips, burr hammer - 2) rear sight made as a part of the slide, burr hammer, wide slide serrations, hard rubber grips - 3) burr hammer, thin slide serrations - 4) spur hammer.

 

[jeed]

With and without loaded chamber indicator. It was only used a limited time.

 

[jeed]

Frame stamps. Some had them, some didn't. All model 1915 had the large SAVAGE stamp above the grip.

 

[jeed]

There were nickel, gold, different degrees of engraving, special grips etc etc. I would highly recommend Bailey Brower's book, even if you don't collect Savages. The book is very inexpensive and shows all the different models and variations.

 

[Combat_Diver]

I used to have a parkerized 1917 (refinished) in .380. Enjoyed it until one day on my range I took the safety off and the gun discharged (pointed down range). Thanks for the pictures.

CD

 

[jeed]

I used to have a parkerized 1917 (refinished) in .380. Enjoyed it until one day on my range I took the safety off and the gun discharged (pointed down range). Thanks for the pictures.

CD

These pistols were not designed to be carried "cocked & locked" there should never be a reason to have a round in the chamber, the hammer cocked and the safety on. These are well very well made pistols but they are antiques and should never be used for carry, home defense, or anything other than collecting and SAFE range shooting.

I would say the same thing about a Luger, another very well made pistol, but of a very obsolete design.

I would also NEVER attempt to let the hammer down on a Savage pistol with a round in the chamber, the hammer spring is too strong.

 

[mike4570]

Savage pistols

Thanks for the write up, history and photo's. Now I know what I've got! A 1907 in .380 with the loaded chamber indicator.

 

[english]

Geed, Your presentation on the Savage pistol was excellent. I will save this thread.
Thanks,
Joe

 

[Texas Star]

An uncle had one when I was a kid. It was the first handgun I carried concealed, quite illegally, I'm sure. I was about 12.

It felt pretty good in the hand. I think it was a M-1907, a.32.

I'm almost sure that the wider grooves on the slide (as compared to Colt, etc.) and the safety issues were what killed it, along with NY laws. And many didn't trust autos yet.

France and Portugal issued some in .32.

T-Star

 

[moosedog]

Very informative and well put together thread Jeed. I have looked a few of these over the years and may end up with one yet.
You have a fine collection. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Combat_Diver]

Jeed,

They are interesting pistols. Mine was a range gun, not a carry piece. AD happened on the range between strings of fire. Thanks again for sharing.

CD

 

[Armyphotog]

I have 4. Wonderful little pistols.

 

[Wyatt Burp]

There's a few for sale out here. $250 -$325 or so. They are pretty interesting. did you ever see "The Road To Perdition" with tom hanks as a gangster hitman? Jude Law uses one of these to great effect. This reminds me of another forgotten but well respected little auto. In the 60's my dad had a Remington Model 51 .380. Everytime I see a classy little Savage like yours I start counting my spending money. You have some great little guns there. check out that movie if you haven't already.

 

[gregintenn]

I've got a rough 1907 and a couple of 101s. I like the Savage line of handguns. I'd sure like to have a 45, but it ain't likely I ever will.

 

[twaits]

Great thread. Here's my two. A 1907 from 1913 and a 1917 from '22-'26.
I just picked up the 1917 for $175

 

[bigolddave]

I had one many years ago. Saw a ton of the little beauties at the
Savage Fest in Ohio last fall, and got a copy of the book as a door prize. I haven't dared open the book, as Smiths and Savage 99's already consume about 150% of my available gun money.

 

[gkitch]

1907/1915/1917?

Which is your favorite? I am just beginning to look around for one and I know I'll come upon a bargain at some point, but which should I lean toward?

 

[Cyrano]

Jeed: you would have enjoyed the Ft Worth Gun Show a couple of weeks ago. Someone had a whole table full of Savages, all for sale. All sorts of models, calibers and varieties. And back in the corner was a honkin' big one in 45 ACP caliber. It was parkerized and I don't think that was the original finish. Early in the show it had a price tag of $27K, but later the tag was gone and perhaps he decided to keep it. I eyed that thing for several minutes; it will be a long time before I see another.

I only have one Savage, a M 1907 in 32, with a lanyard loop installed in France in WW I. It has the proper holster with two magazine pouches. The gurus at the National Automatic Pistol Collector's Association identify two different types of holsters, based on the type of buttons used to secure the magazine pouch flaps; but that's a little beyond me.