Savage No4 Mk1* refurb

[flying_scotsman]

Greetings all,

I am looking at refurbing my ’43 Savage No4 Mk1*, and I have a few questions.

The rifle is a matching US built specimen, in good condition except as noted below. I have noticed some Savage-marked parts, and some LB-marked parts, and some parts which seem to be marked with both makers’ marks. Was it common to share parts between Canadian and US factories? If so, which parts were commonly shared?

The forestock is warped, and touches the barrel. The 2 groove barrel is worn and pitted. These two items are the focus of the refurb. The only markings on the barrel are what appears to be an incomplete C on the left side of the barrel at the chamber end, and the Savage S behind the front sight. Would a LB barrel be considered correct, or should I try to find a Savage? I don’t have a LB barrel to compare; what marks would be present?

Looking around online, I haven’t found much in the way of No4 parts. Are there any good sources out there, aside from watching the EE?

 

[MapleSugar]

From what I've read, after Savage stopped manufacturing the No.4 rifle, they shipped all their spare parts to the fledgling Long Branch factory.

Apparently, it is not uncommon to have a rifle with mis-matched parts as they both would be correct.

LouthePou seems to be the man when it comes to refurbishing neglected old warhorses. Hopefully he will chime in with some advice.

 

[louthepou]

Now now, I'm still a beginner!

The forend: is it touching at the muzzle, from below? If so, it should. It should push upward on the barrel muzzle with 3 to 7 pounds of force.

If the forend is touching the barrel on its side (to see this, you need to remove the handguards), then it needs adjustments. It may not be because the forend is warped, just needs proper bedding (or re-bedding).

Pitted barrel: how bad? Minor pitting or frosting isn't reason to panic, see how the rifle shoots. Severe pitting: now that may be reason to not bother with a refurb!

Sorry it's a short reply, I'm in a rush but I'll try to expand later.

Lou

 

[Pblatzz]

Post some picts...

You stock should be touching the barrel only on the bottom. The barrel should move a little to the left & right and up. Not down. you would need a trigger pull gauge to measure the tension at 3 - 7 lbs. Lets see a pict if possible.

2 groove barrels can look rough, but they generally clean up well. Perhaps just dirty?

Long Branch rifles with savage parts is normal. I have not seen a Long Branch rifle with a Savage action. Really makes no sense for LB to do that. A factory repair, yes, most likely the situation.

Pete

 

[flying_scotsman]

The contact occurs as shown, in the area around the barrel band:

...on a separate note, what would be the best way to clean the stock?

 

[louthepou]

Well I'll have to admit, it kind of looks warped-ish. Even looks like someone already attemted widening the barrel channel of the forend? to reduce the amount of contact on the left side.

Cleaning: use pure linseed oil.

 

[Pblatzz]

Well it's not unresolvable, just need to take a 1/16th off. How does is shoot?

Stock sets do come up on ebay now and then. That's complete sets, walnut. So if your serious. Last one went for $148.

Pete

 

[flying_scotsman]

I had another look, and I can't see any obvious signs of widening in the forend channel, but maybe a light degrease with linseed oil will reveal something...

Plain linseed, or boiled?

It's been a looong time since this one has seen the range, but if I recall correctly, I wasn't particularly impressed with its accuracy.