[sv_libertarian]

Just picked one up, no scope mount groove, so I'm guessing it's an earlier one. Any good histories or whatnot out there about these things? I'm not finding a lot. What year did they start grooving them for scope rings?

[Big Dog]

This basic design was marketed under many diferent brands, including many 'store brands'. Generally, the scope grooves were introduced in the mid fifties. Production of the later models went into the 80's. It's a good design, and can be a very good shooter!

[sv_libertarian]

I saw an ad from 1955 featuring the scope grooves, so I'm guessing that since the Stevens Savage markings started in 48, it's between 48 and 55. I do want to put a side scope mount on this thing, or find a way to upgrade the sights, I never cared for the buckhorn sights...

[Hansbaxter]

I entered the serial number on Savage.com and they said it was manufactured in "1951 or later."

[Hansbaxter]

Sorry readers, I just posted on the wrong Thread. Duh.

[Mad Dog]

The early 87's weren't grooved or D&T'd for a scope.

They did have two holes D&T'd on the left side of the receiver for the #150 peep sight that Savage offered.

[Big Dog]

Mine was D/T'd on the left side of the receiver for a scope side-mount - but it was a 'bubba job' - one of the four screw holes is off-line. I have a Mossberg side-mount that fits it nicely - in the two GOOD holes!

[sv_libertarian]

Mine flat out isn't D&T'd for anything. I'd love to have a peep on there, and if a mossberg scoope mount will fit and work, I've got one of those already on my Mossberg 46m(b) that I can use as a template for D&T then. I'd like to set it up with a peep, scope and a globe front sight. The front sight should be an easy mod. Hate to D&T a rifle that never had it, but I'm not sure I would hurt any value on this particular gun if I do it right. That buckhorn is just to dang hard to use!

[Mad Dog]

Must have been made around 1952. The 49-51 catalogs show the gun with the peep sight D&T and then dissappears come 1952. Then they started to groove the barrels for the scopes in 55.

[sv_libertarian]

Interesting, thanks for the info. I think I'm gonna have it D&T'd for both a peep and a side scope mount though. It's a freaking BLAST to shoot, but those sights have got to go!