Savage Model 30 takedown

Guns Magazine, Feb, 2005 by Jim Gardner

The Stevens Favorite was the quintessential "boy's rifle." Introduced in 1894, it soon became the favored companion of hunters and woodsloafers of all ages. Chambered for the .22, .25 and .32 rimfire cartridges, the Favorite was slightly redesigned in 1915 before ending its long production run in the mid-1930s.

In 1920, the Stevens firm was acquired by the Savage Arms Co., which just four years ago introduced the Model 30G, a new version of the beloved old Favorite redesigned with improved safety and modem production methods in mind.

The New Favorite

We reviewed the Savage Model 30G in the December 2002 issue of GUNS, giving it high marks for its inertia firing pin and action design which makes it far safer against accidental discharge than the original Favorite. We were also impressed with the genuine walnut stock and fore-end as well as the good accuracy and handiness of the little 4 1/4-pound gem.

But one thing was missing. The old Favorites were all takedown guns, while the new Model 30G was a solid frame.

As nice as the new rifle was, it just wasn't "right" without the takedown feature. So in that article, we showed you how the new Savage could be converted into a takedown just like the old Favorites. We also suggested GUNS readers who liked the idea should contact Savage and suggest a takedown version be made.

Well, you folks must have licked a lot of stamps, because I have a sample of the new Model 30 takedown resting in my lap and, quite frankly, it's a dandy.

A Real Improvement

Unlike the original 30G, the 21" barrel of the new takedown model is full rather than half-octagonal. The added weight out front is perhaps only a couple ounces, but it does feel a bit steadier shooting offhand. The takedown screw is of the 1894 pattern, with a nice wire bail to give a little additional leverage.

Dismounting couldn't be simpler. Open and unload the action, turn out the takedown screw about a turn and a half, and then slide the barrel from the receiver. When reinstalling, be sure to rock the barrel slightly and feel the takedown screw into its seat before tightening.

Sights on the new rifle are identical to the earlier version--a nice, flat-faced steel bead front and a step adjustable "U" notch rear. These sights are perfectly satisfactory, but for me, a single-shot rifle without a tang sight is as sad a prospect as eating a plateful of spicy hot chili Colorado without a cold beer.

If you're so inclined, the new-made Lyman No. 2 tang sight designed for the Marlin lever actions is a perfect fit, although it will require drilling and tapping two holes in the upper tang.

MOC Accuracy

Trigger weight of" my sample is a little heavy at 6.5 pounds, but it didn't seem to hurt the shooting. The Savage produced 25-yard, offhand groups of roughly quarter dollar size. That's MOC--minute of cottontail--and just fine by me.

And now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to take the little Savage apart, roll it up in my old GI wool blanket and rig up a tumpline to carry it. I'll slip some venison jerky and biscuits in my pocket and whistle up the dog for an overnight camp in the canyon. Sometimes even an old guy can be 12 again.

FAVORITE 30G-D

Savage Arms
100 Springdale Road, Westfield, MA 01085
(413) 568-7001, www.savagearms.com

  ACTION TYPE:    Lever action falling block
      CALIBER:    .22 LR
     CAPACITY:    1
BARREL LENGTH:    21"
OVERALL LENGTH:   36 1/4"
       WEIGHT:    4 1/4 pounds
       FINISH:    Blue
       SIGHTS:    Adjustable notch rear,
                  bead front
        STOCK:    Walnut
        PRICE:    $242