Savage Model 110 Rifle
—M.D. Waite, NRA Technical Staff, American Rifleman, February 1958, p.28
Anew bolt-action high-power sporting rifle noteworthy for its many interesting design features, is now coming off the assembly line of Savage Arms Corporation, Chicopee Falls, Mass. It is the Model 110, offered in .30-’06 Sprg. and .270 Win. calibers and priced at $109.75. The late Nicolas Brewer, designer of this rifle, achieved a reputation in the gun-designing field with several popular Savage and Stevens arms. Among these were the Savage Models 6, 15, and 340, and the Stevens Model 87. That he was an original thinker and well grounded in basic firearms design is quite evident when one studies the mechanical make-up of this new rifle. It might also be noted that Brewer was production-wise in that economy of materials and simplicity of manufacture were to him governing considerations.
Has good handling qualities
The Model 110 is a true featherweight rifle with clean, symmetrical lines and excellent proportions. Its handling qualities are good; the balance of the piece lies between the hands where it belongs. Although advertised weight of the rifle is 6¾ lbs., our sample rifles in .30-’06 Sprg. caliber weigh 6¼ and 6½ lbs. respectively. Weight of individual rifles varies slightly according to density of the wood, and the .270 caliber Model 110 will weigh a trifle more due to thicker barrel walls. Stock is of American black walnut with checkered pistol grip and forearm. Length of pull is 13½”, with comb drop 1¼” and heel drop 2”. Overall rifle length is 43”. The 22” barrel is of chrome molybdenum steel, rifled with six grooves, right-hand twist, one turn in 10”. Rifling specifications are identical for both calibers. Barrels for the Model 110 are currently rifled by the hook cutter method and are proof-tested. The assembled rifle is given an additional proof test.
The action is of basic Mauser design with a staggered-column, four-cartridge box magazine. With a round in the chamber, the capacity of the rifle is five. The action cocks on the opening stroke of the bolt and primary extraction is furnished by camming action between opposed surfaces of the bolt handle and rear baffle. Bolt operation is extremely smooth and neither of our rifles revealed a tendency to ‘cramp’ when operated rapidly from the shoulder. The bolt assembly is a sealed unit capped at the rear end with a heavy screw. Additional protection is provided by front and rear baffles, as well as the gas escape ports in bolt head and receiver ring.
Ramp-front-sight assembly is held on barrel by dovetail shoe matching cut in barrel. Assembly is easily removed from barrel by drifting it rearward to disengage shoe. This feature simplifies front sight replacement and also allows shooter to readily remove front sight when scope is used and thus eliminate ‘ghost’ image in field of view.
By virtue of unique lock nut (1) task of fitting barrel to action is a simple one. Operation is accomplished by placing proper headspace gauge in chamber and then screwing barrel into action until snug fit is obtained. Lock nut is then drawn up snug with spanner wrench. Recoil lug (2) is positioned between receiver face and lock nut. Slots for sight assemblies are milled after barrel is fitted.