Receivers with dates

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I recently purchased two receivers, one dated 1942 and the other marked 1943 with an asterisk (*). I plan to restore one of them and am seeking advice on which one to choose and why. My goal is to restore the firearm using parts from 1940-1944 that have never been used. I've located a few sellers offering these unused parts. Which receiver would you recommend for restoration and why? 

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kdweste Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Groupie Joined: July 07 2024 Location: California Status: Offline Points: 29	Post Options Post Reply Quote kdweste Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: Receivers with dates Posted: July 30 2024 at 9:27am
	I recently purchased two receivers, one dated 1942 and the other marked 1943 with an asterisk (*). I plan to restore one of them and am seeking advice on which one to choose and why. My goal is to restore the firearm using parts from 1940-1944 that have never been used. I've located a few sellers offering these unused parts. Which receiver would you recommend for restoration and why?

britrifles Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Senior Member Joined: February 03 2018 Location: Georgia, USA Status: Online Points: 8404	Post Options Post Reply Quote britrifles Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 30 2024 at 2:35pm
	I would use the one that is least worn and still within spec. Problem is, how to determine that. You could send them both off to BDL Limited and have Brian evaluate them, that’s what I would do. Does the 1942 have the slot for the bolt release catch at the back RHS of the action body? The 1943 will have an open slot in the bolt head rail on the RHS just behind the barrel thread area. That may not have the US Property mark either as it would have been made under UK MOD contract to Savage.

Shamu Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Admin Group Logo Designer / Donating Member Joined: April 25 2007 Location: MD, USA. Status: Offline Points: 20510	Post Options Post Reply Quote Shamu Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: July 31 2024 at 9:30am
	Assuming identical condition (which may not be true) I'd go with the No4 Mk1 instead of the No4 Mk1* Why? The bolt release lever & spring is better than the cut in the rail bolt release.
	Don't shoot till you see the whites of their thighs. (Unofficial motto of the Royal Air Force)

BrianBDL Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Special Member Joined: April 01 2024 Location: South Carolina Status: Offline Points: 20	Post Options Post Reply Quote BrianBDL Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: August 07 2024 at 11:20am
	All Savage bodies were marked "US PROPERTY", from sn. 0C1 until the end of production. If it's missing, it's been removed by the previous owner, government or otherwise. If I were going to build one rifle, I'd use the Mk.1 body. If the Mk.1* is in perfect condition and the right rail isn't badly chipped, it's fine too.