303 SAVAGE

Research notes

This was the first of four cartridges that were offered by Savage and dates from around 1895 and was chambered in the M1895 lever action rifle. It appeared at around the same time as the 30-30 Winchester, also launched in 1895.

This is a Factory engraved M1895 Deluxe Rifle that was featured on Rock Island Auction. The accompanying factory letter states the factory records lists this rifle with an octagon barrel in .303 Savage caliber when accepted from the factory on February 9, 1897, and it was shipped on January 27, 1898 to the "New York Exposition." It also included a copy of the factory record. The gun was allegedly built explicitly for the "1898 New York exhibition" (presumably referencing the New York exhibit at the Exposition Universelle of 1898 held in Paris where Savage "exhibited all grades of Savage rifles especially finely finished samples, exhibition actions") and presented to future U.S. President Calvin Coolidge at that time.

BOARD DUMMY

Proof