The NRA (U.S.A.) Model 19 & Model 1933 (19-33) Training & Target Rifles Manufactured by Savage Arms

The Savage N. R. A. Model 1933

By F. C. Ness

In the field of small-bore rifles there has existed a definite void—a gap between the special match rifles, and the cheap arms that no well-informed shooter would take seriously. The finer rifles as developed in recent years leave little to be desired, but they cost more than many shooters can afford to pay. There are a number of moderate-priced rifles which may be adapted for informal target practice, but not one of them quite meets the requirements of competitive match shooting.
Now at last we have a small-bore rifle the design of which has been so carefully worked out and the production so skilfully engineered that it is at once a high-grade and moderate-priced arm, and honourably fills the gap that has existed for so long a time. I refer to the 1933 design of the Model 1919 Savage rifle, with the development of which the N. R. A. has
been closely associated. This new model has a beautiful modern prone stock, a speed lock, an improved action, improved trigger pull, improved sights, and a much larger port in the receiver to permit single  loading with ease. The price is $29.75 ready to go on the firing line, after one's favorite shooting sling has been attached.
The Model '19 Savage bolt action repeater was introduced as a small-bore match rifle at Caldwell, N. J., where it was used by members of the American Dewar Team of 1919. Afterward a number of changes were made, principally in the action, to obtain more convenient loading, better cocking, improved ignition and more positive ejection.
This original Model 1919 N. R. A. Savage is the rifle which is so well known to our members. It enjoyed the distinction of being the best-stocked moderately priced small-bore target rifle on the mar­ket, and it became deservedly popular for target training purposes. It weighed only 7 pounds; it had a flimsy receiver sight and an unsatisfactory trigger, but it was completely equipped for the target range and it established a -reputation for fine accuracy. The barrel had the Springfield groove width and the Winchester groove diameter, but its weight was less than that of either of these other barrels. The forestock extended to the muzzle of the barrel, which had a bore length of 25 inches. The dimensions of the stock were as follows:

It may be noted that the 1933 stock is ¼ inch longer back of the trigger, but much shorter in overall length. This is because it ends only a couple of inches forward of the swivel band. The sling swivel is fully 16½ inches forward of the trigger. The semibeavertail forestock is 2 inches wide and nearly flat on the bot­tom. It rests very comfortably in the palm of the hand, and there is no tend­ency to cant. The grip for the right hand is equally secure. The plain, uncapped pistol grip has a length of 3½ inches and a vertical drop of 1½ inches from the trigger. A neat fillet connects it with the bottom of the stock, and, similarly, the top of the grip is neatly curved to meet the comb. The comb is made thick, and nearly 10 inches long,n to give maximum comfort and security in prone shooting. Large-pawed shooters who want more grip space can easily cut the comb back ⅛ inch, or even ¼ inch. The new stock is very much straighter than the old stock, the drop being ¼ inch less at the comb and ½ inch less at the heel. The large shotgun type butt is protected by a 5⅛ x 1⅜ -inch cross-grooved steel plate, which is set at an angle to give a pitch down of about 1½ inches at the muzzle.
This new stock is very handsome in line and finish. The smooth surface and rich color of the walnut indicate a thor­oughly polished and well rubbed oil finish. While pleasing to the eye, the stock is even more pleasant to hold. Peculiarly, considering the scanty heel drop, the rifle is comfortable offhand. It holds extremely well in the standing position. It is still better sitting; and in the prone position it comes into its own. To me the most convincing evidence of its proper design is the fact that my groups from the ortho­dox prone position were as good as those I fired from rest. This was not true with the scope sight because its greater height increases the drop ¾ inch. However, with the scope I made a 1-1/16" group at 50 yards from the sitting position, which may be taken as further evidence of proper stock dimensions.
The former ejection port in the receiver has been enlarged into a real loading port. It is l⅜ inches long and is cut clear across the top of the receiver, so that single- loading for match shooting is now very convenient. The bolt face is recessed for high-velocity ammunition so that the cartridge head is fully supported. The bolt face and the striker are now made of high-grade heat-treated steel. The striker has a travel of only 3/16 inch, the lock time having been speeded up to less than .002 of a second. A projection on the striker head stops the striker and serves to regulate the depth of blow. Because the jar is relatively light and is absorbed by heavy metal, this rifle may be snapped without harm.
In addition to the handle, which serves also as a locking lug, the bolt has a second locking lug farther to the rear. The action stroke or bolt travel is 1¼ inches. By means of a cam in the bolt head and a pin on the striker, the latter is cocked on the upturn of the bolt handle. This opening motion is a bit rough but not unduly hard. The trigger, which appears unchanged in design, has no take-up, and the pull is short. The pull would just lift a dead weight of 4 pounds. It does not feel as heavy as that because the let- off is clean. The sear serves also as the bolt stop, and a very strong sear spring is used.
The action in general is very satisfactory, being positive and reliable. The extractor never failed in several hundred trials with several brands of ammunition, and the same is true of the feed from the 5-shot magazine. This detachable magazine is held in place by a very simple, effective and convenient spring catch. The regular Savage safety on the right side of the receiver is used. When raised it locks both trigger and bolt, and it is easily depressed by a touch of the thumb.
Good target sights are standard equipment. The front sight is a square-top blade about .070 inch wide. The face is under-cut slightly to prevent light reflection, the former excessive hook effect having been greatly modified. At the ex­treme rear end of the receiver is a peep sight of new design, made at the Savage factory. It is attached to the top of the receiver by two screws through its extended base, exactly the same as the old Savage No.5 sight and the new Lyman 48-Y.
This new Savage No. 10 sight is made with a long-necked target disc. Knurled knobs, very easy to operate for vertical or lateral adjustments, are provided with half-minute "click" detents. The clicks are very positive, and may be distinctly heard as well as felt. The vertical scale is on the right side, and the lateral scale in front both out of sight until the shooter lowers the gun, changes his position, and crawls up on them. Once in position with his sling tight, the shooter must count the clicks. To change his zero laterally he must rather awkwardly reach over the gun to the left side, the windage knob being ideally located for a left shoulder shooter. There are 6 clicks per complete turn of either knob, the numbered graduations on both scales being equal to two revolu­tions or 12 clicks. Shorter marks between the numbered marks represent one com­plete turn of the knob, or three minutes. There are no zero marks or graduations on the knobs, but the easily counted clicks, each giving approximately one-half minute of change, serve the match-shooter's purpose well enough.
Quite contrary to its predecessor, this new sight is well made. There is nothing flimsy about it. It is not only very sturdy, but it should remain rigid because the movable member is supported unusually well. The base of the dovetail measures ½ x ⅝ inch, and the total bearing area is considerably greater. At the same time it is lighter than the Lyman 48-Y sight. I prefer the 48-Y because it does not pro­ject up above the gun as does this Savage sight, which rises practically 1½ inches above the receiver. It very rudely punched a hole in my canvas gun case upon the very first introduction. The Lyman 48-Y is ⅜ inch lower and has a larger knob. To mention other differences, the Lyman knob is graduated and the Lyman aperture is brought ⅝ inch further to the rear. The sighting radius is 30½ inches with the Savage sight and 31⅛inches with the 48-Y. It should be remembered, how­ever, that the Savage sight is designed to sell at one half the price of the Lyman 48-Y.
The entire gun is plain but very neat. The only exterior parts which have the appearance of being cheap are the un­adorned trigger hole in the stock, the light guard stamping which would look better were it inletted into the wood, and probably the front swivel band around barrel and forestock, which, however, is an excellent sling anchorage, with loop for 1¼" strap. This band does not draw the fore-stock tip against the bottom of the barrel.
The overall length of the barrel and receiver is 30½ inches, as in the earlier model. The 25" barrel proper forms a straight taper from .9365 inch at the breech to .700 inch at the muzzle. The only slot or cut in it is that for the front sight. The stock is attached to the gun by two of the guard screws and by the barrel band around the forestock. The weight of the gun is about 8 pounds, or slightly more, depending upon the density of the walnut in the individual stock This new Savage rifle feels more like the Model 52 Winchester than like the earlier Model '19 Savage.
With the former model, plenty of small groups have been made to justify the expectation of a very satisfactory degree of accuracy with the heavier Model 1933. Machine-rest groups with the new rifle indicate that it is capable of shooting possibles on small-bore targets. The first rifle tested was fired at 50 yards from rest, and it showed a very decided preference for a certain lot of ammunition. The second rifle was tried by three different shooters in an indoor match, and there was no appreciable difference in groups or scores in favor of any one of several brands of ammunition fired on the 50-foot target. Two competitors did as well with the new Savage as with their own match rifles when each rifle was equipped with the Lyman 438 Field scope.
As issued, with the factory iron sights, this new Savage is a practical match rifle, and is about the best training rifle that can be had for less than $30. It is equally desirable as a small-game rifle, being trim and somewhat less clumsy than the cus­tomary heavy match rifle. The moderate price of this Savage match rifle leaves some money for the purchase of one of the more modest scope sights. For field shooting the Lyman 438 Field scope would add to the weight and cost but would greatly increase the aiming efficiency, es­pecially for old eyes. For target shooting the added weight of a scope would not be objectionable, while the improved vi­sion and elimination of eye strain would be a tremendous advantage, especially in artificial light.
The new Savage reaches the owner with the barrel already drilled and tapped for Lyman scope bases. It is only neces­sary to buy the scope with bases for the Savage M. '19, as the Lyman factory makes a special rear base to utilize the screw holes in the receiver. With no other tools than a proper-sized screwdriver, anyone can attach the Lyman Field scope or Lyman 5-A target scope.