The following summary of information has been compiled to help give those new to Savage rifles a quick education on the basic history and design changes that have occurred over the years. This information should help answer many of the questions you may have regarding a rifle you recently purchased or are currently looking at purchasing in terms of when it was made, what the numbers/letters mean, etc.
On all newer production rifles, short-actions are 2-digit numbers and long-actions are 3 Digit numbers. Prior to 1998, all short and long-actions had 3-digit numbers. Also, the Stevens 200, while having a 3-digit number, can be either a short or long-action.
General rule of thumb for models
10/110 - Old Designation Sporter Series, Current Designation Law Enforcement Series (blued actions and barrel)
11/111 - Current Designation Sporter Series (blued actions and barrel)
12/112 - Varmint Series (available in both Blued and Stainless); also includes Target Series
14/114 - Classic Series (High Luster Blue, one model in SS, High Grade Wood Stock)
16/116 - Weather Warrior Series (SS, Synthetic, Sporter & Mag Contoured Barrel)
PTA Guns - Precision Target Action rifles (Model 12 F/TR, 12 F-Class, 12 Palma, Etc.)
Mod. 25 & 40 - Light Varmint Series (Blued actions and barrel)
Axis - Entry Level sporter with DBM (all the same action length, but different from 10/110 to 16/116 series; available Blued or Stainless)
Stevens 200 - Same as 11/111 except no AccuTrigger (old style side bolt release only; Blued action and barrel)
Model Number Letter Meanings:
AK(or K) - Adjustable Muzzle Brake
B - Laminate Stock
BT - Laminated Thumbhole Stock
C - Clip (Detachable Box Magazine)
F - Synthetic Stock
G - Hardwood Stock
H - Hinged Floorplate
L - Left Hand
ML - Muzzleloader
NS - No Sights
P - Police
SS - Stainless Steel
SR - Supressor Ready (Threaded Muzzle)
T - (Rimfire) Peep Sights
V - Long-Range (Heavy Barrel) (Varmint)
XP - Package Gun
Y - Youth
vBulletin Message