Why is it (not) there?

http://i62.tinypic.com/14dkf7q.png

This came up in another thread, but I thought it might be worth further discussion. I could be wrong, but I think something like this

http://i62.tinypic.com/2z6i3kg.png

would look better than this

http://i61.tinypic.com/258yyyx.png

But Savage keeps making the latter for models that don't have upper bolt releases. Moreover, these vestigial divots are on both sides of the rifles. If it's a matter consolidating molds and masters, that doesn't really explain why the divots are there but inletting for the upper lever is not on rifles with lower bolt releases. The divot also appears in some aftermarket stocks. User jon326 showed off his Boyd's Tacticool, which has the divot, despite being designed for a lower bolt release gun (11 Trophy Hunter).

So, is it just there as a Savage hallmark or as an understated implication that "with styling this nonsensical it has to shoot well"?

Not that it matters, but appears to be a styling thing, since the cut-out is also on the left side.

Just a guess but...
It is kept to make the lines flow into the wrist better.

Looking from the top down at my 116 classic there is even a void in the stock where the top bolt release would go even though its a bottom bolt release model. I thought right away that void is going to be a nice place for twigs and snow/mud to fill lol.

This pic doesn't show the void I was talking about but it does show what DrThunder was talking about

http://i1110.photobucket.com/albums/...ps29d5a0b8.jpg

Instead of speculating and surmizing, there is a reasonable explanation. The stocks which have the under cut are from old stock. The stocks are made in 2 phases, first being outside profiled, and then inletted for the specific barreled action configuration. One universal pattern is used for the outside profile, and the stocks are cut several at a time.Typically there is always an overun, so many stocks are shelved until the specific orders come in. The inletting is done in a secondary operation, specifically for the type of barreled action set up.
Savage is well known for using surplus old stock to fill orders, especially if it's just a cosmetic difference.