I have a theory as to why Savage dropped the 4.522 inch action screw receiver

[Clark]

I have to make a relief cut in the rear pillar for the sear in my 1988 Sav 110 .223, or the action will not cock.
I am guessing that if Savage moved the rear screw forward [The 4.375" design] then there would be room for the sear and the pillar.

[J.Baker]

Nope!

Savage discontinued the mid-length Gen I short actions as a cost cutting measure. One has to remember that Savage filed for bankruptcy in early 1988. When Ron Coburn came in to rebuild the company he had to let go of 2/3 of it's employees and dropped everything from production except for the Model 110, Model 99, Model 24 and Stevens Favorite to make the company profitable again. Once they were back on their feet financially and able to begin expanding their offerings they introduced a new "true" short action (Gen II) with the 4.275" screw spacing in 1998.

[sharpshooter]

Your theory has a lot of holes in it.....
Although the screw spacing has changed several times over the years, the rear screw location is the same on all models. It is a reference point for all other machining operations.
The only exception is the dual port Benchrest and the Palma model, and they have a reference hole in the same position that is not tapped.

[eddiesindian]

Interesting.
It almost always comes down to dollars and cents. sure am glad they were able to pull Savage from the depths of financial failure.