I just got a new Savage right bolt/left port action from Northland. A few questions.

1) It has three action screw holes, but the spacing is 4.40". I thought all Savage actions of late were 3.44". Or is my action an old one sitting on the shelf? The serial number begins with H90XXXX.

2) The spring that sits vertically against the underside of the rear tang looks like it has been stretched at one end. It looks coil bound except at one end. I would expect space between all coils. ???

3) Is it OK to dry fire the action? How do you decock the action without firing it?

4) A friend of mine recently acquired the same action except it is right bolt/right port. His has a small nylon pad on the receiver right where the underside of the bolt handle hits. Was this a new addition on newer actions?


Thanks.

Phil