Savage Model 40 .22 cal Rifle info needed

[Frosty]

Hi, own a model 40 in .22, states short, long, and long rifle will work in this bolt action rifle. Blued w/ 1 piece wooden stock with no stamps or markings. Detachable magazine looks to hold 5 or 6. Can't find any serial numbers but 327 is stamped on the barrel near the receiver. On the bolt side under the rear sight I found what looks to be a code or something. Has NP with a stamp over it then .22 then a small triangle above right. Then a - 610 8 TOWS. Keep in mind my eyes aren't the greatest but this is what I see. Did Savage make a war trainer? I've searched and googled model 40 but only come up with a newer style varmit hunter. Looks to be older, maybe 30-40's. I'd appreciate any info. Thanks, Dave

[Eric in NC]

Can't help you much but if it was a military trainer from the 30's or 40's it would have "U.S." and/or "flaming bomb" stamps.

[Frosty]

Thanks Eric. Above the NP stamp The image could be a "flaming bomb". Hopefully after more see this thread, I will be able to determine the history of this rifle.

[img width=600 height=450]http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Frosty219/Savage%20Madel%2040/IMG_0019.jpg[/img]

[img width=600 height=450]http://i1012.photobucket.com/albums/af244/Frosty219/Savage%20Madel%2040/IMG_0020.jpg[/img]

Lets see if this helps.

[sharpshooter]

The proof mark is British..22 designates it's .22 caliber, .610 is the case lenght, 8 tons is the pressure it was tested at.(16,00 psi) NP = nitro proof This rifle was made for export and went through the Birmingham Proof House. Any firearm going to Great Britain had to be "proofed" at Birmingham, regardless of make or whether it had been proofed before. If you look close you might also see a NP stamp somewhere on the bolt handle.

[Frosty]

sharpshooter, Thanks for the reply. I bet it has a few stories to tell considering it was made in the USA sent to Great Britain and then made it back home somehow. Now the next question: any idea of how old it might be?