320 Security Proof Marks

[2A Guy]

Does anyone know if the 320 line of shotguns have proofed barrels, and if so, are they proofed by the maker or by Savage? My 12 gauge Security has what might be a proof mark on the barrel and it's located about a half an inch left of the words "Mfg by ..." I can't quite make it out even with a magnifying glass, but it is obviously stamped on the barrel and is unlike all the other evenly cut and spaced lettering.

[J.Baker]

If they're proofed, they would be proofed by the manufacturer rather than Savage themselves. If it were a Savage proof stamp the stamping would be the letters SP inside of a circle (Savage Proof).

[Hagar]

Mine has the SP on it but it looked like there's a third letter or symbol but only partial.

[2A Guy]

G]Here

[2A Guy]

The three pics above show what I believe could be proof marks. Might be an S, maybe a P, perhaps a 2, but I'm not sure. Does anyone have a clue?

[2A Guy]

Well I think I might have answered my own question! An internet search brought me to a 2011 post on this forum which mentions Savage proofing on rifles. The poster said that SP is followed by a number, which indicates the actual proof tester (each proofer is assigned a number and gets an assigned stamp). There was no mention of the lettering in a circle. Assuming they do the same for shotguns, even imports, would make sense and might relieve Savage of potential gun failure problems. Hagar, does your stamping look like the one in my pics? Thanks to all who have replied and will reply.

[Hagar]

I can't see your pics but I have the SP and a part of something. Mine's made in 7-16.

[2A Guy]

Hagar, sorry you can't see the photos; I don't know why, they come up fine when I view the message. Looks like SP2, and the P might be a little larger, or maybe just a restrike or misstrike. How did you determine the date of mfg of your gun?

[Hagar]

I asked Savage Arms and provided my ser no. Since the third symbol is partial it look like it could be a two.