The front baffle has three purposes, act at the bolt guide, the bolt stop, but more importantly, help seal the receiver ring in the event of an "Ut-Oh", blown primer and etc so any escaping gasses can vent out of the twin ports in the ring.
A Savage has three gas control features. The twin ports, a vent in the bolthead and the rear baffle. The first two vent off any gasses out the ports in the ring, the rear baffle seals up the bridge. All three hopefully in the event of a case failure keep stuff out of your snot box and eyeballs.
As long as the baffle is in and still surrounded by the receiver ring lengthening the port somewhat shouldn't be an issue.
Bill
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