This is one area where Savage has really hurt themselves, both with direct customers by causing unnecessary confusion and with aftermarket supplies. With the market slowing down as it has it's a perfect time for Savage to "get back to the basics" and standardize their product line across the board.

Few people like the bottom bolt release and it uses more parts than the old top bolt release. That being the case Savage would be wise to just eliminate the bottom bolt release and go back to making everything with a top release. Fewer parts to manufacturer/inventory and much less confusion for everybody.

The same could be said for the two different magazine systems they use (Axis and what I refer to as the premium with the metal bottom surround). With their top tier models mostly using AICS bottom metal now, and the improved retention system for the Axis mag's, it's would be an ideal time to phase out the premium bottom metal/magazine system. I know - we all prefer the premium over the Axis style, but from a manufacturer's point-of-view that's the least used option at this point and it would add consistency and uniformity across more of the model line.

Both of these changes would go a long way towards garnering more interest in offering products for Savage rifles by the aftermarket as it would greatly reduce the number of variations they would have to contend with when developing new products for Savage rifles.