1905 Savage 32 ACP

[seadog]

Just picked up a Savage 7.65 auto made in 1905?
Anybody know how to field strip? Thanks

 

[johnwill]

I have one of the 1907's, and a 1917, both field strip in a similar manner.

1. With the magazine removed, use the manual safety to lock the slide back. Check the chamber while you're looking.

2. Rotate the endpiece 1/4 turn CW.

3. Depress the cocking-lever and remove the endpiece toward the rear.

4. Restrain the slide against the spring, turn the safety off. Keeping the trigger depressed, ease the slide off the frame.

The gun is now field-stripped.

 

[seadog]

Thanks a lot! That bad boy had about 90 years of gunk in it. After a good soaking in WD-40, the endpiece was finally able to be removed.... It now appears fairly presentable.

 

[johnwill]

I collect early 20th century pocket pistols, and you wouldn't believe some of the stuff I find when I detail strip them!

 

[Elforcko]

Savage 1917

Just one clarification on the 1917 32 auto:
Barrel pointing to the left, butt down, the endpiece rotates CW 1/4 turn. Or, like me, barrel to the right, CCW 1/4 turn.
Mine was oiled at the factory before my grandfather bought it, too.

 

[James K]

One caution: I recommend you NOT try to remove the grips; many have been broken that way.

The grips have a lug underneath at the center rear, that fits into a groove in the frame. The idea was to push up the center of the grip from the magazine well, while sliding it to the rear. Unfortunately, those grips were made of gutta percha (aka hard rubber) which grows very brittle with age.

So if you do choose to try grip removal, go slow and be very careful.

Jim

PS, if you wonder why Savage used that system instead of a simple screw, it is because some guy who shall be nameless but whose initials were JMB had patented the idea of using screws to hold grips on an auto pistol.

JK