Savage 66b - safety Q

skyhigh_seller

February 07, 2012 16:02

A freind asked about the safety function on this firearm.
I did not look at it in person, but looked at some in the GB auctions.
He thought it mat be missing a safety on the left rear on the receiver.
I believe hole or holes are for a sight.

Is the safety integrated into the bolt/cocking piece?
How does one operate the safety on/off function of this rifle?

Thanks

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  Fatstrat

  February 08, 2012 02:56

  The Savage/Stevens model 66, and all variations (66B 066) had a thumb operated safety near rear of bolt on right side. The 66B was a target version of the same rifle with rear peep sights and ramp front sights. Then the later 066 was an improved action model w/same specs as the 66B.
  As is common w/Savage/Stevens rifles of this period, the specs regarding sights etc are merely suggestions about what the model was supposed to have. But was by no means a hard rule. Model 66 rifles have been found w/target sights. And model 66B and 066 have been found w/regular sights. But all had a thumb safety.
  On the aside,it has been MY OBSERVATION that the early Model 66 and 66B rifles are commonly found w/the safety removed. And really were not very "safe" rifles at all. They had a bad habit of pre-maturely firing upon closing of the bolt. Which was apparently believed to be a result of a faulty safety mech. The revised 066 models were a possible attempt to fix the problem which was actually in the rather funky action design.

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  skyhigh_seller

  February 08, 2012 03:34

  I appreciate your response.
  
  http://www.gunbroker.com/Auction/ViewItem.aspx?Item=272841695
  
  I found a 66-c with a safety, on the auction side.
  But, the above link is for a 66b and clearly shows no safety.
  
  Friend says firearm cocks when bolt is worked and you don't have to manually pull the cocking piece.

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  Fatstrat

  February 08, 2012 04:24

  I've owned one like that myself. But the factory specs as stated in the Savage/Stevens Collectors history book states there "should be" a safety. Welcome to the whacky world of vintage Savage/Stevens rimfire variations. Where the historically quoted factory specs often don't mean much. And what came off the line apparently depended on what parts were available that day.

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