How to Know Which Savage Model 110 You Have - Optics Trade Blog (2024)

There’s just so much confusion regarding the Savage Model 110 and its many variants that it can be a real pain to figure out what type of scope mounts are you supposed to mount on it.

Is it a Model 110 or Model 10? Short-action or long-action? Round-back or maybe a flat-back? What are models 111, 112, 114, and 116?

All that and more can get someone’s head spinning to the point where you may occasionally even start thinking to yourself that perhaps you should just get a Ruger, instead.

But there’s really no need for that. Savage is now perhaps more than ever an excellent choice for a rifle, and in this article, we’ll help you disambiguate Model 110 to the point where you will be able to confidently look for appropriate attachments for it.

Savage Model 110 went through a ton of modifications in its long history of production, so there are 5 important different versions of it that we are going to go through:

• Flat-Back Long-Action Savage Model 110
• Flat-Back Medium-Action Savage Model 110
• Flat-Back Savage Model 10 AKA Flat-Back Short-Action Savage Model 110
• Round-Back Long-Action Savage Model 110
• Round-Back Savage Model 10 AKA Round-Back Short-Action Savage Model 110

There are 4 key criteria you can apply to this process which will help you differentiate them: the trigger, stock, calibers, and the mounting surface.

To better understand some of the features discussed in this article we invite you to read:

• What is a Savage AccuStock
• Everything you need to know about the Savage AccuFit
• What is a Savage AccuTrigger

Long-Action Flat-Back Savage Model 110

The Long-Action Flat-Back Savage Model 110 version (Savage Model 110 (LA/FB) for short), is the original version of the popular Savage Model 110 rifle. First introduced in 1958, it remained in production until 2003 when it was replaced by the round-back version with the introduction of the AccuTrigger.

To recognize a Savage Model 110 (LA/FB), we are going to apply the criteria we mentioned above:

1) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Flat-Back) Trigger

The first and easiest way is to look for the absence of the AccuTrigger. Every Savage Model 110 made in 2003 and beyond features this trigger, so if your rifle doesn’t have it, this confirms that you own a pre-2003 Savage Model 110.

2) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Flat-Back) Stock

Another way to identify the Savage Model 110 (LA/FB) is by its stock. Modern Savage rifles come with the patented AccuStock and AccuFit, but the older versions have neither of these features.

It is worth noting that even round-back models that were made between 2003 and 2009 came without the AccuStock, so judging only by the stock is not a definitive way to recognize a Savage Model 110 rifle.

What we can say for sure, though, is that the LA/FB version stock is of a more traditional, non-adjustable design.

3) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Flat-Back) Calibers

Savage Model 110 (LA/FB) can be chambered for:

• 25-06 Remington
• .270 Winchester
• 7mm Rem Mag.
• 7mm RUM
• .30-06 Springfield
• .300 Win Mag.
• .338 Win Mag.
• .300 RUM
• .338 Federal
• .375 Ruger
• .458 Winchester Magnum

This can be a bit misleading, though, because from 1988 to 1997 Savage Model 110 (LA/FB) was also chambered for short action calibers. Those chambered for short-action cartridges just had a shorter magazine port cut into the bottom to accommodate the shorter magazines.

This was due to some budget cuts that Savage had to adopt in order to save money. They retired a short-action version and simply made a»one-fits-them-all« version which greatly reduced production costs.

4) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Flat-Back) Mounting Surface

The best way to identify the Savage model 110 (LA/FB) is by its mounting surface and combined with the previous three methods, this is also a definitive way to do it.

The mounting surface of the LA/FB version is rounded at the front and flat at the back. This is also perhaps the most important thing to remember.

The distance between the front holes is 21.84 mm, the distance between the rear holes is also 21.84 mm, and the distance between the front and rear holes is 117.6 mm. By measuring these distances and comparing them to these specifications you can confirm if you have a Savage Model 110 (LA/FB).

A: 21.84 mm
B: 117.6 mm
C: 21.84 mm
BHU: 3.0 mm
Fi: 6-48
R1: Flat
R2: R17

Other names for this version are:

• “Pre-AccuTrigger” Long-Action Savage Model 110
• “Flat rear” Long-Action Savage Model 110
• “Pre-2003” Long-Action Savage Model 110

You can find Scope Mounts for Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Flat-Back) here.

Medium-Action Flat-Back Savage Model 110

Next in line is the Medium-Action Flat-Back (MA/FB) Savage Model 110. This version of the famous rifle was produced from 1959 until 1988. During that period, this was considered a short-action version of the 110 model, but in 1988, Savage faced significant financial difficulties and the company decided to cut down on production costs by discontinuing the short-action Model 110. This is why from 1988 to 1997, Savage produced only one action length which was chambered for both long-action and short-action calibers.

However, in 1997, Savage’s financial situation improved, and the company decided to reintroduce a short-action version of the rifle, but this time with a shorter action. This is the reason the original short-action Model 110 is today known as the “medium-action” version.

Same as before, inspect the trigger, stock, and mounting surface of your rifle to see if it is indeed the medium-action version.

1) Savage Model 110 (Medium-Action/Flat-Back) Trigger

Since the medium-action Savage Model 110 was in production only until 1988, it does not feature the AccuTrigger, but instead comes with a standard trigger.

2) Savage Model 110 (Medium-Action/Flat-Back) Stock

Savage Model 110 (MA/FB) was long retired before the AccuStock was developed, let alone the AccuFit.

This version came with a traditional, non-adjustable wooden or, in some cases, synthetic stock.

3) Savage Model 110 (Medium-Action/Flat-Back) Calibers

There are quite a few calibers flat-back Savage Model (MA) is chambered for, but there is some confusion since, as mentioned above, Savage stopped producing short-action 110s from 1988 to 1997, and long-action versions made during this period could also be chambered for shorter calibers such as .243 Winchester and .300 Savage, for instance. Generally speaking, though, Savage Model 110 (MA/FB) can be chambered for:

• .223 Remington
• 22-250 Remington
• 7mm-08 Remington
• .243 Winchester
• .270 WSM
• .308 Winchester
• .300 Savage
• .300 WSM

4) Savage Model 110 (Medium-Action/Flat-Back) Mounting Surface

The mounting surface of the MA/FB version is rounded at the front and flat at the back. The distance between the front holes is 21.84 mm, the distance between the rear holes is also 21.84 mm and the distance between the front and rear holes is 103.88 mm. Especially the last distance, between the front and rear holes (distance B on the image below), is unique to this version and will let you easily identify a Savage Model 110 (MA/FB)

By measuring the distances on your rifle and comparing them to these specifications, you can confirm if you have a Savage Model 110 MA/FB.

A: 21.84 mm
B: 103.88 mm
C: 21.84 mm
BHU: 3.0 mm
Fi: 6-48
R1: Flat
R2: R17

Even though it’s not in production anymore, the Savage Model 110 (MA/FB) can still be found on the used market, but it can be harder to find than the long-action version.

Other names for this version are:

• “Pre-AccuTrigger” Medium-Action Savage Model 110
• “Flat rear” Medium-Action Savage Model 110
• “Pre-2003” Medium-Action Savage Model 110
• “Medium-Action” Savage Model 110

You can find Scope Mounts for Savage Model 110 (Medium-Action/Flat-Back) here.

Flat-Back Savage Model 10 AKA Short-Action Flat-Back Savage Model 110

Next up is the Flat-Back Savage Model 10 (Savage Model 10 (FB) for short), produced from 1997 to 2003 when it was replaced by the round-back Savage Model 10.

In 1997, Savage decided to reintroduce a short-action version of the famous model, and to simplify the distinction between the long-action and short-action versions, they named the short-action version “Model 10” and the long-action one remained “Model 110”.

This means that the flat-back Savage Model 10 and short-action flat-back Savage Model 110 are the same thing.

These are the 4 key features of the Savage Model 10 (FB):

1) Savage Model 10 (Flat-Back) Trigger

Considering this version was also produced before the introduction of the AccuTrigger, you will only find flat-back Savage Model 10s with a standard trigger.

2) Savage Model 10 (Flat-Back) Stock

Savage Model 10 (FB), too, was long retired before the AccuStock was developed.

It instead came with a traditional, non-adjustable wooden or, in some cases, synthetic stock.

3) Savage Model 10 (Flat-Back) Calibers

Generally speaking, and taking the whole 1988-1997 near bankruptcy phase aside, Savage Model 110 (SA/FB) can be chambered for:

• .223 Rem.
• 22-250 Rem.
• 7mm-08 Rem.
• .243 Win.
• .260 Rem.
• .270 WSM
• .308 Win.
• .300 Savage
• .300 WSM

4) Savage Model 10 (Flat-Back) Mounting Surface

The mounting surface of the Model 10 (FB) is rounded at the front and flat at the back. The distance between the front holes is 21.84 mm, the distance between the rear holes is also 21.84 mm and the distance between the front and rear holes is 99.82 mm.

By measuring the distances on your rifle and comparing them to these specifications, you can confirm if you have a Savage Model 10 (FB).

A: 21.84 mm
B: 99.82 mm
C: 21.84 mm
BHU: 3.0 mm
Fi: 6-48
R1: Flat
R2: R17

This model remains widely used and it can easily be found on the used marked. It can still be effective in various shooting scenarios, but it also has a collectible value.

Other names for this version are:

• “Pre-AccuTrigger” Savage Model 10
• “Flat rear” Savage Model 10
• “Pre-2003” Savage Model 10
• “Short-Action Flat-Back” Savage Model 110
• “Pre-AccuTrigger” Short-Action Savage Model 110
• “Flat rear” Short-Action Savage Model 110
• “Pre-2003” Short-Action Savage Model 110

You can find Scope Mounts for Savage Model 10 (Flat-Back) here.

Short-Action Round-Back Savage Model 110 AKA Round-Back Savage Model 10

We are at the part where things become even more confusing, but just bear with us, we are almost there.

In 2003 when the AccuTrigger was introduced the aforementioned flat-back Savage Model 10 was replaced by a round-back version, thus being named the “Round-Back” Savage Model 10.

Well, that’s simple, right?

Sure, but we wish we could say it remained so.

In 2018 Savage decided to do some renaming again. They ‘ditched’ the shortened naming system, so the Savage Model 10 was no more, and we are back to the old short-action/long-action ways.

Round-Back Savage Model 10 is thus the same thing as the Short-Action Round-Back Savage Model 110 (Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) for short).

With this in mind, let’s take a look at the characteristics of this version:

1) Savage Model 110 (Short-Action/Round-Back) Trigger

Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) was introduced with the birth of the AccuTrigger. Each and every Savage Model 110 made after 2003, short-action or long-action, comes with it.

2) Savage Model 110 (Short-Action/Round-Back) Stock

Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) can be found in several different stocks.

From 2003 to 2008, these models were made with the traditional stock.

In 2009 Savage started producing Model 110s with the AccuStock, and it quickly became a trademark for the model.

In 2018 AccuFit was added to the AccuStock, and you will be hard-pressed to find a new Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) without this innovative adjustable stock system.

3) Savage Model (Short-Action/Round-Back) Calibers

Round-back Savage Model 110 can be chambered for a wide range of calibers:

• .223 Remington
• .204 Ruger
• 22-250 Remington
• 7mm-08 Remington
• .243 Winchester
• .260 Remington
• .270 WSM
• 6.5 Creedmoor
• 6.5 PRC*
• .308 Winchester
• .300 Savage
• .300 WSM
• .350 Legend
• .450 Bushmaster

* Some 6.5 PRC models could be long-action. If you are not sure whether you have a long-action or short-action Savage Model 110, we recommend you measure the B distance as seen in the image below. If that doesn’t help, then we recommend you contact Savage.

4) Savage Model 110 (Short-Action/Round-Back) Mounting Surface

The mounting surface of the Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) is rounded at the front and also rounded at the back, which was a considerable change compared to the flat surface of the older models. This change directly corresponded to the introduction of the AccuTrigger because the whole action had to undergo certain changes to accommodate the new triggering system.

The distance between the front holes is 21.84 mm, the distance between the rear holes is also 21.84 mm and the distance between the front and rear holes is 99.82 mm.

As you can see, the hole distances remained the same even after the AccuTrigger introduction, so the only clear distinction on the receiver are both rounded sides.

A: 21.84 mm
B: 99.82 mm
C: 21.84 mm
BHU: 0 mm
Fi: 6-48 or 8-40 (more on that below)
R1: R17
R2: R17

Other names for this version are:

• “Post-AccuTrigger” Savage Model 10
• “Round rear” Savage Model 10
• “Post-2003” Savage Model 10
• “Round-Back” Savage Model 10
• “Post-AccuTrigger” Short-Action Savage Model 110
• “Round rear” Short-Action Savage Model 110
• “Post-2003” Short-Action Savage Model 110

You can find Scope Mounts for Savage Model 110 (Short-Action/Round-Back) here.

Long-Action Round-Back Savage Model 110

Same as with the short-action version, the long-action round-back Savage Model 110 (Savage Model 110 (LA/RB) for short) was born with AccuTrigger’s introduction in 2003.

This is how you will recognize it:

1) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Round-Back) Trigger

Each and every Savage Model 110 made after 2003, short-action or long-action, comes with the AccuTrigger. If you see one with it, it is most definitely a round-back version.

2) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Round-Back) Stock

Same as the short-action round-back Model 110, Savage Model 110 (LA/RB) can be found in several different stocks.

From 2003 to 2008, these models were made with the traditional stock.

In 2009 the model adopted the AccuStock, and from 2018 onward it comes with the AccuFit as well.

Today, Savage Model 110’s stock is incredibly versatile and highly adjustable. The AccuStock and AccuFit are outstanding systems that make Savage rifles highly competitive in every shooting scenario.

3) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Round-Back) Calibers

Savage Model 110 (LA/RB) comes in:

• 6.5×284 Norma
• 25-06 Remington
• .270 Winchester
• 7mm Rem Mag.
• .28 Nosler
• 7mm RUM
• .30-06 Springfield
• .280 Ackley Improved
• .300 PRC
• .300 Win Mag.
• .338 Win Mag.
• .300 RUM
• .338 Federal
• .338 Lapua
• .375 Ruger
• .458 Winchester Magnum

4) Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Round-Back) Mounting Surface

The mounting surface of the Savage Model 110 (SA/RB) is rounded at the front and also rounded at the back. As mentioned above, this change corresponds to the introduction of the AccuTrigger. The latter demanded a complete redesign of the rifle’s action and consequently receiver, which became rounded on both sides, but the distances between mounting holes stayed the same.

The distance between the front holes is 21.84 mm, the distance between the rear holes is also 21.84 mm and the distance between the front and rear holes is 117.6 mm.

As you can see, the hole distances remained the same even after the AccuTrigger introduction, so the only clear distinction on the receiver are both rounded sides.

A: 21.84 mm
B: 117.6 mm
C: 21.84 mm
BHU: 0 mm
Fi: 6-48 or 8-40 (more on that below)
R1: R17
R2: R17

Other names for this version are:

• “Post-AccuTrigger” Long-Action Savage Model 110
• “Round rear” Long-Action Savage Model 110
• “Post-2003” Long-Action Savage Model 110

You can find Scope Mounts for Savage Model 110 (Long-Action/Round-Back) here.

#6-48 or #8-40 Screw Size for your Savage Model 110?

Sometime after 2020, Savage started drilling some of their rifles for #8-40 screws instead of #6-48 which were in use from the beginning of the production of this long-standing model.

Naturally, this caused some confusion among the users.

We would be delighted to tell you that all you have to do to find a correct fit is to simply try both screws and just use the ones that fit, but unfortunately, this is not how it is, at least not according to our information.

We contacted some of the biggest manufacturers of scope mounts for Savage Model 110, and they assured us that it is not a simple matter of replacing the screws. If you bought a rifle that is drilled for #8-40 screws, then you will need to buy an appropriate scope mount.

But first, you will need to determine if your rifle is indeed drilled for 8-40 screws or not. Read this article to find out how.

How is Savage Model 110 Different than Models 111, 112, 114, and 116?

In the late 1970s or early 1980s, Savage decided to introduce a numbering system to easily differentiate between the several variants of their now-famous Savage Model 110.

Numbers 111, 112, 114, and 116 were gradually launched, and each of them signified a certain feature of the base model. For instance, Savage Model 110 with an American walnut stock suddenly became Savage Model 114; the Model 110 with a stainless-steel barrel became Model 116, and so on, but they were still essentially just Model 110 variants.

The same goes for short-action models. Models 11, 12, 14, and 16 are basically just Model 10 variants.

Furthermore, you can also find additional subvariants, such as Savage Model 111 GNS or a more modern Model 111 Lady Hunter, for example. But again, they are just Savage Model 110 variants.

All this means that when you are looking for scope mounts for models 111, 112, 114, and 116, you should just look for scope mounts for Savage Model 110. Be careful, though, to apply the same principles we mentioned above to make sure that you pick the correct scope mount for flat-back/round-back models.