The Savage Model 720 is a popular bolt-action rifle known for its accuracy and reliability. If you own a Savage 720, knowing its history can be incredibly rewarding – from understanding its manufacturing date to verifying its authenticity. Unfortunately, Savage Arms doesn't provide a public online database for serial number lookups. This means tracing your rifle's history requires a different approach. This guide will walk you through the most effective methods.
Why Tracing Your Savage 720's Serial Number Matters
Knowing your Savage 720's history offers several key benefits:
- Determining the Manufacturing Date: Pinpointing the year your rifle was produced helps establish its age and value. This is especially crucial for collectors or those considering selling their firearm.
- Verifying Authenticity: A serial number check, while not directly online, can help confirm that your rifle isn't a counterfeit or stolen weapon.
- Understanding its History: Knowing the approximate manufacturing date can give you clues about the rifle's potential history and journey.
How to Trace Your Savage 720 Serial Number
While a dedicated online database isn't available, several avenues can help you uncover information about your Savage 720:
1. Contacting Savage Arms Directly
The most reliable method is contacting Savage Arms customer service directly. While they may not provide a precise manufacturing date, they can often offer valuable information based on your serial number. Be prepared to provide the serial number clearly and accurately. Their response times may vary, so patience is key.
2. Engaging with the Firearms Community
Online forums and communities dedicated to firearms, particularly Savage rifles, are invaluable resources. Many enthusiasts possess extensive knowledge of Savage's manufacturing history and might be able to assist you in estimating your rifle's age based on the serial number's characteristics (e.g., prefix, suffix). Remember to be polite and respectful when asking for help.
3. Consulting with Gunsmiths and Dealers
Experienced gunsmiths and firearms dealers often encounter various Savage models and may have a wealth of knowledge about serial number ranges and manufacturing dates. They might be able to offer an educated guess about your rifle's age based on your provided serial number.
4. Utilizing Online Resources (with caution)
While a dedicated Savage serial number lookup isn't available, some websites claim to provide firearm information. Exercise extreme caution when using these resources. Verify their credibility and ensure they prioritize data privacy before submitting any personal or firearm information. Many such sites lack accuracy or may be scams.
Important Considerations
- Privacy: Be mindful of sharing your serial number online. Only share it with trusted sources and avoid publicly posting it on less secure platforms.
- Accuracy: Remember that estimates provided by community members or dealers are just that – estimates. They might not be perfectly accurate.
- Patience: Tracing your rifle's history may require time and effort. Be patient and persistent in your search.
Conclusion
Locating precise manufacturing information for your Savage Model 720 through a direct online lookup isn't possible. However, by combining direct contact with Savage Arms, engaging with the firearms community, consulting with professionals, and carefully using online resources, you can significantly increase your chances of learning more about your rifle's history and provenance. Remember to prioritize accuracy, privacy, and patience throughout the process.
