Hope the original poster found the historical discussion interesting. I got the impression he was interested in the 1920 to use as a hunting rifle. A few random observations based on experience with my 1920 in .250-3000:
The factory stock dimensions are intended for use with iron sights. Drop at comb is 1 1/2", drop at heel is 2 3/4". Length of pull is 13 1/2". My rifle has the Lyman 54 bolt sleeve sight and for iron sight use the stock dimensions fit me adequately.
The rifle was never factory drilled and tapped for scope bases, although quite a few have had bases fitted by gunsmiths. I'd certainly never D&T my rifle, both because it would reduce collector value and the stock design would make it awkward to use with a scope.
At least one source says the 1920 buttplate was made of aluminum. I can't speak for every rifle of course, but both buttplate and grip cap of my rifle are made of steel.
My rifle, s/n 71XX, left the factory on Sept. 11, 1920 according to the letter I got from John T. Callahan based on factory records. Evidently at least 6,000+ model 1920s were made in the first year of production. Incidentally serial numbers started at 1000. Apparently enough were made in 1920 to handle orders through 1922, as records indicate they did another production run in 1923.
The design shows its military influence in features such as the clip slot guide in the receiver bridge, and the military-style two stage trigger. The trigger is safe and reasonably consistent, which is about all the good you can say about it. There's a fairly long take-up; the second stage breaks at over 6 1/4 pounds. Overtravel is minimal though which is quite an achievement considering the sear is also the bolt stop, and the trigger is pulled all the way to the rear to remove the bolt.
The Lyman 54 bolt sleeve sight was designed specifically for the model 1920, and fits no other rifle. A leaf sight with elevator fitted in a slot in the barrel was standard equipment. One vintage Savage catalog shows the jobber (distributor) price at $27.50, with the Lyman sight available as an option for an additional $2.50. The revised model 20 introduced in 1926 with heavier barrel and stock used the Lyman 54 as the standard sight, with no slot cut in the barrel.
I can't find exact production figures but some sources say there were about 9,500 of the original 1920 model, and 2,500 of the revised 1920/26 model. Probably no more than around 3,000 to 4,000 of the Lyman 54 bolt sleeve sights were made.
I've never owned a 1920 in .300 Savage though I do have a couple .300s in model 99 rifles, as well as a couple 99s in .250-3000. The .300 is quite a powerful cartridge and I can well imagine recoil in the original light 1920s was unpleasant for many. Also the tang is inletted into the stock wood (with both 1920 and 99 rifles) and it is very common to see cracks develop in the stock behind the tang.
The 1920 was a very strong rifle for its era with large locking lugs, a large receiver ring to contain the lug recesses, good workmanship, and I am sure the steel was of high quality.
What I like best about the 1920 is its light weight, fine balance, and lively, fast handling. I wouldn't dream of putting a scope on mine, it is a pleasure to carry in the trail position with one hand around the receiver. Assuming I'm still alive and mobile my plan is to hunt whitetail deer with it in 2020, when it is a century old.
The clip slot guide in the receiver bridge is an anomaly considering factory .250 and .300 Savage cartridges didn't come loaded in clips. However clips aren't hard to find. I picked up a dozen or so intended for use with 7.62 NATO cartridges. They keep spare ammo in a handy, flat package. It's kind of fun to use one for loading at the start of a hunt. Impresses your buddies no end!
