Note: This article was originally posted on Ike Eastmans blog at eastmans.com
We had an exciting and rare opportunity to visit Savage Arms in Massachusetts recently. Guy, myself and our Account Executive Matt Suuck found ourselves on an early flight to Hartford, Connecticut. Let me tell you, there is no easy way to get there from here. After three flights and literally all day flying, we arrived in Westfield Massachusetts, home of Savage Arms. After a restful night, we headed down to the plant to see how Savage manufactures their rifles. After going through all the security and being greeted by Bill Dermody, the Marketing Manager, we were informed that we would actually be able to build our own guns. I was a bit nervous knowing that I would be hunting with this rifle this fall. This is not something my wife wants a novice (myself) doing for me! I was very happy that the professionals were there to ensure that we were checking the head space properly and making certain all of the assembly and manufacturing was performed properly. As you can see by the photos, we had a ton of fun and learned a vast amount about their process and products. It was amazing to me the amount of personal touch that goes into each piece. The employees love their jobs, love the company, love Mr. Coburn (the owner), and most importantly love their customers. Almost every employee we worked with took an extra step that was not mandatory for that job. They have built their own tools to make their jobs faster, safer, or make the product better. They take extra steps to make sure the rifle is safe, accurate, and perfect in every way. It was a true blessing to spend the day with the fine folks at Savage. We here at Eastmans’ are better informed to ensure more accurate answers to your questions because of it. Check the following photos and captions out. It was a great time!
An honest and heartfelt thanks to everyone at the plant that helped us. You were all very patient and understanding. We thank you for your accuracy, diligence, and willingness to go that extra mile so that our rifles are the most accurate on the market. I can’t wait to get my rifle out there and field test it in just a few short weeks.
Good luck this fall!
Ike Eastman
“Behind the Scenes”
Last 5 posts by Ike Eastman
- Eastmans Hunting TV - week of 3/15 - March 16th, 2010
- Eastmans Hunting TV, week of 2/15 - February 17th, 2010
- Eastmans Hunting TV, week of 2/8 - December 21st, 2009
That had to be a great experience building you own firearm. I had Savage’s custom shop build me a 7mm-08 last year and at 100 yards it delivers same hole accuracy. I have rifles of several manufacturers but nothing can touch this Savage. This month I had my local gun dealer contact Savage’s custom shop again to build me another 7mm-08 in a little different configuration. I can’t wait to get it into my hands and take it to the range. Being in wildlife law enforcement I own alot of firearms and have be around firearms for almost 29 years with my job. Savage is in my opinion and from what I have seen the most accurate firearm I have held in my hands.
I can tell you that the experience of being inside the Savage plant and being fortunate enough to have been there the day Team Savage came to the plant , is second to none. On November 16th ,I , along with my friend Karl Beining , had the privelige of touring the Savage plant and being given the ” Savage Family” treatment. Karl and myself have been longtime Savage enthusiasts and when we were given the opportunity to tour the plant , we jumped at the opportunity. Karl and I were both students at the Pennsylvania Gunsmith School ( Karl has since graduated ) and everyone at Savage welcomed us with open arms and treated us as if we were a part of the Savage Family all along. Ron Coburn was an absolutely amazing man to meet. Alot of people say that when they met there idols they ended up disappointed , well , I cannot share in their experience , because Mr. Coburn truely was everything we could have hoped for and more. I still find it amazing that the man who runs Savage Arms spent many times throughout the day to check in with us and talk with Karl and I as if he had known us for years. Mr. Coburn , Joe Degrande , Effie Sullivan , and each and every person we met at Savage made our trip a once in a lifetime experience that we will remember for the rest of our lives. We truely felt as if we were a part of the “Savage Family” . I believe that is built into everyone of the firearms they make. I dont think Karl and I could ever put into words how much we appreciate that they took the time to make this happen for two average guys !!!
Last year I purchased a new Savage FCM Savage Scout in .308. I was very happy with the rifle however two things needed attention.
1) the foresight ramp was loose. I had to purchase a front sight pusher tool to remove the foresight then remove the rampscrew clean and refit the ramp and sight. It is now very firm.
2) the rear sight, I see it is a Williams sight) would not move all the way to the rear of the ramp. The problem was the rear sight screw was protruding slightly above the sight ramp. It required a few light swipes with a file to remove the excess metal.
The rifle now is OK but the above items were an annoyance for a new rifle.
I might add that I own 3 Savage rifles and am very happy with them all.
I have had the pleasure of talking with Joe Degrande and Effie Sullivan over the phone. I ordered some parts a few months back and thought they were a little slow in coming. In my ignorance I had no idea I ordered the parts smack dab in the middle of hunting season and there were probably a thousand people wanting to upgrade their rifles and needng an extra mag or three just like me. I hunt paper targets and they are always in season. Joe and Miss Effie were very patient with me and I apologize and appreciate their kindness. They are the most dedicated folks I have ever talked with in a factory setting. They really are quality oriented people and want every one of their customers to be satisfied. Joe called me at my house one evening as I was coming home from work and we just shot the breeze about rifles for about half an hour. These people know a lot about rifles.I have a degree in Mechanical Engineering so I thought I would just check this guy out when I got him on the phone….The man knows his rifles I guarantee that!!! If I owned a rifle factory…These are the people I would want working for me…I run coffee roasting equipment for the popular $6 a cup mall coffee store.(Can’t use their name here)… I would be willing to bet these folks could run a coffee roasting plant too.. They are just quality oriented people….Dave