Differences between GENERATION 2 & GENERATION 3 10 ML II's ?

[shootingchef]

Hello,

I am quite a Newbee to the 10 ML II game and just recently read on a thread somewhere that there

are Generation 2 and Generation 3 10 ML II's.

I just bought another 10 ML II (I think I'm starting a collection. I Love the guns and the whole Idea and story around them. ).

I noticed that this one has  NO ACCUTRIGGER and has NO open sights

NOR is it tapped for open sights.

The breech plug has slots in it for removal. it does not use the socket.

The top tang safety, receiver, is square compared to my other  ML'S.

All the other 10 ML II's I have, have the accutrigger and are tapped for open sights and have a more rounded safety and receiver.

Would these be some of the differences between Gen.2 & Gen.3 and are there any more ?

Does someone have a list of serial numbers and production dates ?

Any insight would be appreciated.

Thanks

[jims]

I do not know how they designate Gen 2 and 3 but there have been differences along the way. The first Smokeless MLs were not around long, they used a "case" type system with locking lugs on the bolt and that gave issues to the feds about barrel switching to a centerfire as they did not need the transfer form. The next sounds like the one you have, a flat top receiver and no accutrigger. I actually like these the best. The next as I recall was the round top receiver, accutrigger, larger safety and perhaps the newer style breech plug (hex head). Then at the end I think the hole spacing went from 4.25 to 4.4 and used the large shank barrel.
This is all from memory and may be somewhat off, rossman and others on this board can give you specific dates, serial numbers etc. and all the details.
There were some combo packages from Sav that included a mounted scope in the deal so they would not have been drilled for a front or rear sight. Hope that helps a little.

[cuda]

Could you post pictures of them side by side to show differences?

[mrbuck]

A friend has a round receiver , accutrigger , with a squared bolt shroud in stainless steel . It also has a laminated stock . I'm helping him develop a good hunting load ... no , he doesn't want to sell it .
Chris

[shootingchef]

Thanks for all the Info.

If anybody else can chime in with other info,it is always greatly appreciated.

I will try to take pictures.

Thanks again !

[rossman40]

It kinda breaks down to production runs. The way I remember it,,,

We can start off with the 10ML-I. Basiclly a single shot (solid floor) model 10 CF with a .223 boltface. Large shank barrel threads, used a module and the breechplug had a vent that was made from a set screw. Only came in blue (CM) in a black synthetic stock.

Then came the 10ML-IIs first run. Offered in SS or CM, black synthetic stock only. Small shank barrel. The breechplug was changed to the current style. The muzzle had a QLA cut, sometimes even straight. TC raised a fit over the QLA and threatened to take legal action, Savage offered to license it but TC refused to allow use by Savage.

Next run they offered black or camo synthetic and also a wood laminate straight grip stock. The QLA was gone but fiber optic sights were added.

Then for 2003 the Accutrigger was added. This changed the trigger and safety. It also changed the rear receiver ring from flat on top to round. Pre-Accutrigger rifles are often called "flattops".

Over the next few years there was a few cosmetic changes. You see engine turned bolt bodies. Thumbhole laminate stocks were added in like 2005-6 IIRC. On the CF side Savage started a transition to CNC machinery, they kept the old machinery up to run 10MLs and the 210 and 220 bolt action shotguns. CFs got the “centerfeed” magazine in 2006. For the SA CFs to use the centerfeed the action screw spacing went to 4.40” from the 4.25”. This didn't come over to the 10ML till 2009.

For 2009 the 10ML-BP came out, IIRC this was the first 10ML produced using CNC machinery. They had to remove the older machinery to add more CNC machines. This model had a longer large shank barrel with a longer ramrod ferral, It was also the first year for the hex-head breechplug. Other cosmetics were the smooth barrel nut and the shorter bolt nut and the synthetic stock was the new model with the improved buttpad and the 4.40” action screw spacing. There was only one run of the 10ML-BP. But there were a few other production changes. The barreled action went thru a vibrating tumbler polish instead of being done totally by hand. The induction hardening of the action was changed to get more consistency. Instead of being lifted out of the induction coil by a broomstick with a nail on the end and thrown into a tub of water the coil simply shifted over and dropped the CM action into the water. SS actions went thru a vacuum furnace for heat treat.

At the end the 10ML was made with the large shank barrel, 4.40” action screw spacing and the last two runs were only blued CM in a synthetic stock. On these stocks there was also a change in the trigger guard. Savage went with a trigger guard that was set-up for a bottom bolt release.

Savage is one of those companies that never throws anything away. If they screwed up threading the action they would just re-cut it for a large shank barrel. Left over 10ML-I actions were re-barreled and sold as .223 single shot model 10 CFs, the only CFs you will see with the "M" prefix SN.

[Deleted]

Holy smokes Ken!
Thanks for the history of the Savage ML!

[jims]

I knew Ken would be able to provide all the details. Good work.

[shootingchef]

Thanks rossman40.
I haven't had a chance to take pictures yet.