Curious Relics #083: 10 Shots Quick! – The Savage 1907
Sam.S 02.14.24
Welcome, if you are a newcomer to this fun bi-weekly segment of AllOutdoor.com! The last time around was a pleasant surprise with a one-off article (for now) on the mysterious Barrelette Shotgun Adapter. Prior to that, we went through the Marlin Model A1, chronicling its history, variations, dating details, parts, and taking it to the range after completing a full restoration. You can revisit that multi-part series by using the links below. Today we are jumping back into another multipart article on the Savage 1907.
Recent Content in Curious Relics:
- Curious Relics #078: Back From The Dead – Marlin A1
- Curious Relics #079: The Automatic 1 – Marlin A1 Part II
- Curious Relics #080: The Marlin A1 Semiautomatic 22LR Part III
- Curious Relics #081: The Marlin A1 Semi Auto Conservation Part IV
Welcome to our recurring series of “Curious Relics.” Here, we want to share all of our experiences, knowledge, misadventures, and passion for older firearms that one might categorize as a Curio & Relic – any firearm that is at least 50 years old according to the ATF. Hopefully along the way you can garner a greater appreciation for older firearms like we do, and simultaneously you can teach us things as well through sharing your own expertise and thoughts in the Comments. Understanding the firearms of old, their importance, and their development which lead to many of the arms we now cherish today is incredibly fascinating and we hope you enjoy what we have to share, too!
History Abridged: Savage 1907
The origins of the Savage Model 1907 pistol trace back to the company’s submission to the U.S. Army pistol trials from 1906-1911. Seeking to replace outdated revolvers, the Army tested numerous semi-autos including Savage’s .45 ACP entry. However, it ultimately lost to the famous Colt M1911. The Model 1907 in 45 ACP wasn’t without critics. During U.S. Army testing, concerns had emerged about jamming, broken parts, and manufacturing issues. Of course, this was after a final and unrealistic 6000-round endurance test/showdown. While Savage worked to improve the pistol, quality control remained inconsistent. The Colt still reigned supreme. Savage realized many features could be adapted to a commercial pistol.
Lot 3724: Savage Arms Corporation 1907 Pistol 45 ACP – Outstanding, Unaltered, Rare and Desirable U.S. Army Model 1907 Savage Arms 45ACP Test Pistol. (n.d.-ay). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved November 7, 2023, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/55/3724/savage-arms-corporation-1907-pistol-45-acp.
Losing the Army trials spurred Savage to develop a scaled-down version for civilians in 1907. Collaborating with inventor Elbert Searle, who held key patents, Savage aimed to make a compact and handy pistol based on Searle’s 1905 designs. The result was the innovative .32 ACP Model 1907. Right away, the Model 1907 made a splash with its 10-round double-stack magazine. This compact semi-auto weighed just 19 ounces yet carried 10 shots – unheard of for a concealable pocket pistol. Savage touted this advantage with the slogan “Ten Shots Quick!” It was offering portable firepower that turned heads.
Mechanically, the Model 1907 operated on a delayed blowback system aided by a rotating barrel. This helped ensure reliable function in the small pistol. The top-mounted cocking lever cocked the internal striker for each shot. Simplicity was a hallmark, as the Model 1907 used no screws. Even the grip panels snapped securely in place.
By 1913, Savage offered the Model 1907 in both .32 ACP and .380 ACP. Nearly 260,000 units were produced between 1907-1920. Savage targeted the lucrative commercial market, advertising it as ideal protection from “burglars and tramps.” The Model 1907 was heavily marketed for civilian use, especially self-defense for women. Despite being designed for civilians, the Model 1907 found fans in the military as well. As World War I erupted, the French military purchased over 40,000 Model 1907 pistols in .32 ACP between 1914-1917 to equip soldiers. These French contract pistols can be identified by the addition of a lanyard ring on the grip.
Lot 751: French Contract Savage Model 1907 Prototype Pistol. (n.d.-a). Rock Island Auction Company. photograph. Retrieved February 13, 2024, from https://www.rockislandauction.com/detail/1044/751/french-contract-savage-model-1907-prototype-pistol.
Portugal also bought a small contract of 1,150 Model 1907s for their forces. While not its original intent, the Model 1907 proved itself as a military sidearm during the war. Its reputation grew. Throughout its lifespan, the Model 1907 saw incremental improvements. The original stamped metal grips were replaced with hard rubber versions. In 1913, a collared barrel was added for better lockup along with a loaded chamber indicator. The cocking lever profile was thinned down on later models.
End of Part One: Savage 1907
By 1920, Savage ended production of the Model 1907 after over a decade of popularity. While overshadowed by later pistols, it left an undeniable legacy as an innovator that proved the viability of compact, high-capacity semi-auto handguns. The Model 1907 was truly ahead of its time. It would be more than four decades before another American double-stack pistol hit the market.
Parting note: Want to have some fun? Google “Savage 1907 advertisements” if you want to get an idea of how hard they marketed this handgun.
An excellent resource on all things Savage Pistols check out Savage Pistols by Bailey Brower JR.
