Savage Model 1907

Background

The Savage Model 1907 was designed by Elbert Searle, whose November 21, 1905 patent formed the basis for all Savage semi-automatic pistols. The pistol is often mistakenly called the Model 1905 due to this patent date stamped on the slide. It was advertised with celebrity endorsements from William 'Buffalo Bill' Cody, Bat Masterson, and the Pinkerton Agency, and a Model 1907 was presented to Theodore Roosevelt. Marketing emphasized its suitability for women defending against burglars and 'tramps.'

The pistol uses a staggered, detachable box magazine—a notable innovation that predated the Browning Hi-Power's patent by over a decade and its production by almost 30 years. Though it appears to have an external hammer, it is striker-fired; the 'hammer' is actually a cocking lever.

The Model 1907 has no screws; even the grips snap into place. From 1913 to 1917, models featured a collared barrel and a loaded chamber indicator. A major design revision in 1912 modified almost every major component.

During World War I, the French government purchased over 40,000 .32 ACP Model 1907s between late 1914 and 1917 for military use. These contract pistols are identified by a loaded chamber indicator and a lanyard ring or mounting holes for one. Portugal also purchased 1,150 pistols, distinguished by grips bearing the lesser arms of Portugal instead of the standard Indian head. A prototype run of about 40 .25 ACP vest pocket pistols was made in 1912 but never put into production.