The Savage Model 87A stands as a fascinating artifact of mid-century American firearm design. Often remembered as the "click-clack" rifle due to its unique trigger-pull operation, this semi-automatic .22 caliber rimfire has populated farmhouses, hunting cabins, and gun racks for decades. Produced by Savage Arms starting in the late 1930s and continuing through various iterations into the 1980s, the 87A occupies a distinct space in rimfire history.
Understanding this rifle requires looking past outdated AI-generated myths and examining how it actually functions, its mechanical quirks, and why it remains a sought-after piece for collectors and vintage shooters today. Whether you inherited one from a family member or found a dusty specimen at a local gun shop, knowing its inner workings helps keep it running safely and reliably.
Origins and Evolution of the Savage 87
Savage Arms introduced the basic design in the late 1930s under different model numbers before standardizing the 87 series post-World War II. The rifle was engineered to offer an affordable, versatile rimfire option that could shoot .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle cartridges interchangeably.
During an era when ammunition supplies fluctuated and versatility mattered to rural property owners dealing with pests, a rifle capable of feeding multiple rimfire lengths was a significant selling point. Over its long production run, manufacturing transitioned between Savage and its subsidiary, Stevens. While basic aesthetics changed slightly—such as stock contours and barrel markings—the core mechanical identity stayed remarkably consistent. As extensively documented in recent coverage by Reuters, the effects are notable.
The Unique Action and Operation
The defining characteristic of the Savage 87A is its distinctive action, which sets it apart from modern semi-automatic rimfires like the Ruger 10/22.
The Heavy Bolt and the "Click-Clack" Effect
When you pull the trigger and fire the Savage 87A, the heavy bolt does not immediately blow straight back like a standard semi-automatic. Instead, the bolt features a unique sear design and an extraordinarily heavy mass that delays the blowback cycle.
If you hold the trigger back after firing, the bolt stays forward, allowing the shooter to manually cycle the action like a straight-pull bolt rifle. If you release the trigger immediately, the bolt cycles automatically. This dual-mode capability earned it the nickname "click-clack rifle" because of the audible click when the trigger is released and the bolt travels forward into battery.
Feeding and Magazine Tube
Unlike modern detachable-magazine rimfires, the standard 87A utilizes a tubular magazine located beneath the barrel.
- Capacity: Holds approximately 15 rounds of .22 Short, 13 rounds of .22 Long, or 11 rounds of .22 Long Rifle.
- Loading mechanism: A sliding outer tube reveals an ejection port where cartridges drop directly into the tube follower.
- Versatility: It handles mixed rimfire loads, though feeding .22 Short through a tube designed for mixed lengths occasionally requires careful cleaning to prevent jams.
Specifications and Technical Overview
For collectors and shooters evaluating an 87A, knowing the factory specifications provides a baseline for assessing condition and originality.
- Caliber: .22 Short, .22 Long, and .22 Long Rifle (interchangeable).
- Action: Semi-automatic with a unique delayed-blowback / optional manual pull feature.
- Barrel Length: Typically 24 inches, contributing to a longer sight radius and stable offhand shooting.
- Overall Length: Approximately 43 inches.
- Weight: Around 6.5 pounds unloaded, giving it a solid, traditional walnut or hardwood stock feel.
- Sights: Standard open iron sights, with many vintage models featuring grooved receivers or tapped holes for period-correct scope mounts.
Disassembly and Maintenance Realities
Cleaning a Savage 87A differs significantly from modern rifles. If you approach it like a modern firearm, you might run into frustration. The inner receiver houses a complex assembly of springs, pins, and a massive bolt carrier.
Why Careful Maintenance Matters
Because these rifles span several decades, old grease, unburned powder residue, and dried cosmopolitan oils frequently gum up the internal sear. If your 87A fails to reset or slam-fires, it's almost always due to old debris trapped in the bolt channel rather than broken steel parts.
Basic Field Stripping Steps
- Ensure the chamber is empty and point the muzzle in a safe direction.
- Remove the stock screw located on the underside of the forearm and receiver.
- Carefully lift the barreled action out of the wooden stock.
- Remove the cross-pin holding the rear receiver plug, keeping firm pressure on the plug because a strong recoil spring sits behind it.
- Withdraw the bolt assembly slowly to prevent springs from flying.
- Clean all surfaces with a mild solvent, dry thoroughly, and apply a very light coat of gun oil. Avoid heavy greases that attract grit.
Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Vintage firearms develop specific quirks. Recognizing these issues helps you diagnose problems before taking the rifle to a gunsmith.
- Failure to feed: Usually caused by a dirty magazine tube or a bent inner magazine follower spring. Clean the tube with a patch attached to a cleaning rod dipped in solvent.
- Trigger reset failure: If the bolt stays back and doesn't return forward when you release the trigger, the trigger sear spring is either broken or fouled with old carbon.
- Light primer strikes: Rimfire buildup on the bolt face can cushion the firing pin. Clean the bolt face thoroughly with a brass pick.
For historical context on rimfire development and firearm safety guidelines, consult the National Rifle Association museum resources and official Savage Arms documentation for modern firearm handling standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Savage 87A fire modern high-velocity .22 ammo safely?
Yes, standard high-velocity .22 Long Rifle ammunition functions fine in a healthy 87A. However, avoid hyper-velocity rounds with extreme pressures, as vintage blowback springs weren't engineered for modern specialized loads.
Why won't my Savage 87A stay open in semi-automatic mode?
If the rifle acts strictly as a manual bolt-action, the trigger disconnect sear is likely stuck in the down position due to dried oil. A complete teardown and cleaning of the trigger group usually resolves this.
Is the Savage 87A rare or valuable to collectors?
Most standard 87A rifles aren't exceptionally rare, as Savage produced them in large numbers. Values typically depend heavily on wood and metal condition, ranging from modest utilitarian prices to higher amounts for pristine, mint-condition specimens.
How do I load .22 Short cartridges into the tubular magazine?
Pull the inner brass magazine tube out until the loading port is exposed, drop the cartridges nose-first into the tube, push the inner tube back into place, and secure the latch.
