For Sale: Savage Model 1907 Pistol in .380 ACP

The Savage Model 1907, born from a cooperative agreement between its designer Elbert Searle and the Savage Arms Co., first saw production in 1908. Chambered in .32 caliber, Savage viewed the Model 1907, so named for the Searle’s 1907 patent filing for the final design, as a competitive entry into the civilian compact, semi-auto pistol market. Although initial production was slow, for a variety of reasons, the appealing look, reliable shooting characteristics, and a strong advertising campaign soon increased the model’s popularity. The most significant benefit the Model 1907 had over its competitors, at least from an advertising perspective, was the double-stack magazine design capable of housing more ammunition (10 rounds) than typically found in the market at that time.

Beginning in 1913, Savage introduced the Model 1907 in .380 ACP. This was an attempt by the company to broaden its offering and compete with Colt Model 1908 hammerless pocket pistol chambered in the same caliber. One advantage to continuing the Model 1907 line was the ease at which the 1907 could be modified for the larger, and popular, .380 round. The primary changes required included a wider and longer barrel, a stronger and longer recoil spring, and longer slide with a linear groove running the length of the wide section. The magazine was also modified to accommodate the new round, reducing capacity to 9 rounds, and all were stamped ‘.380 CAL’.

The .380 ACP variation of the Model 1907 never garnered the popularity of the .32 caliber models and while manufactured from 1913 until 1920 (excepting the war years 1916-18) less than 10,000 pistols (Savage Pistols by Bailey Brower Jr.) were produced. This pistol is part of the last ~4,000 pistols produced in 1914-15 before Savage suspended production to focus on its World War I contract pistols.

For its period, the Savage Model 1907, officially the Savage Model 1907-13 Modification No.4, shown here has the correct ‘FIRE’ and SAFE’ markings for the safety lever, cartridge indicator, left frame ‘SAVAGE’ marking, knurled magazine release, and ‘.380 CAL’ marked magazine with only the upper catch hole. Besides those already mentioned, markings include an inspector’s ‘O’ in the recess behind the magazine and the slide is marked ‘MANUFACTURED BY SAVAGE ARMS CO. CAL./UTICA. N.Y. U.S.A. PAT – NOV 21. 1905 .380’.

The bright blue finish remains deep with some highpoint and barrel thinning. Handling marks are present and light freckling is found throughout the grip straps and trigger guard. Black rubber grips are in excellent shape complete with ‘TRADE MARK’ in the Indian’s headdress (slightly worn on the left grip, very strong on the right grip). The bore is clean and bright with excellent rifling. Overall, this is a fine example of a relatively hard to find Savage pistol.

See pictures for overall condition. FFL or C&R required for purchase.