Savage Model 745
Savage Arms, Inc. · Shotgun · Discontinued · 1941
Also known as: Springfield 745, Savage 745C
Overview
The Savage Model 745 is an American long-recoil semi-automatic shotgun produced by Savage Arms from 1941 to 1949. A lightweight derivative of the Savage Model 720, it was closely modeled on John Browning's Auto-5 with the same distinctive humpback receiver, but substituted an aluminum alloy receiver to cut weight and cost, making it an affordable alternative to the steel-framed Browning Auto-5. Chambered in 12 gauge for 2 3/4-inch shells and fitted with a two-shot magazine tube, it was a popular field and sporting gun, though the alloy receivers were prone to cracking at stress points under the hard cycling of the long-recoil action.
Specifications
| Weight (empty) | 2950 g (104.1 oz) |
| Overall Length | 1245 mm (49.02") |
| Barrel Length | 711 mm (27.99") |
| Action Type | Long Recoil |
| Firing Mechanism | Hammer Fired |
| Trigger Type | Single Stage |
| Magazine Capacity | 2 rounds |
| Magazine Type | Tube |
| Muzzle Velocity | 396 m/s (1299 fps) |
| Effective Range | 40 m (44 yd) |
| Barrel Rifling | None |
| Frame Material | Aluminum |
| Barrel Material | Steel |
| Stock Material | Wood |
| Finish | Blued |
Calibers
- 12 Gauge · primary — also known as 12GA, 12 Bore
Features
- Firing modes: Semi Automatic
- Feed systems: Tubular Magazine
- Safety mechanisms: Cross Bolt Safety
- Features: Aluminum Alloy Receiver, Humpback Receiver, Long Recoil Action, Two Shot Magazine, Fixed Choke
Variants
- Savage Model 745C - Compact
Service history
Operators
- Civilian hunters and sport shooters
Production
Production years: 1941-1949
Lightweight alloy-receiver derivative of the Savage Model 720
Origin
Country of origin: United States
Designer: John Browning (base design)
Discontinued: 1949
Notes
Sold under both the Savage and Springfield brand names (e.g. Springfield 745B). The reduced two-round magazine gave a total capacity of three shells. Aluminum receivers were noted to wear and crack at stress points over time.
Background
By fitting an aluminum alloy receiver to Browning's proven long-recoil design, Savage produced one of the earliest mass-market lightweight autoloading shotguns, though the same weight savings left the receivers prone to fatigue cracking under the gun's punishing recoil cycle.