Was Savage the better handgun in the 1911 pistol trials?

In this episode of the No Lowballers Podcast, hosts Logan Metesh of High Caliber History and Allen Forkner of GunBroker.com are joined by Chris Bezzina, CEO of Savage Arms, for a conversation that covers everything from detachable box magazines to electric exercise belts. Yes—really.
Chris shares the remarkable life and innovations of founder Arthur Savage, a West Indies-born inventor who helped shape the future of American firearms. From pioneering the revolutionary Model 99 lever-action to challenging Colt in the 1911 military trials, Savage Arms has always marched to the beat of its own drum.
The trio dives deep into the company’s long history of firearms, innovation and reinvention—from World War contributions and the creation of the .22 LR cartridge with Stevens, to modern standouts like the Model 110 bolt-action, the straight-pull Impulse, and the .22LR lever-action Revel. And yes, they finally answer the question: Will the Model 99 ever come back?
Key Topics Discussed:
The Origin of Savage Arms:
Arthur Savage’s journey from West Indies coffee planter and Australian cattle rancher to firearms innovator includes everything from inventing the radial tire to pioneering smokeless powder lever-action rifles.
The Model 99 and the 1911 That Almost Was:
How Savage’s iconic lever gun influenced Bill Ruger—and how the Savage 1907 pistol nearly beat out the 1911 for U.S. military service.
Detachable Box Magazines—Then and Now:
Savage was one of the first to believe in the now-standard detachable mag, and Chris explains why, even today, the mag is still the most difficult part of gun design.
The Model 110: America’s Most Produced Bolt-Action Rifle:
Discover why the Model 110’s barrel nut system and floating bolt head are still setting the standard decades later—and how the AccuTrigger helped redefine factory triggers.
Straight-Pull Rifles and the Savage Impulse:
Why Savage went against the grain to develop a U.S.-made straight-pull bolt action, and how the Impulse delivers European precision at an American price.
The .22LR Revel and the AccuCan Suppressor:
From butter-smooth actions to takedown versatility and over-barrel suppressors, Savage is redefining fun and functionality with their newest rimfire offerings.
Guest:
Chris Bezzina – CEO, Savage Arms
Bonus Segment:
Chris shares how a handful of historic Savage prototype pistols were literally pulled out of a New York landfill—and what they reveal about the company's century-long journey.
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