The local area has a fair number of Savage rifles in various condition. All of them include stacking rods included with the front forend band. I removed mine and kept it but note that it came with it. The piece was reported to be a Turkish addition. The stacking rod was very well made and looked to be part of the rifle. Until I learned more I thought it was OEM.

One thing to note however is that some of these imports have a small (weak) coil spring replacing the leaf extractor spring. It takes a close look to notice. One shop here was unaware of the parts replacement but will not remove them b/c they came from the importer that way. imageimageimage Also they do not, necesarilly, pose a safety risk. Unless you buy it for a nostalgia safari and get charged by a lion and get a shell stuck...image I know not likely, but note they are out there. Buyer beware!!!