It sounds like the engine needs a real good tune job. Be careful when setting the needles back to factory settings, the needles are steel, but the other stuff inside is rather delicate brass. Neer touch the mid range needle (the one on the opposite side of the carb from the throttle linkage). Follow the previous posts about 1) NEVER start the engine with the Tx and/or Rx off. That's in the savage manual, read it. 2) set the idle adjustment screw so that it's open about 1 to 2 mm with full brakes on.
If there are other nitro guys there local, get them to help. There is no substitute for actually hearing and seeing a tune job done, and actually doing it yourself with guidance. We can explain all day, but actually seeing it done is magic. You were smart in getting a temp gun, but having a good starting point is really helpful when trying to get an engine running.
With that said, here's my 2 cents on getting you running.
If the engine will start and idle for a bit but dies with any application of throttle, you HSN is way too rich, and maybe the LSN also. Lean the HSN 1/4 turn at a time. You should eventually get it to accelerate without dieing. When you get to this point, start using the temp gun often. Now you want to focus on the LSN. Let it idle for about 5 to 10 seconds, then pinch the fuel line. If it keeps on idling for a while, then speeds up and dies, the lsn it too rich. If it dies right off the bat, it's too lean. Adjust the LSN so that it idles for about 4 to 5 seconds before it speeds up and dies. This is you base for further tuning.
What you're after is a 5 to 10 second idle, then WOT without much bog down. The bog down is caused by fuel loading up in the case. Once you get this set, tune the HSN so you're within the operating range of the engine. 220 to 270 for most 21 size engines. 220 is pretty rich, above 270 is risking damage. If you're just bashing, tune it to about 235 at a full tank and check it often as you run, since the savage tank leans out as you burn fuel. Once you get it tuned, you shouldn't have to touch the LSN again, just the HSN. Once again, NEVER TOUCH THE MRN.
I hope this helped.
Whitt.....