Which Savage 99?

mmattockx

mmattockx

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So I am starting to get a desire to own a 99. Everyone keeps gushing about how great they are and they have been around 100+ years, so there must be something to it all.

My question is, which model and which caliber? Use would be as a deer rifle and general plinking and field shooting. There seem to be lots of .300 Savage ones around and occasionally .250-3000. More common calibers seem to go faster and at higher prices. I reload, so as long as brass and dies are available I will be OK on the ammo front.

Given the above, what are good choices for models to look for at reasonable prices?

Thanks,
Mark
 
Mark, I will be the devils advocate here, and say that I have never liked the 99 Savage.
I have never owned one, so can't get into the fine details, but to me, they just don't feel right! The action never seems to have the authority it should. An old 94 or a Marlin lever feels, "just right," and the action bing bangs with authority.
For the higher pressure calibres they are chambered in, I can see trouble in ejecting empties, under any adverse conditions, from lack of camming power, if one handloaded.
Just my thoughts.
Bruce
 
I've owned 20 or so over the years in different calibers including .243,.250-3000, .300 savage, .303 savage,.308 winch and 30-30. My favorites are the 1950's, early 60's model F's (featherweight) and I have an older, 1930's model E that is a real nice gun. Some like the C model for the removeable mag and some much prefer the older models, me included.

I am a bit biased as I love the .300 savage round. It shoots good, kills good and doesn't knock me into next week with recoil. I have found lots of ammo and brass. I have had them in other calibers where the brass was harder, sometimes much harder to find and I found not much difference in using the .300 savage to the .308 as the .308's I've had in this model, were sometimes a bit sticky with extraction when using hotter loads making the difference between the .308 and .300 savage not worth worrying about at 200 yards.

You'll see some lucky persons with them in 7mm-08,.284 and .375 winch etc. but I haven't been that lucky YET. If I could keep only one gun, it would be a 99F in .300 savage. Just my 2 cents.
 
I owned a few of them over the years and the one that would interest me at the right price is either a 358W or a 250-3000, the older the better.

I have owned a 250-3000 but traded it for a deal I could not pass. I have an interesting 22 HP and will hold on to that one.

I would go for a carbine with 20" barrel and would not pay over $500.

If you're really interested, keep an eye here and move fast. If it's a good deal, it will be gone before you blink.

Good luck and good choice,

Duke1

PS. I don't hunt with them for various reasons but would not hesitate if I had to.
 
I also have a model F in 300 savage. It is my second one. I traded my first one on a whim for something bigger and better. I won't make that mistake again. with 165 gr handloads it will do anythimg the 308 will do. No light praise.
 
I have wanted one for a while now, but never seem to have the cash when one comes up. Would like one in .243, with the brass rotary mag, cartridge counter, and a straight or pistol grip stock.

Of course, I have no idea if this configuration exists.
 
My Grandma bought one for my Grandpa in the 70's at an auction. Brought it home and told him, "I picked you up another .22". I think she paid about 20 bucks for it. Turned out to be a .300 Savage 99F. Beautiful gun without a scratch on it. Now it's mine for if I'm ever able to go deer hunting in Ontario again. I love the feel of the gun, the rotary mag, the ability of the round, and the family value. Needless to say, Grandma wasn't much of a gun nut!!
 
I have only two M99's. one is a standard weight in 300 sav. and the other is a featherweight in 308 win. The F/W in 308 is my first choice.

The M99 with the brass rotary mag. is one fine rifle. If I was to find one fault, it would be "#### on closing". No big deal as nothing is perfect.

Rod
 
I grew up shooting my grandfather's 99 in .300 Savage, and I've loved the 99 ever since. I've owned 99s in .308 (my wife's current hunting rifle is a C model in .308), .30-30, .250-3000, and .284. I only have a .308, .250, and the .30-30 left now, but I have no hesitation in using any of them for deer, and I enjoy using ballistic tips in my .30-30.

Being the handy (gun tinkerer) type, I usually buy beaters and then rebuild/restore them to shooters if possible. Not the cheapest method, but I've resurrected a few that way. Just keep an eye on the EE, and 99s will usually pop up every few days in all sorts of calibres. The .300s are by far the most common, followed by .308s and the occasional .250 and .303 Savage. Wait until you see something you like, then pounce on it quick!

Erik.
 
Thanks for the info guys. A couple more questions:

1) Is there a website that details the changes and different models through the years?

2) Is 300 Savage brass still available? I looked it up in my Hornady manual and it looks like a slightly weaker version of the .308, which would be more than adequate for my uses. It also looks like forming brass from .308 or 30-06 wouldn't be that hard, but I would prefer to buy it if possible.

Mark
 
Code: 
http://www.savage99.com/

300 ammo is still available afaik from Remington and Federal.
brass and dies are easy to come by as well.

I have at least one 1899/99 in all the Savage calibers and an 1899B in 32-40.

I would suggest a 99EG in 300 Savage for availability, and price.
 
I do like the Savage's but if you really want a lever action in a larger caliber I am going to have to say go with the Browning BLR. I was at Bass Pro and bought a Marlin 336, but I almost said F it and dropped the money on the Browning. The fit and finish is amazing, and lots of calibers to choose from. I have not really researched it but it is a nice rifle from handling it.

There is also something about the straight grip stock that I really like. I have a 2 Marlins 1 1894 and the 336 and I like em both but the straight grip just feels handier.
 
BrotherRockeye said:
Code: 
http://www.savage99.com/

300 ammo is still available afaik from Remington and Federal.
brass and dies are easy to come by as well.

I have at least one 1899/99 in all the Savage calibers and an 1899B in 32-40.

I would suggest a 99EG in 300 Savage for availability, and price.
Click to expand...

Awesome site, thanks. I am going to the Calgary Gun Show on saturday, I will try and handle a few 99's to see what I think.

Mark
 
There is a guy that shows up at the local HACS shows in Burnaby that has brass for all that stuff. 303 Savage, 300, 250 as well as for my 38-55. I just picked up a 99f 250 in very nice shape to keep my 99C 308 company. I am a leftie so they work real well for me. Fit me nice too. I load and my 308 eats the loads quite happily. FWIW I see 303 Savages all the time and 300s too. Reliable Gun here in Van has 250 and 300 ammo on the shelf right now.
 
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