Savage 99 or Browning BLR?

Barnes_270

Barnes_270

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Hey all,

I'm considering picking up one of these in .243 to be a youth rifle for my kids. One child is ambidextrous so I want to avoid bolt actions for now.

Hunting-wise, it'll be used for the small coastal blacktails we have around these parts, with 80 grain TTSX handloads.

If you were in my place, what would you choose? The 99, or the BLR, and why? Or perhaps something else altogether?
 
Although both are fine levers, I would have to go with the BLR. Don't get me wrong, the 99 is a classic rifle and one of my favourite levers, but a first rifle doesn't need to have nostalgia, which I feel is a big part of the 99's appeal. The BLR is smoother and lighter in my opinion. It will also teach him to use a hammer. Also, the BLR will be easier to find (one at Gagnons and one on Alberta Outdoorsmen Forum right now). I think it's wise to go down to your local dealer and handle a BLR and a 99 (doesn't need to be .243, just get the feel for it). Tell your boy to work the action and decide which he likes better. Good luck.
 
I believe the featherweight 99s are lighter than the BLR, so that is one consideration - but I don't think the .243 was ever made in a featherweight configuration. The nice thing about the BLR, for a youngster, is that it has a detachable magazine, and that would likely make the unloading process a bit easier.
 
1899 said:
The nice thing about the BLR, for a youngster, is that it has a detachable magazine, and that would likely make the unloading process a bit easier.
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I know the early 99's have internal rotary mags, but some of the later ones have detachable magazines, right?

Edit: yes, they do - the 99C does for sure.
 
Barnes_270 said:
I know the early 99's have internal rotary mags, but some of the later ones have detachable magazines, right?
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I believe some later models did have detachable mags.

I've never owned 99 only held one once for a moment. I liked them but I own a BLR and I love it. It is my go to rifle for the bush. Its quick light and handy and it points well. This is all my personal opinion but if it were me I'd be going for the BLR
 
Savage 99 in 243 is hard to find, or so a fudd told me once.

I got to manhandle a savage 99 and I must say, it would definitely lead to dead deer on a truck. Kind of like this one (notice the busted up windshield):

3201.Gates_2C00_NC-hunting-12.25.10-MC14.JPG_2D00_550x0.jpg
 
I've owned both a BLR in 257 Bob and alot of 99's and most of you guys know I'm diehard Savage but if it's for a young one I'd go with the BLR.

While the 99F in 243 is probably the best bet for a new hunter he's probably gonna be an old hunter by the time you actually find an F in 243. A model 99E in 243 would be just as good as a BLR and you've got a better chance of finding one and it will be at an affordable price, probably around $450. Any other 99 in 243 is gonna most likely be to heavy for a new hunter, the BLR's were lighter.
 
.243 in Savage 99 or BLR?

I have always been a fan of the original Sav. 99, with the rotary magazine. That being said however, I also feel that for deer hunting at least when walking, a M 94 Winchester can be mounted faster for a quick shot than a Sav.99. Thus, I would choose the Browning in .243 and be very happy.
 
MadDog said:
While the 99F in 243 is probably the best bet for a new hunter he's probably gonna be an old hunter by the time you actually find an F in 243.
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Hmmm.... I actually have 2 99F's in 243 in the safe. Both premils, about 7,000 serial numbers apart. One is mint the other I hunt. It was my go to rifle hunting blacktails when I lived on Van Isle. They are light weight rifles that would work good for a young hunter.
 
Personally I'd pick the savage. You get what you pay for. Buy as much condition as you can. You will have no problem recouping your cost or make a profit in future years if you care for it. A much better investment, Mind you I'd go with the traditional 250 savage caliber.

J.W Hardin
 
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John Wesley Hardin said:
Personally I'd pick the savage. You get what you pay for. Buy as much condition as you can. You will have no problem recouping your cost or make a profit in future years if you care for it. A much better investment, Mind you I'd go with the traditional 250 savage caliber.

J.W Hardin
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I would go with the Browning,for the, you get what you pay for ,reasoning.Also as clips, oops, mags would be better for junior.
 
99trix said:
Hmmm.... I actually have 2 99F's in 243 in the safe. Both premils, about 7,000 serial numbers apart.
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Ya o.k. tough guy, you gonna sell one to the little guy for hunting?

Haha, just buggin ya Blair.;)

I've got an EG in 243 to but I know it ain't going out the door anytime soon!
 
I'm with the BLR as well.
Savage's are great, but how do you know they aren't shot out?
They have been around since Christ was a child and good shooters
in these old levers are usually kept, not sold.
Easier and safer to release the mag than chamber the rounds out for
the youngsters too.
 
I would have no choice, I'd hafta go BLR, got arther write us in my hands, I just can't cycle the 99's any more, the BLR's are so smooth and easy. had a 99 243, but she went to Edm a while back. had many other 99's before. was just watch'en Jr #3 cycling his 99 in 300 Sav today, saw the effort that he had to make, nope, I can't do it anymore! they are a strong Man's gun!
 
Thanks for all the advice, folks. Nothing like getting firsthand knowledge from folks who have used these guns. Much appreciated.

Now I'm wondering if 7mm-08 or even 308 would be a better choice since I can always load reduced loads for it until the kiddies are bigger...
 
Barnes_270 said:
Thanks for all the advice, folks. Nothing like getting firsthand knowledge from folks who have used these guns. Much appreciated.

Now I'm wondering if 7mm-08 or even 308 would be a better choice since I can always load reduced loads for it until the kiddies are bigger...
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sure, 7mm-08 is good, 308 is good, too. I have both in BLR's, but don't turn down a 243 if one comes along, also look for a Bob (257)! rare! but they do exist! I have one, I did send someone to Hawaii for a whole summer I believe, on the purchase price of it! I love BLR's to say the least! also have a 358.
 
I went through the same decisions a few years ago and I went with the BLR in 308.

I went with the BLR & 308 because; I believe everyone remembers there first rifle and I wanted my son's experience to be the same...A gun he has pride in and will cherish for years.....A good quality rifle that will last him a life time....and a gun he can use on any hunt he desires and is easy to handle. Also get him a spare mag or two and load lots of ammo......shooting is fun and good practice....let him blast away!

I also loaded his ammo mild when he was starting out, and had him involved in making his loads. But now that he is bigger and tougher than I (so he says) I load them to rattle his teeth....he knows it, but remember he is tough now. :)

It is a great gun, holds it's value and he likes it because it's his, given to him by his Dad!

I also have a herd of 99's and one of them was given to me by my Dad (RIP)....I will never forget that....and its not going anywhere.

Just my 2 cents worth, but I think most of the hunting community goes through these same motions at some time!
 
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