Lever 308 question

B

bogie

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
495   0   3
Location
Vancouver
I have a Savage 99c 308 with a DM. There are lots of lever 308s out there like the Browning BLR, Winchester 88, Sako Finnwolf etc. The prices for these are all over the range and Savage has indicated that if it were to produce the 99C now it would sell for $2000. That puts it up in the price range of the Sako.
Perhaps someone can tell me why I should have one of these over another??
 
well, 308 and lever caught my eye as I was cruisen. So, lets evaluate these lever action rifles, the love of my life, lever action rifles, yes Sir!: I would take the Sako Finnwolf as first choice for sure, out of that group, to me they are a superior built rifle with a smooth as silk action and I'm told they have bolt action accuracy, I have no reason what so ever to doubt that, and they are darn purdy to boot. I've seen one, in my lifetime! Hey, a Sako is a Sako is a Sako, after all, right? I'd pay up to say $1800. or so, maybe a little more if I could find one right o way! They just don't seem to be available anywhere! And that's under that 2 grand mark for a new Savage 99 figure that you have there, and there would be taxes on top of that for the Savage! My second choice would definitely be the Browning BLR, I love those rifles, so smooth, easy to cycle, a great lock up on them, accurate as they need to be and usually they can be had for a modest price between say $500-$750, depending on cal & condition. I would only be interested in a short action BLR and without the pistol grip. The long actions are monster's in my hands! Next the Win 88's, I had a bunch of them over time, I liked them when I had them, but now I can live without them, quite easily. Wish I had kept one carbine, though! Although if one in 358 came along or the just as rare 284, if the price was cool, which it wouldn't be, oh well that's just a dream, forget it! Lastly, the old Savage 99's, I always wanted one for so long, loved the look of them in the catologs, for some reason I never got one until much later in life! Finally, had a bunch of 99's, again over time, then ole Aurther Rightus (the A-ho) came along and bit me in both of my hands, damage for life! Still got one 99 in 300 kicking around, she's on the chopping block, as we speak. I find the 99's are too stiff for my hands to cycle now, lots of pain, there is that aggravating "tight spot" in there when it's cocking and it's right there in a spot where Aurther bit me. So, I'm no expert by any means and all are just my thoughts and opinions on the lever action rifle choices, presented.
Looking forward to opinions from other's.
 
Last edited:
Thanks 2dogs but I already know you done like them. But I am curious as to what our last sender refers to as a "dig mark"? Pray tell what that might be.
 
I always take what the makers say with a grain of salt, they know they wouldn't sell any/many at $2000, so they won't make them. They might do what others do if there is alot of demand, and that is make it kinda look like the original, but with all plastic and pot metal, a real POS and sell to compete at $800....
 
The Sako was a nice lever operation, but those rifles are not for sale very often, and usually go at a higher dollar. Plus, I'm not sure how easy it would be to locate parts if you needed one? Sako rifles have nice wood stocks, and smooth actions, etc, and this is all part of their dollar value. You might want to consider buying a Sako lever if you happen to come across one in nice shape, and for a fair dollar, but for a hunting rifle there are easier choices to find and think about.

The other makes are just as good as each other. Your best bet is to buy the one you like, and enjoy it. I can understand Savage saying a new lever made today would be expensive. The 99 was a solid built lever, with all solid built parts. I don't think it's design would be easily made in production today, and the company would have to retool a large area of it's plant to produce them. Probably, not worth the risk when you think about it's sale price versus the sale price of all the used 308 levers out there.

The Win 88 was a fine hunting rifle. It's a little tricky to take apart and put back together until you get used to it, but at least you can strip it down and take out the bolt for a good cleaning. The other makes are not easy (or really designed) to be stripped down for cleaning to the same degree as the Win 88.

The Browning BLR is a fine little 308. It has a nice rear sight, very slick. Nice wood and bluing. The action is smooth, and levers on a gear system, and very good accuracy. There's enough room for getting inside to clean things without needing to take it apart.

I don't know? It's a hard choice if you over think the matter. It really depends on picking one that you like, and I think you'll be more than fine with it. I kind'a like the Browning, but each man has his own preferences.
 
I really like my Savage and have owned a BLR but foolishly sold it. I have always wondered about the pros and cons of these guns since they all do essentially the same job. 2dogs has a Finnwolf Im trying to pry from his cold hands but am wondering since my Savage 99C is almost mint and in very fine shape if I should just be happy with the damn thing.
Figured the 88 and the Sako would be more accurate by virtue of the one-piece stock. Still the Savage give 1.5 MOA and that seems to be good enough for a lever anyways.
 
My brother just picked up a 99c last week.He traded the guy a beat up leupold rifleman for it,I'm assumming he did allright.
 
bogie said:
owned a BLR but foolishly sold it. 2dogs has a Finnwolf Im trying to pry from his cold hands but am wondering since my Savage 99C is almost mint and in very fine shape if I should just be happy with the damn thing.
Figured the Sako would be more accurate by virtue of the one-piece stock. Still the Savage give 1.5 MOA and that seems to be good enough for a lever anyways.
Click to expand...

>yep, BLR sold it, key word in bold
>yep, cold hands, not cold dead hands yet, though! No sales happening after cold dead hands!
>ha-ha, ("the damn thing"), life is too short for that to ("just be happy with the damn thing") Ya gotta treat yourself to the finest things in life, Bro, after all you are your own King, just as the rest of us are our own King.
>yep, the one pc Sako wood, is a good thing!
>yep, Savage give 1.5 MOA Vs the Sako "cloverleaf" & 3in1 with your hand loads :D

Should I start dressing her for a trip through the mountains, bogie? She could be in your loving arms by Friday! I can make that happen Bud, but ya gotta let me know, now mon! The clock, she's a tick'n!
In God & bogie I trust, all others pay CIA (cash in advance)! ;)
 
Last edited:
gtrussell said:
Get a room you two.
Click to expand...

hey, quit that! I'm trying to sell a gun here! And I shoot "straight", by the way, and always have! and I'm so old now, that it don't work any more anyway, Hell, I don't even know if it's still there or not! got a beer gut, can't even see my toes! :p and I "P" in a bag through a fairly long and small I.D. curled up in a coil hose, to boot! So, lay off, aye! :)
 
Last edited:
Two-dogs you should leave me that honey in your will. Sounds like your days are numbered. I told ya Im holding that $400 just in case you change your mind.
You could always send it out so I could play with it.....I might get attached.
Got my Marlin in the paper already drumming up the cash but it will be a long time before I have enough for your asking price fair or not..Cmon give a buddy a break... :)
 
bogie said:
Two-dogs you should leave me that honey in your will. Sounds like your days are numbered. I told ya Im holding that $400 just in case you change your mind.
You could always send it out so I could play with it.....I might get attached.
Got my Marlin in the paper already drumming up the cash but it will be a long time before I have enough for your asking price fair or not..Cmon give a buddy a break... :)
Click to expand...

What will? and yeah, prolly numbered! hope'n 2 digits, but not likley! I think you meant $1400, set aside, well, your only $400 + shipping & ins & the tip short, send me something to boot, say a couple of K's big Jim Bowie knives, or maybe a doz of "the Keg" T-Bone dinner certificates, or all ya can eat Lobster at Red Lobster oh yeah, or maybe tickets for two to a Lion's or Canuck's game with round trip Grey Hound ground travel tickets, I don't fly, mon! What ya say?
I think you're looking at Monday, now for asap delivery! :p keep up the hum-hee-hawing, and it's gonna be a Feb delivery date!
Oh, wait a min, looks like a couple of very close offers coming in from Ont, sorry mon, gotta run for now!
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom