Aquiring a Savage 99

BigGameHunter

BigGameHunter

Regular
Rating - 100%
11   0   0
I have an opportunity to purchase a Savage 99 in .300 savage. I have wanted one of these rifles for a while now as my grandfather used to have one and I always thought they were interesting. I was wondering if there was a site that broke them down by make and model so that I can find out more information about it. The owner just said its a takedown model with the rotary magazine. Any information or links would be appreciated that give a breakdown to the various models. I have tried to find detailed info but to no avail. Thanks

edit: I just found info that the takedown also had the option of a .410 barrel. What are the odds of finding one of these barrels in good or at least shootable shape as this would be ideal. After doing a bit more digging I found that it was manufactured in 1926 as per the serial if that helps.
 
Last edited:
Post pictures and partial serial number and there are a few of us around that can give you more information.

The 410 barrels come around occassionally, but more are ending up in collections than being traded about.
 
I will probably pick it up in the next couple days (its at my grandparents right now) and I will post pics.

BTW what do the 410 barrels usually sell for?
 
According to my references, the 99 take-down version in 300 Savage in the 1926 period was available in at least 4 models including the 99B, 99D, 99F and 99G Deluxe

If interested in more details, please send me a PM with your e-mail address and I will get back to you with some suggestions. The 99D had the shortest run at 6 years and with the 99F, a 21 year run.

Features that help in determining the correct model:

1. Caliber
2. Barrel length
3. Front sight
4. Checkering
5. Butt plate
6. Serial number
7. The safety
8. Grip - straight or pistol

Duke1

PS. Included in the many experts on the 1899/99 on this forum is MadDog, someone you might want to contact if you want to substantiate any collected data.
 
My dad just picked her up! Once he brings his digital camera over I will take some pics. I have never really experienced one of these up close. Now I know why they are a beloved gun. For being as old as it is it is in good shape. The bore is still sharp however there is a bit of surface rust. Is there any way to clean it up besides just oil. My dad and I got in a bit of an argument as he was thinking we should "restore" it to which I said it is staying as is. The receiver bluing is still nice just the barrel is spotty and the lever has some spots on the bare metal.

Also another questions. Is it ok to dry fire this gun given the age? My grandfather told me when it is unloaded to slightly hold the trigger in so that you can close it without it cocking but I didn't think that was any better for it than dry firing. If you can clear that up that would be great. Anyways pics will be here soon. Thanks again for the help!
 
BigGameHunter said:
My dad just picked her up! Once he brings his digital camera over I will take some pics. I have never really experienced one of these up close. Now I know why they are a beloved gun. For being as old as it is it is in good shape. The bore is still sharp however there is a bit of surface rust. Is there any way to clean it up besides just oil. My dad and I got in a bit of an argument as he was thinking we should "restore" it to which I said it is staying as is. The receiver bluing is still nice just the barrel is spotty and the lever has some spots on the bare metal.

Also another questions. Is it ok to dry fire this gun given the age? My grandfather told me when it is unloaded to slightly hold the trigger in so that you can close it without it cocking but I didn't think that was any better for it than dry firing. If you can clear that up that would be great. Anyways pics will be here soon. Thanks again for the help!
Click to expand...

As far as the rust is concerned, it's not a big deal except that it could increase the chamber/barrel pressure depending on the extent of it. There are a lot of products available to tackle this condition but have never used one so I can't help you.

Also, I would leave it as it is, but I'm a collector so original condition for me is more important than a shiny gun. Other people much prefer a fancy gun looking like new.

For dry firing, the consequence is that you might break the firing pin. I have dry fired my rifles, shotguns and handguns for over 50 years and never broke a firing pin. I regularly practice my trigger control and target shooting simulation using dry firing all the time (except rim fire calibers-just use an empty shell). If you don't feel comfortable about dry firing on an empty chamber, just purchase a dummy round design for this purpose. Finding one for your caliber might be difficult but you probably could find one in another caliber that would work....... don't quote me here as I've never used a dummy round of another caliber but it would be worth
looking into.

BTW, I have dummy rounds for my most common hunting rifles but never bother using them.

Duke1
 
Yeah the chamber, bore and rotary magazine have very little oxidation. Its really just the barrel and lever and its not heavy. I am going to leave it for sure I just wanted to clear a few things up about it as my grandpa (who set me up with the gun) and my father are old school (set in there ways) and I just wanted to let him know that it was alright to dry fire the rifle. I am gonna pick up a box of loads this week and see how it works.
 
Features that help in determining the correct model:

1. Caliber - 300 Savage
2. Barrel length - 24"
3. Front sight - bead
4. Checkering - no
5. Butt plate - steel
6. Serial number 281***
7. The safety - behind the trigger
8. Grip - straight or pistol - straight
 
BigGameHunter said:
Features that help in determining the correct model:

1. Caliber - 300 Savage
2. Barrel length - 24"
3. Front sight - bead
4. Checkering - no
5. Butt plate - steel
6. Serial number 281***
7. The safety - behind the trigger
8. Grip - straight or pistol - straight
Click to expand...

More questions:

1. Caliber - 300 Savage
2. Barrel length - 24"
3. Front sight - bead (is it on a raised ramp?)
4. Checkering - no
5. Butt plate - steel (crescent shape(big curve), or so called shotgun type)
6. Serial number 281*** (1926 seems to be correct)
7. The safety - behind the trigger (different shapes produced)
8. Grip - straight or pistol - straight


So, based on the information above, you have a couple of possibilities as follows:

99-B introduced in 1922 and discontinued in 1934 with a crescent shape butt plate and raised ramp base front sight and a bent tab safety.

99-D introduced in 1922 and discontinued in 1926/27 with a shotgun butt plate with bead front sight located in a dove tail slot on the barrel.

99-F introduced in 1920 and discontinued in 1940 and similar to the 99-D with the major difference being the front sight being on a raised ramp.

And according to my reference, each gun should have the model such as "Model B" marked on the front end of frame.

Duke1
 
Here are some pics. After the info given I am pretty sure it is a 99D. Thanks again for all the information. Hopefully I can put some rounds down the pipe this week!









Also Do any of you guys know the approximate value of this rifle in this condition (Would this be considered good or better condition?). I don't plan on selling it but I would just like to know.
 
Naw, thats an early 99F. I've had a 99D in my hands only once and you can tell the difference in the barrels real easy afterwards. The 99F has a tapered barrel and the D had a standard weight. The old standard weight barrels are like todays bull barrels, heavy. Didn't wanna hand it back to the guy, haven't seen one since.
 
MadDog said:
Naw, thats an early 99F. I've had a 99D in my hands only once and you can tell the difference in the barrels real easy afterwards. The 99F has a tapered barrel and the D had a standard weight. The old standard weight barrels are like todays bull barrels, heavy. Didn't wanna hand it back to the guy, haven't seen one since.
Click to expand...

:agree:

Good eye MadDog!

You were able to pick up the tapered barrel. I thought it might be a D but could not confirm it until you mentioned the tapered barrel which is a feature of the 99-F

Duke1
 
to bad it is not a D for you but she will make a great hunting rig for you and will last many years .thy have been a fav for many years for deer and moose hunters enjoy .if you are in to reloading you can save a lot of money on shells .the 300 are still avalable but not all shops carry them anymore DUTCH
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom