Have a option to get a savage model 1899. Question, did savage use a solid pin to hold the magazine rotor in place. The rifle looks correct except for the forward pin does not have a slotted screw head. It's flush to the receiver? Anyone seen something like that? The SN is in the 12.### range?
Early savage 1899
- Thread starter Skyking58
- Start date
madtrapper143
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- Steep Rock Lake NWO
All had slotted screw heads. Even the very early 1895 models had the slotted screw head. Yours has had some repair or replacement at sometime in it's life.
Darryl
Darryl
I have multiple 99’s from 1899 to 1964 and they all have the screw.
thanks ,, that's what I was thinking, but not sure ... it also looks like the stock has been replaced.. as well..
it does have to it's credit a original Savage Peep sight, installed .. and the round barrel is flat crowned.
SN/ 12.130 with a Dot between the 12 and 130...
the guy is asking 660. for it ?
it does have to it's credit a original Savage Peep sight, installed .. and the round barrel is flat crowned.
SN/ 12.130 with a Dot between the 12 and 130...
the guy is asking 660. for it ?
100% depends on condition. How much finish remains, how are the bore and action, etc. What is the chambering?
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I only recall there being a screw, not a pin. Check the other side of the receiver in the same location to see what is there. My concern would be "What is holding the pin in place, and are original parts damaged?"
I have seen screws replaced with temporary replacements, they are used to help prevent damage when parts are reblued. A snug fitting pin would keep the recess from being dished out during the polishing process. Original screws would be installed before returning to customer.
On a rifle of that design and age a replacement buttstock is not unusual, but is it one that is Savage factory or one cobbled together in a garage. I would do a thorough inspection if possible before buying. A new stock, reblued, pin instead of screw...someone might be trying to hide the condition by showing bright and shiny instead, or it all could be legit. If the rifle has a square bolt I would look closely for cracks in the corners, I would also check headspace.
You have not listed chambering, make sure ammo is available.
I have seen screws replaced with temporary replacements, they are used to help prevent damage when parts are reblued. A snug fitting pin would keep the recess from being dished out during the polishing process. Original screws would be installed before returning to customer.
On a rifle of that design and age a replacement buttstock is not unusual, but is it one that is Savage factory or one cobbled together in a garage. I would do a thorough inspection if possible before buying. A new stock, reblued, pin instead of screw...someone might be trying to hide the condition by showing bright and shiny instead, or it all could be legit. If the rifle has a square bolt I would look closely for cracks in the corners, I would also check headspace.
You have not listed chambering, make sure ammo is available.
Thank you for all the good info... this rifle is in 303 savage, and the stock look to be non factory because it doesn't have the Shield shape at the wrist like others I've seen. the pin is flat to the receiver and looks to be flush on both sides and seems to be larger diameter then normal.
Have not check the bore yet, and most of the blueing is gone
I'm new to this sight and don't know how to post a pic of the rifle ?
Scroll to the bottom to see the post reply box and there's an "attach files" button. You may not have this function yet.
303 savage is a nice cartridge, similar to 30-30 power level. If you are a reloader then you should have no problem getting components but factory ammo is scarce.
The limiting factor on most old rifles is the bore, because you can't repair a bad bore. You can rebarrel, but at that point you could just buy a better condition rifle for less $. So that's the first thing to check if you're looking at buying any old firearm.
Some very specific makes/models of rifles have high collector interest and can be worth good money to collectors even in poor shape. The 1899 is not one of those.
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I had a complete original in 303 Savage that needed a lot of love, mostly cosmetic except for the wood which had a few cracks.
Serial number was 10.375 if I recall which if I researched correctly would have been extremely early production.
Completely unmolested, original and basically left in a closet for 120+ years…
With just about any other manufacturer or model attaining this would have been equivalent to striking gold.
In this case there was zero interest, I think I got about $200 bucks for it and only when I bundled it with another rifle (a Win 94).
The good news was I about broke even and I never assumed I had something valuable when I got it so no disappointment or loss.
But it was a good reminder that rarity doesn’t always equate to collectibility or value.
1899’s value seem much more fragile to condition and their ability to function as a usable utility rifle than any other.
My experience anyway, YMMV.
Serial number was 10.375 if I recall which if I researched correctly would have been extremely early production.
Completely unmolested, original and basically left in a closet for 120+ years…
With just about any other manufacturer or model attaining this would have been equivalent to striking gold.
In this case there was zero interest, I think I got about $200 bucks for it and only when I bundled it with another rifle (a Win 94).
The good news was I about broke even and I never assumed I had something valuable when I got it so no disappointment or loss.
But it was a good reminder that rarity doesn’t always equate to collectibility or value.
1899’s value seem much more fragile to condition and their ability to function as a usable utility rifle than any other.
My experience anyway, YMMV.
Savage was well known for doing custom orders so entirely possible. Multiple models out at the same time which about every 20 years they changed the model letters confusing stuff.
The price has been rising on Savage 1899 and 99 rifles over the last decade. Rifles in good original condition that regularly sold for $500 to $700 ten years ago are selling for double that now. Poor condition rifles haven't gone up much.
I've discovered that while recently trying to complete my collection of F models
As usual, late to the party
I'm not really a Savage 99 "collector" but i have a few.
