Having doubts

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klaus enuff

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So I have long been feeling the need to get a 30-30 to add to my hunting rifles but wanted to get something a little different than a Winchester 94 or Marlin 336. Long story short I was at my LGS and a Savage 1899 followed me home. Now when I bought it I fully intended for it to be taken out and used but when I started to research it online I found that it is from 1913 and being both a takedown and chambered in 30-30 it is considered a bit rare. I don't want it to be a safe queen but at the same time don't want to chance causing any damage to it. It is in great shape considering it is over 100 years old and the takedown locks up tight and mechanically the rifle is very sound with good rifling and bore condition. Aside from having been modified for a rubber butt pad and the wood most likely having been refinished at some point the rifle appears to be all original.

So am I overthinking this and should I just take it out and use it or pass it along to a collector and get something else?
 
Can't get a better 30-30, IMO. They is no greater waste of a firearm, than for it to sit in a safe for the rest of it's life.
 
Raton57 said:
The absolute Grail of hunting rifles. I want one so bad but the price tag is the kicker. Last one sold for over $500 at an auction.
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Seems to be the going rate for any 30/30 lever these days. I'd take a Savage 99 over a Marin 336 or Winchester 94, any day.
 
You could do one of two things... take it out and shoot it... OR, start a thread to solicit offers...
 
hoytcanon said:
You could do one of two things... take it out and shoot it... OR, start a thread to solicit offers...
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What? me? I would never... ;)

I am going to take the old girl out and use her as she was intended to be. Maybe even have a deer to show with her this season. If she was in pristine unaltered condition I would consider more seriously selling her off to someone who would appreciate her as more than just a shooter. But as she is I think she is perfect for what I wanted. And as a companion to my 99 in .308 she is great.

When I looked up the date of manufacture it did give me second thoughts. I just needed to hear the encouragement of others to convince me I was doing the right thing.
 
I totally agree with using it, you will enjoy for sure.
The 30-30 bug bit me a few months ago when a nice Mod.55 Winchester t/d showed up in a local shop.
All original, well used with the usual wear in the usual places it came home with me and no regrets.
My 30-30 dies had been sitting on my shelf for probably 15 years since last used.
I dug up my old load notes and using a 150 gr.fp bullet over H322 powder the rifle shot surprisingly well, well enough to go on at least one Deer hunt..hopefully.
 
So those of you that take older guns out hunting, how or what do you do to protect them?

I recall reading somewhere on here about guys using a product called conservators wax? to coat their firearm. Any other tips or tricks?
 
klaus enuff said:
So those of you that take older guns out hunting, how or what do you do to protect them?

I recall reading somewhere on here about guys using a product called conservators wax? to coat their firearm. Any other tips or tricks?
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You must be thinking of the Renaissance wax. Johnson's paste wax works good too, might be easier to find locally too.

Yup you should definitely shoot and hunt with the old girl, ride 'er hard just don't put 'er away wet! :)
 
klaus enuff said:
So those of you that take older guns out hunting, how or what do you do to protect them?

I recall reading somewhere on here about guys using a product called conservators wax? to coat their firearm. Any other tips or tricks?
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I don't do anything different than with any other rifle, good cleaning before and after using.
Simply be a bit more careful when carrying so as not to add to the wear and tear, if its damp outside as is normal here in BC then pick a dryer day with more compatible weather forecast.
When the hunt is over a wee bit more TLC doesn't hurt.
 
I personally have never, and will never, own a rifle that I won't shoot. They are made to shoot. ALL OF THEM in my eyes which is the main reason I have no interest in unfired collectables. They would instantly loose value in my hands.
 
I have a 1920 30-30 99 takedown that was in poor shape appearance-wise. My shooter buddy refinished it and made a really nice job. I have two other 99's in .303 Savage, one a TD. The barrel on the 30-30 is a fair bit shorter. This thread reminded me that I do have another 30-30. :)
 
I am going to the range tomorrow to see what she can do. Got some federal power shok 170gr and rem core lokt 150gr to try.

I've been doing a bunch more research and am pretty sure I have an 1899H. The barrel is 20 inches . The gun carries well like all 99s and all I hope for is that it shoots just as good as it feels in my hands.

This is going to be the year of the lever for me. I have the 99, a BLR and a Ruger #1 that are forming my hunting battery for this season.
 
Raton57 said:
The absolute Grail of hunting rifles. I want one so bad but the price tag is the kicker. Last one sold for over $500 at an auction.
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$500, expensive???

Spend some time in the milsurps forum and find out what we pay for 100 year old range toys.
 
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