My latest model 99

[iceman2]

I was at a gun store the other day and couldn't leave this one behind. A Savage model 99 in 303 savage. Straight lever, 20" barrel with no rust pitting, sharp clean rifling circa 1937. (serial 3719xx).
The stock looks like it has been dropped once upon a time and chipped off a piece and there is a repairable crack. An almost invisible tang crack and a couple of swivel stud holes. The forearm is wide with checkering and the similar swivel holes. In general a pretty good shape rifle for the age. Also included was an almost full box of Imperial 190 gr ammo (18 rounds) and an old Dominion box with 2 rounds in it. The sling to me is off a Winchester because I have the same hook style clips on my circa 1942 model 94. Not sure what to do with it yet. Keep it or sell it but I couldn't leave it there, my Dad had one just like it. I sure wish he hadn't sold it. Here are a few pics. Any idea on a reasonable price?

 

[Claven2]

That toe chip is repairable by a decent wood man. The tang cracks are a little tougher to repair well, but depending on severity could be made OK. It's not collectible any longer, so it's worth maybe $400-$500 to the right buyer IMHO.

An issue you did't notice is that either the butt or the forearm have been replaced. Hard to say which, but if I had to guess, I'd say the forestock is off another rifle.

 

[iceman2]

I noticed the difference too. I removed the forearm looked on the face of the receiver for any letters and all I found was the letter T according to what I have found so far Model T had a similar forestock the but plate serial # stamped on the inside matches the rifle serial # I'll have to look again to see if there are any #s on the wood. The only pictures I have found of the T model have a curved lever. The search continues. That is what I figured re price too. I paid less than that so I'm happy.

 

[iceman2]

From what I have been able to find is that it looks like the lever and stock have been changed form the original curved lever to a straight lever and stock. The model T was only made for a short period of time in the mid to late thirties. Forestock and butt plate have serial numbers matching the rifle. Original rear sight and no extra holes drilled for scope etc. It looks like I'll probably send this one down the road as it a little more than a simple clean up.