Savage 99 to 7mm-08

[ontgunner]

Lets start by saying I've never done anything like this before.
I can get my hands on a Savage 99 receiver, and I'd like to throw a barrel on it for 7mm-08.
I like lever actions, especially the Savage, and I've got more than a casual interest in this calibre (but own nothing in it at this time).
Is this do-able? Do I want to do this? Opinions... suggestions.
Any advice you might have would be appreciated.

 

[icedog]

I have a similar plan, though expect I will have to purchase an entire 99 in .308 or .243. to start with. In your case, if you are using an action with the rotary mag, it depends in part on the original chambering of the rifle your receiver is from. My understanding is the rotors are very particular about the brass they will handle. A 300 Savage for example, despite its closeness to the .308, will not handle .308 brass. I have a 99c in .358W which started out its life as a .308. I had the barrel rebored to .35 calibre, and the chamber redone to match. The work by the way, was done with my $, but not by my hands. As always, the cost involved in the whole project, which included a powder coat of the metalwork, and a new laminate stock from gunstocksinc in the U.S., exceeded what I might have been able to get a new rifle (BLR) for. On the plus side, I love the 99 action, and I ended up with a very unique firearm. If/when I get to the 7mm-08 project, it will be with a 99c, a 20" barrel and custom built fibreglass stock...kind of a poor man's version of a versatile, semi-custom mountain rifle.
Short answer...yup, do-able, and in my mind a least, a great idea.

 

[madtrapper143]

Savages made prior to .308 and .243 chamberings were too short in the frame to handle the 7mm08 and others. Savage lengthened the 99 frame to handle the .308 when it was introduced. The 7mm08 was a factory offering and they do exist albeit with inflated prices. Still it would be a great project and a very versatile rifle. I would use a '50 vintage featherweight frame (chambered in .308 or .243) for the start of this project.

cheers Darryl

 

[MadDog]

Easiest thing to use for a job like that is a 99C like Icedog said, that way you won't have to worry about the rotor and cartridge guide and such.

Plus, the original 99 7mm-08 was only built on the 99C action, never was a 7mm-08 in the rotor style.