Refinishing is the last thing to try, imho. Yes, a refinish can be made to look exactly like an original finish, but that's 1 out of 100 that actually work out that way (especially the checkering). If possible, best to keep it as honest as possible. If restoring the stock doesn't work, then you can refinish.


Don't know if anybody mentioned it, but if you are wanting to cover just a couple scratches on the barrel you might consider just hitting those spots with cold blue rather than an entire reblue. I would never suggest that for a collectible, but for an heirloom it's not going to hurt anything and cold blue touchups can usually be made to blend in pretty good.

“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”.
All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered.
Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com