I'd have bought that for $325 without a second thought. Heck, the sight is worth probably 1/3rd of that even with the modification. Hunt the heck out of it, 99 years old and probably has another century of good life ahead of it.

“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