|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
New Member
|
OP
New Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2 |
I recently inherited what I believe is a '99 Savage chambered for 303 manufactured in 1904. The serial # is 37*2.. It's been in the family a lot longer than me, but I've never seen it used. It has a rectangular piece on top of the “bolt” that I always assumed was a loaded chamber indicator. I acquired some 303 Savage ammo, but when I chambered a round, the piece did not “pop up” as I assumed it would. I have not fired the rifle. What Is the purpose of this piece in the top of the bolt? Is it safe to fire in this condition? Thanks, and y'all take care.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 43,731
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 43,731 |
The top piece is indeed a cocking indicator. If it doesn't raise slightly with the rifle cocked (it doesn't need a round in the chamber, just for the rifle to be cocked), then it's broke. It can happen.
“ 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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,706
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 12,706 |
Chances are it will fire just fine. Point it at a target and pull the trigger. That won't make it unsafe.
The bolt will have to be disassembled to determine what's wrong with it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,165
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 5,165 |
Welcome to the site, Joe.
I'm not greedy, I just want one of each.
Remember Ira Hayes
JoeMartin
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 43,731
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 43,731 |
+1, forgot to say Welcome!
And +1 to Lightfoot's comments. I've got one early shooter with a broken indicator. Shoots fine.
“ 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
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16,063
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 16,063 |
+1, forgot to say Welcome!
And +1 to Lightfoot's comments. I've got one early shooter with a broken indicator. Shoots fine. Me too. It's sorta rough, so I haven't worried with fixing it.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,004
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,004 |
When in doubt, bring it to a gunsmith to look it over.
If you dont want to do that, tie it down and pull the trigger with a long string.
Also,
That specific gun (square rear) has a history of cracked receivers. Look at where the back of the square bolt and where it meets the receiver. Inspect the receiver real well for cracks with a magnifying glass. I have found one so far.
"...aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." - Paul to the church in Thessalonica.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2
New Member
|
OP
New Member
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 2 |
I want to thank you all (y'all) for the timely and helpful replies. I had a picture I could send, but being new to the forum, I can't figure out how to do it this evening. It's a wonderful family heirloom. A 26” octagon barrel, well worn but not abused wood, and completely brown, but no rust. Since there were no rear window gun racks in pick 'um up trucks in 1940 the muzzle rested on the floor. Of course, there was no rubber mat, so the left side of the muzzle wore down a bit. No problem...get a drill and counter-bore it 1/2” or so. I put a glass on it and couldn't find any cracks at the rear of the receiver. Thanks for the 'heads up.' I initially wanted a 250-3000 until I researched and learned the 303 was the original chambering. You couldn't purchase this from me for any price, but I'm sending it to the original owner's son. Uncle Knox left it in Arkansas ~1942 when he joined the SeaBees. Thanks again. John NRA Patron
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,004
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 13,004 |
Good deal John. My late father's Remington is my most cherished rifle along with my grandfathers Winchester.
"...aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one." - Paul to the church in Thessalonica.
|
|
|
|
298 members (1lesfox, 1beaver_shooter, 1OntarioJim, 160user, 12344mag, 300jimmy, 28 invisible),
1,779
guests, and
931
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,190,601
Posts18,454,632
Members73,908
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|