Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Can we post a question list for MULE DEER or others going to shot?

Savage already tried to bringing back the 99 once, and hardly anybody seemed interested.

As I understand it, there are several problems:

1) It would be VERY expensive to produce the classic brass-rotor 99 again. It just does not lend itself to modern manufacturing.

2) Many shooters go into sticker shock when any rifle is priced $1000 or more--especially something that is not a super-accurate bolt rifle. And that would probably be the price of a "classic 99."

3) Most of the people who want a brass-rotor 99 can find one for less than $1000. In fact, probably most people who want a brass-rotor 99 would prefer an older one.

As for a .358 99.... Despite the admiration many rifle loonies (including some gun writers) express for the .358, it has never sold well. Never. Even Browning keeps periodically dropping it from the BLR line-up.

I believe it would be impractical to chamber a rotary magazine 99 to the WSM's. They are a LOT fatter than the .284. And even if it were possible, how many people who want a WSM are going to buy a 99 chambered for one?

I will ask if I get the chance, but I doubt there is much hope.

JB

Mr. Barsness,

Can you hazard a guess how many units a major manufacturer has to be able to sell to make a new chambering in an existing rifle and/or a new rifle economically viable for them to produce? Thanks for any light you can shed.

I really have no idea about a new rifle, but it's really pretty cheap to do a new chambering, as long as they don't have to do extensive work on the magazine. This is assuming that the cartridge has already been invented! Witness Remington's practice for many years of introducing a Classic 700 chambered for some older round.

JB

Regarding the new Ruger Hawkeye rifle - would you please get one in your hands and give it a quick "once over". Then report back to us regarding your impression of the gun.
Thanks

Could you ask remington if they are going to add the .243 or 6mm chamberings to their LVSF? I think a .243 LVSF in praire ghost or mossy oak brush finish would be a dandy coyote calling rifle.

hotsoup--

Just got word from a local sporting goods store that they have a Hawkeye in stock. The guy who called (who I trust) is initially impressed. Will try to see it before it is sold.

JB

Another vote for a short fat .25. Stainless with a decent synthetic stock please. I'm also interested in the new Rugers... are the factory synthetic stocks stable enough? Are the new triggers good enough as is? If so I think I may need one in.... .358 Win<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" /> I have had more fun with my Whelen over the past 2 years than any other rifle that I have owned. Cast bullet bunny loads, pistol bullet varmint loads that are...well effective in the extreem and more bang flops on deer than anything else I've shot deer with. I'd buy a good short action .358.

It already sold.......but not to me. I did get to look at it though.
.375 Ruger, decent wood, nice matte finish, decent pad, the good open sights. Quite impressive actually. Looked like a "work" rifle should.
I'm sure "Mule Deer" will be able to give you a more definitive evaluation <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />
It was on display less than 2 hrs........and they don't even have any ammo to shoot in it yet.

elkjaeger

On which end of the range would you be standing as the guinea pig? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

I am disappointed in what Ruger calls its' lightweignt rifle - the new Hawkeye Lightweight weighs in at 7 pounds. I like under 7 pounds WITH the scope mounted. Perhaps a titanium cast receiver might get the weight down.

How about asking Remington if they ever plan to revise their extractor setup. If perception is at least part of reality, they should have already made a change. Or will they wait for Savage to upgrade theirs like the trigger and then be forced to cave to lost sales pressure.

Gmack,
It only took Remington 2 or more decades ( and a bunch of lawsuits) to introduce a new trigger. It'll be at least that for a new 700 extractor. While I never had a problem with their extractor, (or their trigger for that matter) you are right in that perception is at least a part of reality.

Besides, Remington can now sell you a 798 at an inflated price. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

Wouldn't matter, because they would never have enough sense to build one in the first place. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />