Why would you want to dry fire it? You can release the firing pin spring tension by slip closing the lever.
Dry firing is hard on the hammer bushing and screw. I've seen them hammered pretty badly. The 99 firing pin itself seems to hold up unlike the Winchesters.
I was thinking of using dry firing as a practice method to familiarize myself with the 99 since I've been primarily a bolt guy. I have always heard it doesn't hurt most centerfire bolt actions but have never seen a reference for lever guns of any type.
I sure don't want to damage a good old rifle so thought I'd check with people who know more than I do. Which is practically anyone...
I was thinking of using dry firing as a practice method to familiarize myself with the 99 since I've been primarily a bolt guy. I have always heard it doesn't hurt most centerfire bolt actions but have never seen a reference for lever guns of any type.
I sure don't want to damage a good old rifle so thought I'd check with people who know more than I do. Which is practically anyone...
That's what snap caps are for, worth the money as the primer location has a spring loaded button, which is easier on the firing pin than a spent case.
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Regarding the idea that Savage used up the old trigger mechanisms on the post-million model Es, I own a 1964 vintage E which has the old trigger mechanism (which I prefer). On the other hand, a friend has an older model E, vintage 1962, which has the new style trigger mechanism. Go figure....
Of course, you can't "slip-uncock" the new-style trigger mechanism.
Are you defining "new" versus "old" by whether they slip close or not, or by actual design differences?
If so, I've got a 1930's 99R that must have the new style since it won't slip close.
“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
As best I understand it, all guns with the lever safety should be able to de-cock by holding the trigger while closing the lever. It appears to me that when Savage brought out the tang safety that feature was deleted along with the trigger being plated gold, and everyone's Eire was raised by the worsened trigger pull. I'm not a historian by any stretch, just making sense of what I've observed and collected from members here.
I made a dummy round for my 303 Savage 99. I used a mechanical pencil eraser for the primer. After seating & crimping the bullet, I used a red magic marker. The red is wearing off with use, so I probably should have set it with heat from a hair drying? -Jim
In aprox 1987 I bought a 99 in .308. It was a latter version with the safety on the tang. Long story short I sent it to a guy who was good with 99's and he did something to it so that I could "slip" the trigger when closing the lever just like the older lever/safety models did. Anybody else know how to do this? I don't even remember who he is now, but I do remember he was in Florida.
