Several years ago, I purchased a 99 in .243 from a gunshop that had about 20 99s from a purchase. I don't shoot levers, and don't reload for the .243 but it seemed to be in great condition, and I thought about gifting it to my hunting partner (who passed on shortly after).
Today I pulled it out of the safe and had a closer look. It has the rotary counter, a 4x scope (didn't bother with the name) and the bolt face and feed ramp appear unused. I can't say 100% it is unfired, but it sure looks like it. I have not function tested it. Serial number is 1,023,xxx and one reference site states manufactured in 1961.
I am wondering if there is any other information I can learn from the group here about this rifle. I understand the 99s have a reputation for field accuracy, any .243 shooters out there who can comment on this?
That's a good one in 1961. It's a 99DL sometimes marked 99m for "monte carlo" as I have heard it explained.
The pre-1964 DL's have the more desirable cut checkering rather than the later stamped checkering. The rifle in mint shape could bring upwards of $2K, ish. Maybe $1800, maybe $2200.
But it's a good one. In fact, I have the name of a fella called me looking for that exact rifle a while back. I'm not selling but if you want to I can get you his name and contact info.
_______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack
If you don't mind, i will post some pictures for you to review, I am a bolt action guy so levers are not my area of comfort. Thanks for your help! I am leaving on vacation shortly, so pictures in a week or so.
The early DL's have a 24" barrel. They went to 22" barrels about 1963 if memory serves me. It should have a 24.
wyo1895 With Savage never say never. For a copy of my book on engraved Savage lever actions rifles send a check for $80 to; David Royal, p.o. box 1271, Pinedale, Wy., 82941. I will sign and inscribe the book for you. [email protected]
The early DL's have a 24" barrel. They went to 22" barrels about 1963 if memory serves me. It should have a 24.
I sure like the 22" DL's better for looking at and balance. At that point they are basically a 99F with a monte carlo stock added, and a slightly different forearm.
_______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack
wyo1895 With Savage never say never. For a copy of my book on engraved Savage lever actions rifles send a check for $80 to; David Royal, p.o. box 1271, Pinedale, Wy., 82941. I will sign and inscribe the book for you. [email protected]
The early DL's have a 24" barrel. They went to 22" barrels about 1963 if memory serves me. It should have a 24.
I sure like the 22" DL's better for looking at and balance. At that point they are basically a 99F with a monte carlo stock added, and a slightly different forearm.
Only year for cut checkering and 22" barrel is 1963. I have a 308. It was not an easy gun to find.
"You cannot invade mainland America. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass" ~Admiral Yamamoto~
When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty. ~Thomas Jefferson~
The early DL's have a 24" barrel. They went to 22" barrels about 1963 if memory serves me. It should have a 24.
I sure like the 22" DL's better for looking at and balance. At that point they are basically a 99F with a monte carlo stock added, and a slightly different forearm.
Only year for cut checkering and 22" barrel is 1963. I have a 308. It was not an easy gun to find.
Randy, I've got two 1964 DL's with 22" barrel and cut checkering. One 308 and a 284.
_______________________________________________________ An 8 dollar driveway boy living in a T-111 shack
Went to double diamond checkering in 64. Exactly what month I couldn’t say.
Did you swap the wood out? 😁
Probably late spring or summer of 1964, going off of the serial numbers.
“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
The google links don't work for us, it only works for people logged in to google that you've shared the picture with. Google sucks for sharing pictures.
If you can upload those pictures into the Image Gallery forum on here (might have to shrink them), or create an account on imgur.com and upload them there - they share much easier.
“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
Back from vacation, pictures as promised. Any ideas about accuracy, or comments about the rifle? As I mentioned I am a bolt gun person and bought this for my friend (deceased). Caliber is .243, does have a counter on the port side
1. Factory stamping with an X, what does the X indicate? 2. Barrel appears to be 24" 3. View of bolt face, unused? Has not been cleaned by me ever, and I have owned it for over 10-20 years 4. View of case hardening on lever 5. Overall picture of rifle. Specs on checkering look to be lint
Brings up a question, from me at least... What was the first year and model of 99 chambered in .243? I shot all of my pronghorns and most of my mule deer with a 243 and would like a 99 in one.
![[Linked Image from i.imgur.com]](https://i.imgur.com/CrmOegx.jpg)
