Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Carrier Problem

Yesterday, while at the range, I had my first problem ever with the ol' 99. It seems the spring has slipped in the carrier, permitting the carrier spring to "unwind". Carrier now lies with the last fin up, and prevents loading the magagine.
I'm not sure how I managed to do this, as the day was very uneventful until this happened.
Anyone else been faced with this problem? I'm not sure it's a home fix-it project, although I do have the "wrench" (a special cut "U"screw-driver) that fits the front nut of the carrier.
I also have a "Take down for Centerfire Cartridges" book, but there is a clear warning to NOT remove the rotary magazine as spring tension is uncertain due to age.

Any comments, or thoughts regarding this, would be appreciated.
Respectfully, Russ

Oh, about to forget...It's a 99E "Plain Jane"...ser# 1060xxx in .243Win. I have had it for over 30 years, got it from my dad, and I have shot a "ton" of shells through it. She still shoots GREAT! , Smooth as silk.... Hate to think I've worn it out.
Thanks folks.

It's not as scary as it sounds. You can remove the whole thing by removing the forearm, then remove the screw just under the receiver ring that holds the carrier spindle in place. You can then pull the whole assembly out of the front.

If the screw is not missing, it sounds like the tip of the spring has broken off...or something. There is no other way it should unravel.

Resetting the tension is just a trial and error process of getting it to where it will accept a full magazine and feed the last shell as it empties. It takes less tension than you would think.

You can get a spring from Numrich. Here's the link. http://www.e-gunparts.com/products.asp?chrMasterModel=089Zz99E&MC=

Thanks Lightfoot.

I do appreciate the quick response, and the encouragement ie, "It's not as scary as it sounds"....

What would be your guess as to why?
I do realize there must be a thousand reasons as to "why", but what would you think the most likely reason would be..... Old age?
I would think that stocking up on a few springs, pins, whatever....wouldn't be the worse thing a feller could do if he wants to keep Old Betsy functional.

"The last thing you'd expect, is the first thing to happen"...is old Murphy's favorite saying. (I think somebody should whup that dog and run him off!)

Thanks again.
Russ

My Grandpa's .303 was made in 1901 and it never had problem one with the carrier. Stuff happens, I guess <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Yes, I would recommend you order a few extra parts while you are at it. That spreads the shipping cost out too.

Let me know if you need any help in there. I'd be glad to talk you through it.

Lightfoot, ...Can you hear me????
Can you hear me now?


I took the gun apart, removed the carrier....The spring does not seem to be broken. I also found out my carrier has a "shell counter" on it....1 to 5.

I put it back in, wound it up 3 turns, replaced the upper lock screw, and everything seems fine.

I can't imagine what may have happened here????
Russ

Sounds like the spring tip slipped out of the retainer hole - although there are a few variations over the years on that spring and assembly so I'm not exactly sure which one you might have.

In any case you have proved you are a better than average mechanic and you were able to put it right. Have your favorite beverage and savor the moment <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cool.gif" alt="" />