Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors New to Savage 1899 - Have two. Don't know much about 99's except I like 'em

Initially I thought 99's were funny looking. As I matured I realized how really good
<br>looking they are. I finally bought a couple an "F" from the 50's in .300 Savage and a
<br>1902 straight stock in .303 Savage.
<br>
<br>I shot the "F" today and found it pleasant to shoot. The older.303 Savage I haven't shot
<br>yet my ammo is on order.
<br>
<br>I've ordered the book but would like tips from Savage collectors to help cure my
<br>ignorance.
<br>
<br>Thanks,
<br>Deputy Norm

Welcome to the group. Read through all the postings and ask questions when you need to. Study Murrary's book. The 1899/99 can be confusing. The info in the book is not 100% correct but it will take you a while to get good enough to find the errors. If you have specific questions...ask away. You have 2 rifles, books on order and you've found the Forum...sounds like you are doing just find!
<br>
<br>Rick....

common sense, when you find one clean and right price, buy it. When you tire with it; sell it. keep after those f's they are it. (except for nice Utica guns). If you'd care for some headache avoidance sell the 303 get a 3030.

Mr. adkjag said: " common sense, when you find one clean and right
<br>price, buy it. When you tire with it; sell it. keep after those f's
<br>they are it. (except for nice Utica guns). If you'd care for some
<br>headache avoidance sell the 303 get a 3030."
<br>
<br>The right price is my main concern. My local gun dealer is getting me a price
<br>book to use as a guide. I think I paid top dollar for my "F". The .303 Sav allegedly
<br>was made in 1902 and is in better shape at 100 than I am at 58.
<br>
<br>What is the problem with the 99 in .303 Savage? Obsolete ammo?
<br>Regarding "F" 1899's what is the attraction? When were "F" 99's made?
<br>What is meant by Utica guns?
<br>
<br>Thanks

Norm:
<br>
<br>I'll try to help....
<br>
<br>The only thing wrong with the .303 Savage is finding the ammo. Not much difference in performance when compared to the 30-30. I have two rifles chambered for the .303 and can't imagine anyone being a serious Savage fan and not owning at least one.
<br>
<br>Now about the "F". Once you get Murry's book you will see why it is so hard to keep the models straight. But anyway, first of all there was an 1899-F that was a saddle-ring carbine. Made 1899 - 1919, stopped around sn 200,000. Next came the 99-F made 1920 - 1940, stopped around sn 398,000. This rifle was lightweight and very similar to the 1899 - H in that it was lightweight, straight stock and a takedown. Savage reintroduced the "F" again in 1955 and discontinued it in 1973. This last model "F" was not a takedown and the forearm had the rounded tip instead of the schnoble. As far as why some folks really like the "F" is because it is lightweight and easy to handle in the woods.
<br>
<br>Last is the Utica thing. Savage started in Utica NY and moved to Chicopee Falls, Mass around 1946 I think. Some folks like the early guns the best and therefore try for those made in Utica. Also, you will find that most folks don't care for the ones that were made after sn 1,000,000 or stamped Westfield, Mass.
<br>
<br>As Rick said, you are on the right track, get the book and study it. You will find the type of 1899/99 that you like best and it might be an "F" and it might not.
<br>
<br>Elwood

be real careful about using price as your primary buying guide 9you git wut u pay 4) books on price are generally obsolete before the press started.
<br>whenever anyone says "that guns worth a lot, ask what they'll pay for it, cause it's worth what it'll sell for.
<br>only thing wrong with 303 is pia to find ammo and I ain't the only one that will tell you that. For many years while I was a puppy 303's were just about given away cause they were too common. I have never bought off the auctions cause the good guns still ain't getting there. imho

Elwood:
<br>
<br>Thanks. I appreciate the comments. I agree exactly about the price books but I need something
<br>as a guide. I generally buy what I like if the seller will come down a bit. I have two boxes of
<br>.303 Savage comeing from Old West Scrounger--not cheap but after I shoot a few rounds I plant to
<br>clean the gun and put it and the remaining ammo in the safe.
<br>
<br>My goal is to have at least one 99 in each Savage caliber if I can find 'em.
<br>
<br>Norm

Get in line for your 22HP now! Once you get one in each savage caliber, you will go for one in each caliber offered! (Good luck with the 7mm-08 and the 358). Then you will try for one of every variation (Good luck with the military models).
<br>
<br>It is a horrible addiction, welcome to the treatment ward.

Good luck with the 32-40, the 38-55 and especially the 30-06!