Hey there!

I am looking to have my 1899A in 303 savage restored. I have a e-mail in to PacNor for a new barrel. But the whole rifle needs to be refinished and new stocks fitted. Please let me know if any of you have had any luck with restorations. Details would be greatly apreciated (companies, prices, ETC..)Pictures too.

Well, there's a kettle of fish that will surely ("Don't call me Shirley!") stir up some debate during these summer doldrums.

I'll with hold comments until I see pics of said gun, and have a better understanding of why it should be done. A hundred year old artifact may benefit more from a 'conservation' than a 'restoration'.

Seen lots of restored guns, some well done, some very poorly.

Seen almost NO restored guns which were a good idea monetarily. Those who wish to restore an heirloom or just as a project to save an old rifle are cool. Those looking to increase the value of a rifle are throwing money away - the money would be better spent getting a second rifle in better shape. Or several other rifles.

And I'll ask a personal favor... don't let the lever be blued.

When I asked my Grandfather for this rifle it was missing the forend and the rear stock is not original. There are plenty of pictures here - http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/topics/5534240/1

The lever was hammered out by someone to make it curved like later models. The buttplate was missing. I have now collected a strait lever and buttplate that are correct. The barrel is shot/ rusted out, some story of spending a winter at the bottom of a pond after a great ancestor missed a dear. I will be restoring this to be passed on to my son and to stay in the family as a functioning rifle. but I would also like to hear everyones ideas/input.

Is it chambered in 303 Savage? Probably can't do anything to save the barrel short of replacing it or reboring it to a wildcat - something like a 35-303. For replacement, if it should be a standard 26" 303 Savage barrel you might be able to find one on gunbroker over the next year or two if you keep your eyes open.

With the family history, don't blame you for bringing it back. See if you can find somebody who will do the polishing on the receiver to get a mirror blue.

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbth...ew_1899B_comes_home_tomorrow#Post2450408

Had this one done by a local gunsmith.

DiamondJim and Lightfoot both have factory barrels for sale (no 303 though)

Here's one I re-did, 38-55 model A, but like Calhoun said, there's no return in it, just do it for love.

http://www.bosesguns.com/firearmrestoration.html

I have used these people several times.

Outstanding work, reasonable prices.

I've got a 303 barrel, PM me for details.

While I've never dealt with Boses I have seen several examples of their work and would recommend them if that's the way that you want to go. As others have said, its money poured down the drain as far as an investment but for personal satisfaction I'd go there.

Boses looks like it might be the place to go. Thank you guys for all of the help. Did anyone see the Sept 2011 issue of Rifle? It showed a 1899H take-down in .22Hi-Power that was restored. Anyone else with info or pictures please post!!

As for your questions, the barrel I have is 21" to receiver, 22" OAL, has been set back about 1/2" and rechambered to 303 from something else or simply set back and rechambered. Bore is good. It is stamped 303 but not by Savage and the original caliber (may have been 303 also) is not visible. Has a fore end stud and no sights (as I'd rob them before sending). Looks like an old reblue in good shape, most lettering visible. The barrel would be free if you'd like to pay to get it unscrewed and sent to you if it will help you.
Also have straight lever if you need one.

Thanks Fireball2, but I think I am either going to wait to find a 26" that's in good shape or re-barrel it with a brand new one.

I'll look in the stash. Might be able to help ya. For a nominal fee of course. What does the barrel have to say to make it match what you've got?

"SAV 303" on the top of the barrel just in front of the receiver

"SAVAGE HI-PRESSURE STEEL
--------MODEL 1899--------" on the left side of the barrel just to the side of the rear sight

"MANUFACTURED BY SAVAGE ARM COMPANY UTICA, N.Y. U.S.A.
.PAT-FEB.7.1893.JULY.25.1893OCT.3.1899.MAY25.1909.JUNE.1.1909" in front of the rear sight

Let me know what you've got

I'll take a look. Got a few .303 barrels but if you want it right the barrel markings have to be correct to the date of the serial number. Another thing to keep in mind is that even if a proper barrel is found they're pretty much all used barrels and most likely won't fit properly with a slight bit of modification and then the forearm may have to be re-fitted to the rifle. If you go forward with this you'll have a nice looking rifle but it will always be "not quite right."

Thanks for the heads up Skidrow. The forearm won't be a problem because when I send the rifle in to be restored they will be fitting new stocks on since there are no original stocks for this rifle. Because they would be all used barrels is the reason that I am contemplating have a new one fitted to the rifle. I know that it would not be a savage barrel, but since any antiquity is already lost from years of neglect from my great-great uncles, then it wouldn't be such a big deal. What do you think?

I'Ve Done a Few My Self, Got Wood Duplicated From Boses, Excellant Job.
Nothing Wrong with Restore as Long as You Keep to Orginal as Much as Possible.
As far as Value, None to be Had, Except in the Eyes of the beholder, or admirer.
Steve

Since we're spending your money, I think we should go all out.

Check out the wood on that rifle.

Outstanding grain, work and finish.

Dare I say...spectacular?

Metal work ain't bad either.

Edit:

As everybody that has read any of my posts knows, I am personally not a big fan of guns that have been "worked on"

But if you have to "work on one", take a lesson from this one. Very tastefully done.

There are those that will fit a barrel and duplicate the original markings. If you go that route I'd insist that who ever does the work stamps the underside of the barrel "rebarreled by...." or some such so as to indicate that its not the original barrel. Reworking a rifle for personal reasons is one thing but you have to be ensured that if for some reason the rifle gets out of your family's hands its not able to be passed off as original when its not. Its not that hard to redo a rifle for personal satisfaction while still ensuring that it won't thought of as a counterfeit or an attempt to pass it off as an original. JMOOMV.

Still trying to get through all the junk to get to the 303 barrels. Lots of junk. Could take a while.

Thanks, just let me know.

I have used them to repair a cracked stock on a 99 and would highly recommend them.

This one has been rebarreled to 25-35. I did not do the work though, I found it that way. The checkering was also embellished as well.

It shoots real nice.