I live in a 99 poor area and the only 99s I have seen or handled are ones I have bought over the internet. I do love the Rs but an F has caught my eye. Any significant weight differences in the two models?

First, I assume you are referring later 99F made from 1955-1973 and a post-war 99R. The 99F is quite a bit lighter (it's the 99 "Featherweight") and has two extra holes drilled in the stock to lighten it and a 22" lightweight barrel; the 1955 catalog said 6.5lbs. I don't have the weight of a 99R model, but I'd bet the 99F is at least a pound lighter.

Yes, the F is the Featherweight after all! Especially if the R is post war.

Someone has actual weights recorded and will likely share them I bet.

Go with a factory drilled 300 F. Light, balanced and the 300 Savage is a killer without killing your shoulder. GW

That, or get a set of artillery wheels for the R and a caisson with mule to pull it. If the Army used them they would be considered crew-served weapons.

Picked up a 1923 99-G, 30-30 with a 20" light weight barrel over the weekend that weighs in at 6 lbs., 9 ozs. My 1955 99-F, 300 Savage equipped with a one piece Burris mount and rings weighs in at 7 lbs., 1 oz....

Decent price on this one

What is the price, cal? Sling swivels not org to the gun. GW

$445 in .300 Savage

Good deal....

I am going to go ahead and buy the F. Thinking about putting a Leupold 4x on it.

That's a good price on that "F". Not a lot of difference in the price and a 2X7 leupold will give you more range options. Esp on the low end for quick shots. They often can be found on here used with good prices and they still have the lifetime warranty. Have one Leupold and one Redfield on my 300 F's. GW

I am going to assume it was made before 66 but I am waiting on the code so I can let them know the date of manufacture so I can have it sent to my C&R

"F" pictured has the lever lock safety which was discontinued in 1960, so its earlier than that. GW

Thanks!

Sweet gun, my dad hunted with the exact same. His doesn't like 150s, needs a heavier bullet. Haven't looked for any or have recommendations.

Go Noles

Go Gators!

Well I went ahead and bought the F so thank you to all who have helped me in my pursuit. I was wondering if anyone had tried the 125 gr Ballistic Tip in a .300 and how it worked out and what loads did you use if you don't mind sharing? A PM will work if you don't won't to post a load in the open

Thanks,
Ronnie

That cracks me up.

I think I will go ahead and put a 3x9 Leupold on it too

125 BT's work good in my bubbaed 99G that no longer comes apart.

I can't provide any 125 grain loads, but my 99F in 300 Savage shoots 150s well using either 40 grains of IMR 4064 or 42 grains of WW-748. Speed is close to factory 150 grain ammo. I recommend using the Lee Factory Crimp die.

If you like 180 grain bullets, and I do, use 41 grains of WW-748 for a load close to factory specs. In my 99EG with 24" barrel I get 2,450 fps, but I get about 100 fps less in my 99E with 20" barrel.

Picked up the F from UPS (and a Leupold 3x9 on th way!) I must say that I like it a lot. It is very light compared to my R's. Imay need to start looking for more of these! It is missing the sight elevator and even though it will wear a scope my OCD forces me to replace that item. Does anyone know which one I need or if one of the ones from Brownells (they all seem to be for Marlins?) will work?

I think I found one at Numrich

that looks like a great rifle post some pics when you can.

This add appeared in the March 1955 issue of American Rifleman. Before the year was done the 308 was also offered and advertised. They had a small but interesting review written on the new offering in this same issue I believe.

It is an old reblue that doesn't look to bad except I wish they would have left the lever alone. I put the 3x9 Leupold on it in some old Weaver rings I had laying around and it looks good on it but would be better in gloss. I picked up some Hornady 150 gr with the SST bullets and sighted her in. It may be a reblued rat but it shoots damn well! 3 shots to get it dialed in at 25 yds and then moved it to 100 yds where the first 3 shot group was all 3 touching! I fired another group after the barrel cooled and same damn thing! I am keeping this one. Might even have to get a nice reblue and send the lever off to Turnbull. It may be a fluke but I have never had one shoot that good. I am hoping to introduce her to this guy in the morning and then I am going to see if they have more of that ammo lot left just to be on the safe side.

That definitely sounds like a keeper. Bring back some pics of that buck!