Hi, I apologize in advance if the questions are redundant to the many you get. I just purchased a Model 99 through a co worker. I think I have it narrowed a 1954 model by the serial number and the stamp on lever boss, the serial #746567 I think the stamp read ( 1 3 F ) or (L 3 F). Pistol grip with steel shoot gun butt plate, with checkering on the forearm grip and stock, 24" barrel, the question I have is was Variant of the model. Do I have 99EG? , seems very common. I'm not sure what it really is though. Also one of the other things I was curious about was the lever is not color case hardened, just blued, so I don't know when they stopped color case on the lever, or if this has been reblued. I think I got a decent deal on it although. I'm not super worried about it, as I have always admired that model and now have one. I would say it is in very good shape though. I paid $475 for it. I tried to add some pictures of it, but I can't get them to load. I would love your thoughts and am looking forward to your response. Please let me know if i can give you all any more information. Thanks Tom

From the description it could be an EG, R, RS or possibly a very early F. Pics would be helpful. The EG has a schnable forearm, The R and RS a very heavy beavertail forearm. The F has a very lightweight beavertail forearm, a lightweight 22" barrel with a raised boss for the rear sight. The others have a medium weight 24" barrel with no boss. David

re-blue

Blued lever probably indicates a reblued rifle.

A 99F will say 99F on the barrel - but it won't have a 24" barrel so we can eliminate that. A 99EG has a thin forearm with schabel tip. A 99R has a heavy and wide forearm with rounded end. Only models made that year.

For $475, you probably did just fine. Won't have much collector interest if it's been reblued, but value is right for a good hunting rifle.

Welcome Tom, Joe.

Thanks for the input everyone. I figured it was re-blued. I'm ok with that. I'm thinking it will be a good Deer gun. I'll take it to the Gunsmith have it checked over. Thanks again everyone. Sorry could not get the pictures loaded. If I figure it out I'll post them.