I'm curious about the date of manufacture of the 99R at the top of the photo. The serial number is 578XXX and the lever boss code is 23B. Also how does one determine if the rifle was an RS that had the peep sight removed when a scope was added? I added a photo of the front sling swivel if that might give a hint. Thanks to the faithful for any info.

There's no way of telling, both R's and RS's had sling eyes.

Thats the problem with post war R's, you can make them into an RS in a matter of a couple minutes.

Not sure what a letter from the historian would tell you that late in the serial range.

The B makes it 1950 DOM. Nice pair you have there.

Steve; Thanks for the DOM on the R it's a 300 Savage that belonged to my Grandfather's brother and the F is a 308 from 1961 that was my Grandfather's deer rifle. Again thanks for the info. Mike

Oops. Double post.