You don't mention what your 99 is chambered for. From a condition perspective, the 99 certainly appears in better condition but function and bore condition are not apparent. I own a later model Marlin 1894 in 44-40. I also own a Marlin 1894 DOM 1904 in 38-40. The 38-40's finish has been worn to silver but the wood is good, the action is tight, the bore is excellent and the rifle is very accurate. It looks a lot like the one in your pics. I would not trade it for a 99 in a common configuration and I own a dozen 99s including 99s in 22 HP, 25-35, 250-3000, 303 Savage, 30-30, 243 Winchester, 308 Winchester, 300 Savage and 358 Winchester.
As for the 44-40, I own a Marlin 1894 and three Smith & Wesson revolvers in that chambering. I can't imagine why one would not want to own one. Neither the 38-40 nor the 44-40 are difficult to reload with a little practice and the right dies.
T.S.
Last edited by TexasShooter; 01/26/19.
