By serial number, your rifle dates should date to early October, 1903 - but you need to know that rifles weren't finished in serial number order and any given rifle could be delayed by months or even a year. But October, 1903 is a good bet.
The model is tougher to know. The gun has been modified a lot.It probably started life as a model 1899A with a 26" barrel, or a model 1899A SR (Short Rifle) with a 22" barrel. As you can see, either way the barrel was probably cut down to 20".
The holes in the tang are for a tang sight, and they should be threaded. If you take a look at savage99.com, he has a page with common tang sights found on Savage 1899's.
“The Savage 99 Pocket Reference”. All models and variations of 1895’s, 1899’s and 99’s covered. Also dates, checkering, engraving.. Find at www.savagelevers.com
