Yeah I'm over it now. The 99 is nice, it just needs the lever refinished. It's one of those 1895 75th anniversary rifles. 24" octagonal barrel, crescent brass butt, counter and rotor, lever safety. When I bought the thing I thought the lever had been casehardened and faded away...didn't look at it very well and turns out somebody polished MOST of the brass plating off the lever! It's hideous! Top it off some rust pits set in on the bright steel. Not too bad though, they'll come out. Well I figured I'd salvage it and sent it up to Doug Turnbull, he of the awesome case coloring, but the bill to straighten out the pitting and remove the plating and color case it was more than I had in the whole rifle. Of course he does museum quality work. Anyhoo I've got to find someone who will do maybe just remove the remaining plating and blue the thing for not too much money. You know I've never shot it. I bought it because it was a 99, in .308, with a 24" barrel. I thought that was potentially an interesting combo. It's a pretty rifle with schabel forend and straight grip, no sling swivels. There's a little stamped engraving on each side of the reciever saying "SAVAGE ARMS" and "MODEL 1895", and a medallion in the stock with a big indian head and "75th Anniversary". I thought the guy would instantly trade straight up to be honest. I just wanted something different without spending any cash. And don't get me wrong, the M100 looks new. I still like it but I guess I'm going to try to wear out the 99.
