Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors 1899 H pistol grip?

Went to look at this rifle today. It has matching serial numbers on the forearm and hard plastic buttplate. There is no number on the hollowed out buttstock, but the wood matches the forearm exactly. The stock has a pistol grip, and curved lever. No grip cap, but a shaped surface that I have not seen before. The woood is very nice. Maybe it is special order? Can not find any mention of this shaped pistol grip termination in Murray or Royals book. Murray does say that pg was available in 1912 for an additional 2.50. Barrel is 20 inches. Almost certain it has been re-blued, although all stamping are still sharp, and the wood and buttplate are in very good condition. Not sure on that. It has been drilled and tapped, 2 holes on the curved side of the receiver, above the flat sides. Have not come across a scope mount that would mount in that location. This is a beautiful little rifle. Comes to the shoulder effortlessly.
Can anyone tell me if this appears to be all original, except for the d and t, and possibly the blueing. What do you think this rifle is worth?

Tried to attach photos, not successful, again. Will load a few to the image gallery.

Thank you,
Eric

Doesn't appear to be factory to me. As for value, whatever the buyer thinks it's worth as a shooter....

Thanks poconojack. Is it the buttstock. That leans you that way?

Also, I forgot some important info. It is 22 HP, and TD. Stock does have the perch belly.

Looks right as rain to me, except those couple extra holes in the receiver. The pistol grip is what we call the Marlin S pistol grip, it's on all Savage 1899's up to 1915'ish that have pistol grips. The pistol grip cap didn't show up until the 250-3000 came out.






Here's mine, 1899H with pistol grip in 22HP (picture was rotated):

p. 46 in my book shows two of John Wright's 1899CD's with the "Marlin" pistol grip. David

That looks like some nice wood in the top two pictures, especially if it's original equipment!

Definitely doesn't look like run of the mill walnut, though not top of the line circassian either. I'd love to have it.

Get it lettered to possibly find out. Looks like a great little shooter. The extra holes affect the value.

What's the price?

Thank you very much for all the responses. Handled it again today, love the way it feels. Made a deal with him for 650.00. Would have paid 750.00 just because I love the way it feels, but he was good with that.
Is there a specific scope mount that fits the holes you see drilled? The only mount I can find that looks like it would match is the Weaver # 30. Did these mount to the curved, upper part of the receiver?

Thank you,
Eric

Have never seen another 99 drilled like that one. Can't imagine what matches those holes.

I've seen one or two like that, but don't know what fits them.

Nice grab.

Thank you David for the reference to your book.I studied through your book, an amazing resource by the way, for a couple hours last night. Did not notice the "Marlin Pistol Grip" in any of the great photos. Did not know such a variation existed. Looking at your p 46 photos with a magnifying glass, it is clearly visible.

Calhoun, I check this forum at least once a day. I appreciate your even handed, common sense, and vast knowledge. Would have bought this rifle on your post alone. Thank you for sharing.

This Savage thing is getting totally outa control.

Thanks,
Eric

Just wait, it will get worse!

“HI, My name is Eric, and I’m a Savageholic”....

There's one on page 73 of the image gallery that's drilled like Eric's. A B' .A little different but not much. On phone so can't provide image.

Might be best to forget those holes and get a Lightfoot mount. Then you can mount any 1" scope.

If using a scope is desired then what David recommended above makes a lot of sense. And you can use a modern scope. As David said forget the holes and enjoy the carbine. You did well on the price.

Yes the Lightfoot mount is way cool. Planning to use one on an 1899 250-3000 I have. Kinda intrigued by the drilling though. Would like to find out what mount these holes were drilled for. Assuming it is an older mount, and would be fun to find the correct one. This is obviously not the T-7 pattern, but wondering about the Weaver No 30 (no 29-5 Weaver) as shown in Murrays book, page 5-24, 5-25. Shows as a factory option in 1937. Looks as though the mounting holes are much higher than the T-7. I have not seen one of these, so I may be barking up the wrong tree. Anyone familiar with these mounts?

Thanks Lightfoot, yes that is the T-7. I am familiar with these. Have an EG 300 with this exact mount. The no 29-s Weaver looks like it has the mounting holes much higher on the receiver. Maybe on the curved part as my rifle is drilled. I have only seen pictures, dont know for sure.

Yes, Thanx Lightfoot for posting the two images together.

Here are some measurements that may or may not be the same as Eric's. 1899B ; Distance between holes Center to Center along the top of the receiver = 1 11/16 ".

Both holes are 1/4 " down from the top edge of the opening in the receiver.

Distance from center of back hole to after end of receiver opening (after most curved part) = 21/32".

Both holes have only 2 1/2 or 3 threads, (8-32 threads) and don't go right through to the inside of the action. (The OD of an 8-32 screw is 5/32").

Maybe The T-7 mount was being sliced lengthwise and holes drilled up higher closer to where the mounts are, and thereby eliminating all the extra sheet metal laying along the side of the action.

Awesome! I'm glad you bought it, otherwise my next post would have read "Where is it located?"

Picked up a couple bonuses in this deal. Some ok condition factory boxes of ammo, and a set of reloading dies. Have been searching, and cant even find a mention of Harper loading dies. Manufactured in San Francisco. Maybe Newsom put them out a business. Has anyone ever heard of these. Will have to get some bullets and give them a try. They thread into the Rockchucker fine.

Posted photos in the image gallery