Howdy from Texas! I own a 1914 example of the 1899 H lightweight takedown variation of that innovative Savage Rifle in 22 Hi-Power. To increase its versatility and ease the availability of ammunition, I seek an additional barrel in 30-30 Winchester. I would also be interested in a 410 smooth bore for the same.
TexasVaquero, Barrel changes have been bantered about here numbers of times if a search can find the threads you can read them. Short story; Though in theory changing a barrel on a take down is possible and Savage actually offered limited 2 barrel sets at one time, the practical side says leave them alone. First off, Savage insisted that type of work be done at the factory only. Beyond that there are indexing issues, head space issues, changes of rotor and cartridge guide and possibly more. One of the tinker'ers here may be able to provide some insight and experience on the matter. You could easily invest a lot of time to become and expert on the inner workings/compatibility and still not get there from here. JMO
The 410 barrel is easy.. you just have to find one for sale and buy it. Ebay is the normal source. They don't come cheap. Even then, proper indexing isn't guaranteed, plus there are different 410 barrel lengths and profiles. For a 22HP you'll want a shorter, featherweight 410 barrel so it matches the forearm barrel channel.
Before going the 30-30 barrel route, you might make sure your rifle will load and feed 30-30 properly. You can do this with a 22HP barrel, just don't try to fully chamber a 30-30 cartridge. Load up the rifle with 30-30 cartridges, then eject them by just working the lever halfway so it starts feeding but doesn't fully chamber. This will show if it loads and feeds 30-30 okay. After that, it's a question of watching ebay/gunbroker/wherever for an 1899 featherweight barrel in 30-30 to come up - and then pray that it fits and indexes properly. It's a crap shoot.
Last edited by Calhoun; 08/02/18.
“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
Yeah, I just don't have it in me to go through that whole rigamarole of explaining the details again. The only reason I mess with barrel additions/changes is because I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes.
On the other hand, sometimes you get lucky.
Anybody have a spare .250-3000 TD barrel? Or perhaps a 99D barrel?
Last edited by gnoahhh; 08/02/18.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
Gary (gnoahhh) has put up some excellent explanations of the problems encountered with changing barrels on take down frames. Spend some time reading his responses on this topic and you'll find yourself better informed for the effort. The conclusion I came to is that it really is a "crap shoot." You may get lucky and you may not - but with my horrible history in towns like Vegas I tend to stay away from gambles these days.
"The universal aptitude for ineptitude makes any human accomplishment an incredible miracle." John Stapp - "Stapp's Law" "Klaatu barada nikto"
the up side is if you do swing and miss when trying to find a barrel that the stars align just right on, you can always sell the ones that don't work. about all you will lose is your time and effort. what you will gain is more insight into the glorious inner workings of the piece of art known as the 1899/99 savage. if the girls don't find you handsome they will at least find you more handy!
Last edited by deerstalker; 08/02/18.
the consolidation of the states into one vast republic, sure to be aggressive abroad and despotic at home, will be the certain precursor of that ruin which has overwhelmed all those that have preceded. Robert E Lee ~Molɔ̀ːn Labé Skýla~
Or perhaps a 99D barrel?
