Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Savage Collectors Where can I find a quick primer on Savage 99's?

Hi all

An old 99 in .300 Savage caught my eye today just as the store was closing, so I didn't get a good look.
I would guess its from the '40's from its looks - but I know too well that I dont know these guns at all.
I noticed a brass counter and case colors on the lever. And that the front sight was a Lyman dovetailed into a ramp, and looked like it was an aged ivory bead.
I didn't notice anything "bad" except for some rust on the buttplate.
I was told the bore was good but I'll need to see that for myself.

1. What should I look for to help me understand "what it is"?
2. What do I need to watch out for if I decide to buy it?
3. Is there a good write up somewhere that could help me get a good read on the model 99? I know very little about them though I've always been intrigued.

Thanks!

Bore condition
Original finish both blueing and wood?
Solid frame or takedown?
Checkered stocks or plain?
Look close around the top tang for cracks
Serial number will tell the year.
Great rifles! They will bite you! They are addicting!
Good luck.....

Read all the posts here. Buy David's book to familiarize yourself with the addiction known as "The Savage 99". This forum is a treasure trove of knowledge. Take some time and read the posts. ASK questions, the fella's here are more than happy to help a fellow addict...

Blitz

Maybe schedule a phone call with one of the forum stalwarts to spend a couple minutes consulting while viewing the gun in person?

David Royal's book is great, but for a more easily transportable guide I would suggest Murray's book too. I carried my copy in an old Army haversack (my "possibles bag") for many years when traipsing through gun shows.

Well, I'm hoping to actually 'see' it tomorrow.

Maybe I'll even have some pics to post - give you all something to drool over....!

Any chance that Lyman front sight is original?

If you can post good photos we can probably tell you what you want to know within a few hours...and no charge.

I don't know anyone around here that hunts Savages. WTH?

Anything is possible, they did use Lyman front sights sometimes. Lots of models and variations, pictures are by far the best way. If you don't want to let the cat out of the bag while you chase it you can PM a couple of us and we'll answer questions privately. Or post the pictures up here and folkswill tell you everything you ever wanted to know about that rifle.

Doug Murray's "The Ninety-Nine", revised 3rd edition is the best pocket reference out now. Hopefully there will be a better one out eventually. There are a lot of outdated things in Murray's that you learn after a while, but can be confusing just walking into it.

David Royal's "A Collector's Guide To The Savage 99 Rifle .." is the best desktop reference.

Just perused the Posts! Rick99 has my vote for a good idea. Reinvent the wheel, Master's Degree in Savage 99...
Or just some good pix, particularly including serial number & nomenclature. Part Deux, let the masters right here provide their amazing expertise! Beer stop in between, often good too!
Best & Stay Safe!
John

Thank you all

I'll get some pics after work this afternoon and get them posted here by tomorrow evening.
Even if I don't buy it, it will be great to learn a thing or two!

For a quick primer I would say anything lower than the one-million serial number mark in 300 or 250 and in damn good shape.

They are all good guns and it just depends on your taste for long rifle vs carbine and straight vs pistol grip stock. And also keep in mind if its factory drilled for a scope the Savage makers ark will be off set on the front receiver bridge. Any gun with holes drilled through the makers mark is not factory but that may not matter for a good shooter.

Best of luck!

I do remember that the safety was on the right side of the lever. Also I dont think it was D&T at all but my memory is very sketchy on that...

Serial number is 682XXX

1953. If it has a schnabel forearm, it will be a model 99EG. If it had a fat and wide forearm with a rounded end, it's a model 99R. Only two models made that year.

The 99EG wasn't d&t at the time for scope bases. The 99R was.

Schnabel. I'll have some pics up in 20-30 minutes

Ill get some more up. I had forgotten what a hassle it can be to post pics using my phone....


https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/galleries/15298327#Post15298327

Looks like an EG with an ill fitting butt plate.

I'm guessing the sights are wrong. Am I right?

Looking at the tang, that buttstock isn't fitting very well. Might be the original buttplate, wrong buttstock?

And yeah, sights have been replaced I believe.

Wood is very often proud of buttplates. Look for uniformity.