Some were done by the factory in the latter 30's, maybe early 40's. So there's historical interest. But they don't handle modern or 1" scopes.
PS: no way to know which ones were done at the factory and which ones done after. Savage didn't record this data, as far as we've ever been able to find out.
Last edited by Calhoun; 08/11/22.
“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
Those naked (but fillable) holes wouldn't stress me out half as much as a ventilated recoil pad would.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, why the automatic rush to install a scope on any Savage lever gun? Put an aperture rear sight on it and retain it's wonderful carry-ability, and if venturing into wide open spaces where iron sights are a (somewhat) disadvantage, choose a different tool with a scope on it.
"You can lead a man to logic, but you cannot make him think." Joe Harz "Always certain, often right." Keith McCafferty
I'd put a Redfield 70 LH on it before I drilled anymore holes in it. There is an outside chance that those holes are original, especially if it isn't currently wearing a Redfield 70 LH
If it's an RS then it will at least be an accurate example. Functional too. I've shot some pretty good 100 yard groups out of 99's with receiver sights...
Last edited by 99guy; 08/11/22.
"You cannot invade mainland America. There would be a rifle behind every blade of grass" ~Admiral Yamamoto~
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Some were done by the factory in the latter 30's, maybe early 40's. So there's historical interest. But they don't handle modern or 1" scopes.
PS: no way to know which ones were done at the factory and which ones done after. Savage didn't record this data, as far as we've ever been able to find out.
At least they didn't put your side mount right over the engraving. I just use the big round thing on top of the barrel to carry the rifle. I never took a pic of the mount side, who wants to see a couple squigly lines sticking out from under it?
Oh noes... Unless the T7 scratched up all the blueing on the other side, THAT one I'd be tempted to plug the screw holes.
“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
Those naked (but fillable) holes wouldn't stress me out half as much as a ventilated recoil pad would.
I've said it before and I'll say it again, why the automatic rush to install a scope on any Savage lever gun? Put an aperture rear sight on it and retain it's wonderful carry-ability, and if venturing into wide open spaces where iron sights are a (somewhat) disadvantage, choose a different tool with a scope on it.
Agree 100%. The ease of carry is what makes the 99 special. Not many rifles carry as easy and comfortable.
Guess I'll go with the modified Leupold someone here is said to make.
Need info. Thanks.
The holes are only ugly if you judge them by the aesthetics of today. You bought a period rifle with period features. Nobody set out to destroy its future desirability when they mounted the scope. In fact it could be argued they were forward thinking in mounting glass on a rifle during a tiime when open and peep sights ruled the day. Those holes would not bother me at all and here's an alterntive solution. There is a replica Wever 330 being made for the "sniper" guys who are into milsurp. I suspect the optics in the replicas are far better than what the originals had. You could always put a Weaver side mount back on that 99 and go with a modern replica of the 330. And that would look like the hot setup that 99 was back when the holes were drilled.
Last edited by S99VG; 08/11/22.
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