Alrighty, finally have it in my hands. I'm in the process of cleaning maybe 100 years of copper fouling from the bore.

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This story kind of started a month and a half ago on a deer hunt. Always looking at the ground, I noticed a piece of brass sticking out of the dirt. The headstamp was REM-UMC 250 HP. Now, I'm a gun guy (Inherited the "gun gene" as a friend puts it.), and know the 250 Savage and .250-3000, but had never heard of the 250 HP-figuring it was the latest, greatest, whiz bang caliber out there-even though it wasn't bright shiny brass. I stuck the case in my pocket and consulted the Google when I got home. I was then enlightened to the evolution of the naming. I got a little intrigued along the way and started looking here. Lo and behold a buddy forwards me the auction flyer and there's a bona fide .250-3000 listed, one photo from one side. My entrance to the Model 1899/99 world was overwhelming to say the least. The Blue Book of Gun Values (BBoGV) lists no less than 30 different variations, but I was able to narrow it down from that one photo-but not definitively until I had it in my hands a couple of days ago. From the photo I knew it was a takedown, and not a tang safety. Although there are still questions-Rory's pocket reference has been ordered. I decided that I was going to add a 99 to the stable if the price was right. Trust me-I didn't need another rifle, but I was kind of hooked. There was a Winchester Model 42 at the auction too, but that's another story.

A friend made the purchase. He updated me on the day of the auction with general characteristics, but no specifics (ser# for one-I know, I know!!). Needless to say I was a little nervous. This is my first Savage lever gun. I have been gleaning a bunch of info from this site in the last couple of weeks and I appreciate all of the knowledge available here that is offered purely gratis with the hope that the information is helpful and passed along. It has seen some honest wear, but I believe it's been taken care of-the condition of the bore not withstanding. I will shoot it, and hopefully will harvest something with it. There are a couple other rifles in the lineup ahead of it, but it might get called in to pinch hit-circumstances dictating. I posted on the parts thread that I want a Redfield 70LT receiver sight to add to it. No response, so maybe there are chuckles directed my way-yeah right, 10 years ago maybe. The bore looks clean (now) with sharp rifling and I am hopeful it's a shooter. Now I just need some ammo and a little time.

Here's what I know:
Ser # 2101XX-forearm and stock numbers match
22" bbl, Utica address
Marble's rear sight
Weighs right at 7 pounds
1:14" twist-confirmed with one of the many patches that have gone down the bore

Here are the questions:
No model indication anywhere as I've seen posted here-bbl or on top front of receiver. According to BBoVG 1919 makes it a Model 1899 .250-3000 Rifle.
BBoGV says "fine cross-checkered trigger (unique to this model). Not the case on this one-very dark (black) trigger with vertical serrations.

Enjoy! Look forward to what you folks think.

LHS

There were two versions of the 250-3000 rifle. Version 1 had a Perch Belly stock and the cross hatch trigger. Version 2 had a straight grip stock with no Perch Belly, and the straight line serrated trigger. My 1919 is one of my favorites. I sold my 1915 or I would post a pic of the two together. Here's my 1919. I think the version 1 was from 1914 to 1917, then the version 2 from 1918 till they model G came out. Others can correct me if I'm wrong on those details.

Very close, Joe.

I call the different variations "Styles" in my book, because there are models with multiple versions (99A Version 1 in 1921, 99A Version 2 in 1970). Style was a word used fairly often in the catalogs, and is much shorter than "Variations", so I stole it.

So the Savage model 1899 250-3000 Style 1 was from 1915 to 1917, it has the perchbelly and cross-hatched trigger as Joe said.
Savage Model 1899 250-3000 Style 2 was from 1919 to mid-1921, and it has a straight bottomed buttstock and vertical serrations on the trigger. It looks EXACTLY like the 99G Style 1 that came out in fall of 1921, but the 99G was available in many cartridges rather than just 250-3000. All of the first Model 99 styles in 1921 were just renamed 1899 types from 1919-1920.

Welcome to the campfire! And that's a pretty nice looking 250-3000. Good start!

That’s very nice Joe

What's the 250HP, just a different name for the 250S/250-3000?

I learned something already from this thread. I thought variation I was first year only. Every one I've seen posted, and my own rifle, are first year.

Also. The receiver sight you're after seem to come up for sale fairly often, here and eBay.

Yeah, the perchbelly on all the models went away when production restarted in 1919 - as well as the mirror blue finish.

As far as I know, the 250HP name was just a different name for 250-3000/250 Savage.

Thanks Calhoun. That is a relief, I was thinking that the trigger had been changed out.

Again, a nod to the folks with the info. Thanks!!

LHS

Thank you Joe. That is a shining example!

LHS

I might have a 70LH. Click on my handle on the left of this posting and send a note via my e-mail. With only 7 postings I don't think you can use the PM system yet.

Thanks Rick, email sent.

LHS

I have a perchbelly that I thought was a 1920. I’ll have to double check

Made it to the range today with the box of ammo I found last week.

25 yds to make sure I was on paper. Top was first shot-clean, cold bore.

LHS

What grain bullets?

87

Just curious, was the Bluebook of guns price accurate with the hammer price at the auction?

I haven't opened a Bluebook in 25 years. The market sets the price and the value. Not a book.

I believe it sold for right at the Bluebook price. Of course %age is always subject to debate....

LHS

Thanks, just wanted to know how accurate they are. I see a lot of EG’s selling for way more than Bluebook prices.

The white pony rider box was used 1981-1992 and that might have been the last time they loaded the 87 gr bullet.