Just curious how many have owned a Savage 1899/99 with a factory barrel that never had a rear dovetail cut?? I have an 1899A short rifle still and owned an 1899CD like that. I did get the CD lettered and it was documented in the ledger (along with having a "short" 24" barrel). I've never bothered to have the 1899A short rifle lettered but maybe one day. The CD lettered as shipping in June 1911... the SR would have been 1905 timeframe.

I've never owned one but have seen a couple without it, even one Model 1903, an engraved Expert grade. Leaving out the rear dovetail was listed as a $1.00 option as far back as the 1897 catalog, changing location from standard also was $1.00. Most options for the 1899's were also offered for the 1903's when they were introduced.

This is from a later catalog, #24, from about 1909 - prices the same -


Probably not a very popular option since Savage also offered sight blanks for 25¢ and then you still had the option of changing to standard sights.

Thanks for that info, Gene.

Drew, I was going to mess with you and say my 1902 1899A engraved rifle has two dovetails, I'd gladly give you my extra.

I'll take it!