I looked at what I was told was a Savage 1899 C ser# 27242 (DOM 1903). It was in 303 sav. Had the pistol grip stock with crescent metal butt. Had fancy checkering on both stocks. Had a half oct barrel marked 1899 and a tang sight. Also had hook swivels and sling. It had no engraving on receiver. I would rate it at about 90% overall. I couldn't buy it because someone else was in line to look at it. Couldn't get a picture because he was on his way out the door. Was asking 850. Should I pursue this rifle?

YES!

Holy smokes man go buy a lotto ticket too while yer at it.

Pistol grip and checkering makes me think you mean 1899CD. The 1899C is a given if it's a half-octagon barreled. The 1899CD came with pistol grip and checkering.

With that serial number, it's too early to be a named 1899CD, but there's no difference between the named special model and a rifle with the same options ordered.

Sounds like a definite gun to chase down if it has any condition!

...or any condition.

Thanks guys, now to chase down the seller. Hopefully see him on Tuesday morning. I bet I have maybe a 50-50 chance. Seller called it a C model not CD. I spoke to an older gentleman today who owns a gunshop. He offered me a grand without seeing it. As soon as I described the half oct barrel his ears stood up. Said tang sight is worth maybe 100 bucks cause its not factory? Hmmmm

Never say never- that tang sight could've been screwed on at the factory, depending of course on which sight it is.

It was definetly in same condition as rifle, aged looking

And he's right, an 1899C is a half octagon barrel, 26" length is standard, with a crescent buttplate.

The checkering and pistol grip aren't standard, they were extra factory options. There was a named model called an 1899CD which had both. Any standard 1899 with added pistol grip and checkering is desirable.

Oh, and the gun likely dates to 1901, not 1903. Though add on special features often delayed the gun.. so 1902 wouldn't surprise me.

Ty you Calhoun!! You guys know your stuff. Tuesday will be the day if I can get it

Good luck.

Missed it. Guy sold it for 800 bucks!!