I love prewar R's, and seeing this just hurts. Seller is only asking $525, really tempted to grab it and redo the recoil pad. Might end up being an upgrade to one I have.. But goodness knows I have enough other projects that I don't need another.

I'm not sure it's an RS as opposed to just getting the studs. In other pics it doesn't look like it ever wore a Redfield 70. But rear sight doesn't look original, so it probably did wear one and probably is an RS.

It's just a shame. It's not like the 300 Savage has much kick to it.

Agree. Nothing gets my "non-original goat" worse than a recoil pad on a rifle that didn't leave the maker with one. (Of course, a generation or two ago it was just a good old hunting rifle whose owner felt the need for a recoil pad. Said owner would probably look ahead at 21st century collectors and shake his head in wonder at the frivolity of it all.)

It'd be a good companion to your 99T...

Nice looking hunting rifle if you need one. It does look like a refinish on both wood and metal from the two photos there but so what for a hunting rifle.

I'd guess from the other pictures I have that it isn't. They did hit the checkering with something that turned it darker, but even Old West Snake Oil will do that to checkering. Lot of case color left on lever. Wear on the receiver matches the barrel.

Now that I look close, I do see slight scratches on the tang where it used to wear a tang sight. So that probably settles it being a RS where somebody removed the Redfield.

I agree with Fireball, would make a great hunting rifle. Or to take out and just shoot and enjoy. I know I would.

Yeah, it would. At least the T was left full length when they flattened the butt- the serial number was still there, all they did was flattened the curves. It is, and remains, my nod to a .300 99 hunting rifle, and as such the flat plate I installed is ok. (That and I got it so cheap from you!)

Tell him what a dog it is and offer $400

It's a retail store, so don't think they're going to do that. It'll sell at this price, and they know it. Darn it.

Ever notice on the prewar R's that if you remove the double lines, lighten the barrel...

You have a 1950's 99F.

drill lightning holes in the buttstock and probably slim the forearm. Haven't got time to run out and compare pre-war 99R and post war 99F forearms right now.

Calhoun, Who case hardened the receiver on that? A very handsome rifle. Being new to 99's all the letter designations can be confusing.

Bought that one off of saddlering a number of years ago. I don't think he knew who'd done it either, it definitely isn't factory. Since then I've got a prewar R that's case colored also that another campfire buddy had done up.

Come to think of it, that prewar R came from saddlering originally also.

They make a nice set.

Biggest differences between 99's are usually:
1) the stock configuration
2) the barrel length and profile

Then add in the serial number range can make a difference. Only once in a while is the receiver itself is different.. the saddle ring carbine has holes for the staple, the 284 rotary models have different internals, the post-1960 99E is different than the others with a lever safety, etc.

They certainly do, very nice! That should of been a Savage option. Maybe it's time to get Mr. Royal's book.

There were a number of Savage 1895's that were case colored at the factory.

Definitely get David's book. He's got some numbered/signed first edition ones for sale right now.

some 1895's also had case colored receivers. I have serial #51xx with a case colored receiver. It's mostly faded now.

Just talked to Mr. Royal on the phone and the check is in the mail.

Saw one in Tulsa that had bright case colors under the tang sight, but was totally faded on the rest of the receiver. If the stock hadn't been trashed I'd have bought it. Tried to talk him down enough so justify restocking it, he wouldn't budge enough.

mine is pictured on p. 20 of my book. The case shows faintly in the pic. The case is still pretty good in protected areas.

Back to the recoil pads, I can't believe how many 22 HP's show up on GB with them. I guess once upon a time it was just the thing to do. Unless, you had long arms, then I could almost understand it?

Yep. 22HP's, 303 Savage and 30-30, 250-3000's, 243's... those are all just silly as heck to put a recoil pad on. The 300 Savage I can maybe understand if it's a lightweight 99 and it's for a kid or a really light framed woman (or man). Though I once saw a nitwit get a heck of a scope bite from a 243. Head wounds bleed a lot. I guess if you're not taught to hold that gun firmly against the shoulder, any of them will hurt.

When I had bubba the gunsmith D&T my first 99EG he tried to talk me into putting a recoil pad and sling swivels on it. They did that to try and get more money. I didn't do it.

99R that started this post isn't on the seller's web site any more. Didn't last long. Hope buyer has a nice Redfield 70LH and enjoys it.

If I got that rifle, I would put a new leather covered pad on it and be quite happy with that.

Now there's an idea. I like that.

I took my neighbor to the range to sight in his Ruger 77 in 30 06. I shot a 240 round can through my M1 and 03. He shot 10 rounds in his 77. Next day he called in sick, said he couldn't move or touch his shoulder. He retired from the Navy as a navigator on P3 Sub Chaser. Guess you don't need a rifle up there.

To revisit the recoil pad situation:

While a thick pad, particularly a ventilated one, is ugly and unnecessary, a thin, solid pad (more like a butt plate) can be a real asset for repeat shots. A metal or plastic plate is apt to slip on the shoulder while working the lever from the shoulder, especially in cold weather. I realize none of you have ever needed a second shot, so it is a moot point . I have a T in 250 with a thin, dark pad (it came to me that way) and it does not really detract from the appearance of the rifle.

Outside of the recoil pad, that's a good looking rifle. If the lgs here had that, judging from the way they price other 99's, they would want $1000 + for it : /
They have one on the rack every now and then, and every time they have a outrageous price on them. Right now they have what looks to be a 300 eg that has been
rode hard and put away wet, and has 1/2 inch of rifling missing at the muzzle to prove it. I'll have to look when I go back in, but it was either &799 or $899.

I agree, but back when them folks did that, had a few old timers tell me was to get a better non slip surface on their shoulder. They looked at their shootin irons as tools, and if they felt it improved their tool, they did it. Nobody 80 years ago that bought a rifle thought about investment potential.

A leather covered pad would make a classy outfit out of that rifle, so would a red Decelerator pad. Most rifles that I buy with pads get the Decelerator treatment.