savage 99 or blr?

[mjbgalt]

i have a chance to buy one or the other, similar condition and prices. anyone have reasons for or against either?

-Matt

[Rangr44]

IMO, it depends on what floats your boat - a racier, more modern/accurate rifle/action that begs for a scope, or a more conservative classic rifle, better suited for a peep.

In my experiences with both, the BLR shoots better, but the Savage carries/handles better.

[Hairtrigger]

Easy answer.
I am a huge Browning fan and have 2 BLR's in centerfire and another 2 in rimfire.
I would buy the Savage 99. The 99's I have are a better rifle imho and shoot almost as well as my BLR's

[LEO]

I have both, a Savage Model 99F in 308 made in the early 60's, it has the rotary magazine and all.  It is a really neat rifle, the trigger is heavier than on the BLR but very manageable, the BLR shoots tighter groups than the Savage but I use the Savage with peep sights and the difference between 1.5 inch and 2 inch groups on a woods deer rifle is irrelevant.  I also like my BLR, it is more accurate than the Savage and I have it scoped with a Weaver 3X9 scope so it is a little more cumbersome to carry.  The trigger is probably slightly better on the BLR but neither is bad enough to be a problem on a deer rifle, if I miss a deer with either one of them it is my fault not the trigger. It is plenty accurate for shooting deer at any range that I have any business shoot at a deer at.  With that said, if the Savage was a rotary magazine rifle I would buy it for two reasons, the first is they are really classic American deer rifles and secondly they are getting hard to find at decent prices in decent shape.  BLRs can be ordered any day of the week and and are really not that hard to find used.  If the Savage is a detachable magazine rifle get the BLR because in my opinion the detachable magazine on the Savage 99 was the equivalent of treason.  Of course the proper response would be buy them both.

[pastorp]

I like a exposed hammer on my lever guns. Byron

[jbmi]

Not even close, buy the Savage. Seen to many BLR with misaligned teeth, or grit getting caught in the gears. Hard to disassemble and just don't look right for a lever action.
Now, I'm not a Browning basher, own 4 of them and feel they are great rifles, just not a fan of the BLR. I do own and hunt with a 99 Savage and feel it's a much better built gun and has a lot more character, mine will shoot MOA with my reloads.

[mjbgalt]

after a lot of thinking i decided i wanted a pistol grip, and the 99 has that...the blr i was looking at did not. i also liked the 99 better overall, even though i am a big Browning fan like you guys. so a .308 model 99 is heading to my FFL dealer soon.

-Matt

[Hairtrigger]

Just to make you think twice...
The BLR has been made (and still may be) with the curved pistol grip

[mjbgalt]

i know the blr can be had with a pistol grip but the used ones i looked at (in my price range) did not have them.

-Matt

[Will_C]

I have wanting to add a lever gun to my collection as well, and I have been considering both the Savage and the Browning.I think you made the right choice. As others have said, if you can get the Savage and you are happy with the condition of it, go for it. You can always find a dealer and have him order a BLR for you. Good luck with the new rifle.
Will

[Country Boy]

If you reload, get the browning. I've had both, I think thesavage feels better in my hand but the blr is a better gun. My two 99"s went to some friends, one a .358 the other a .308. I now have the two blr's in the same calibers.

[Hairtrigger]

I would much rather see a BLR with a scope than see a Savage 99 with holes drilled into the receiver

[Lloyd Smale]

I know those old savages are just about as much of a classic as a 94 and ive owned a couple but just cant get over the fact that there dog ugly to me.

[kevthebassman]

Lloyd, I'm just the opposite.  I've never owned one of the Savages (I've fondled a few though!  ) but I think they are just about the most beautiful thing I've ever laid eyes on.

To each his own I guess.

[icedog]

I think you made the correct choice.  I have five 99's, all of which I've acquired since I bought a new BLR about 12 years ago.  Doubt that I've carried the BLR more than about 4 times since its purchase, and am seriously considering offering it up for sale soon.

[Savage .250]

 A pre-mil Sav 99 is a .........classic. If you own one you know.  The BLR is fine but it`s just a nice weapon IMO.
    As the 99 has been out of production for some time they are getting like hens teeth to find. In some parts of the country anyway.  The only problem  I see with owning a 99 is you want............more.   
    Your choice. Good luck.