Author Topic: Thoughts on a vintage Savage 1899 (Read 688 times)

CheapShot · « **on:** October 05, 2004, 01:15:31 PM »

I am contemplating the purchase of an 1899 (I think "A") in .300 Savage. It has a 26 inch barrel, straight grip, "perch belly" stock, take down model, and the serial number says it was made in 1925. It looks to be in good shape, bluing worn but no pitting or rusting, barrel bore fine, stock in good shape, with the normal scratches to be expected from a gun of this age. Seller is asking $550.

I have always liked the looks and feel of the Savage, but haven't shot one. This gun would be my deer gun when hunting in the woods with shots at 75 yards or less. So, my question: does this seem a good price, and what do you think of the quality of a Savage from the 1920's (I hear quality went downhill thru the years), and how do you like the caliber?

Thanks for any thoughts. I do appreciate the knowledge on this board.

jhm · « **Reply #1 on:** October 05, 2004, 05:08:01 PM »

Cheapshot : I have always been a fan of the 99 and the 300 sav. cal, is a great cal. for your intended use, on the price if its in the shape you describe I would pay it if I was in the market for that rifle, I have never let the price of a rifle stop me b-4 especially on one whos value will only increase.

JIM

snowdog · « **Reply #2 on:** October 08, 2004, 09:38:24 AM »

i just seen my first savage 99 this past week, God.. what a beautiful
gun. I strongly believe that will be my next purchase..when ever
I can find one... CHRISTmas is coming up....

savageT · « **Reply #3 on:** October 08, 2004, 01:48:55 PM »

CheapShot,
Congratulations on finding a fine old example of the best lever gun ever made! Yours sounds like an early model "B" 99 with 26" barrel in .300 Savage caliber. What you have is that gray-area period where the model 1899 and 99's were being introduced depending on the whim of the company. Did you say you had a perch-bellied butt stock? I believe the 1899's with perch belly w/pistol grip stocks were not available in .300 Savage, perhaps in .250-3000 in a 22" barrel, as in model "A"(1914-1921).
If yours is in .300 Savage then you most likely have a "B" model 99 (1920-1934) with straight grip buttstock. Was this a take-down model?

That would be a premium if the barrel locks up tightly! Do I think you are paying too much????NO! Enjoy it and if you need to find out more, I can give you the name of the Savage Historian who can research your particular gun.
Jim

armory414 · « **Reply #4 on:** October 14, 2004, 08:27:15 AM »

If you get the rifle, and decide you want new stocks, www.gunstocksinc.com is now making semi-finished replicas of both straight-grip and perch belly buttstocks.