Weight of Savage 99, featherweight carbine?

[Big Paulie]

Dear Guys,

   I am looking (on-line) at a Savage 99, featherweight,  take-down model, .30-30 carbine, with a twenty inch barrel, made around 1926.  

   Does anyone have any idea how much this would weigh?     The 99s are generally pretty heavy, and I am just wondering how heavy this type of carbine would be.

    Also, the value of the piece has been ruined, because someone mounted a "side-mount" scope mount on it, drilling holes into the left side of the receiver.   Assuming the rifle is in real good shape, does anybody think I would have problems with this rifle if I just took that mount off, and filled the receiver holes with filler screws?  (I would use this as a true shooter for deep woods, and it already comes with a nice Marble Peep mounted on it.)

   Can't decide whether to pursue this rifle, or just go get a tried but true Marlin 336.  (The Savage is really beautiful though!!)

Thanks, Big Paulie

[savageT]

Big Paulie,
According to my resource book, this is a model 99-F w/takedown 20" barrel.  I'm sorry but I don't find a weight listed for these carbine style models with straight grips, but certainly no heavier than 6 1/2-7lbs. tops.  I had one that was the standard model in 30-30 and it was heavier than my first pre'64 .32 cal. Winchester 94 but there was just no comparison in fit, finish, accuracy and quality to the Savage.
I would not hesitate to ask questions of the on-line seller if you need to know the weight or anything else before bidding on this gun, especially the quality of the barrel fit to the receiver.  Quite often, the take-down threads have become worn to the point that the barrel doesn't "lock-up at 12 o'clock, but slightly past.  This problem can be corrected by a good smith who knows m99's though.  I think in this day and time bidding will start around $450 and go from there.  Concerning the scope side-mount, yes it does detract form the original value but that's all I see on the market today are D&T'd receivers. You have to make up your mind if this is a "Safe-Queen" or a hunter.

[Big Paulie]

SavageT,

Thanks so much for your information.  I would be buying the rifle as a shooter in the woods, and not as a safe queen.  The seller is representing the rifle to be in condition FINE, and it looks as if it is in 98% condition.  It is quite beautiful.

But now, I have gotten a little leary from your e-mail.  You mention that the lock up of the barrel can get worn, so that it doesn't lock up at 12:00, and that I might need to find a savage gunsmith to fix it.

The last time I located a really experienced savage smith on the internet, I called him and he was very honest in saying that his turn around time is about 6 months.  (Which means it could really be a year.)

The one thing I definitely don't want to do is to buy a "PROJECT," and have to pour more and more money into the rifle.   (I am sick of projects.  They use to be great fun, but now. . . . . .blah.)

So, I guess the reality is, . . .that unless you physically handle and inspect a rifle of this age,  it is almost impossible to tell what you might be getting, no matter how great the finish looks?

I guess I had better think on this some more.  The Marlin 336 is a sound, plain and perfect rifle, . . . but I was looking for a little more grace and beauty.  

Thanks, Big Paulie

[savageT]

Big Paulie,
Well I certainly can appreciate your concern about another project! However, a simple question about the take-down threads lining up correctly can be answered by the seller......... YES or NO.  Now what you say is "If when I receive the gun and I cannot accept your description for the condition of this gun, I must have the right to return it within the 3-day inspection period.  If you feel that there is a glaring, untruthful problem then make him agree to paying for return shipping as well.  If you want to, go over to <24 hour campfire.com>  savage collectors and ask anyone what the routine is for take-down Savage threads: to tighten them back up.  Collectors will NOT take the barrel off the action just so this doesn't become an issue!  One last thing to check on.....ask about any stock cracks (typically behind the receiver tang).

Jim

[Big Paulie]

Savage T

Thanks for the info.  Maybe you can go over to Gunbroker.com, and type in Savage 99 .30-30, and you will see the rifle.   Is is listed as FINE, and I believe the current bid is somewhat over $400.  It has a Marble peep, plus a 2x Alaskan scope on it, with side mount.

Any impressions would be appreciated.

Thanks, Big Paulie

[savageT]

Big Paulie,
Kind of tough seeing much in those photos, but the description looks good.  Again, I would contact the seller and tell him you are serious about the gun and ask for some better photos and information we discussed.

Jim