Are All 99 receivers made the same?

[Majbg]

If I wanted a 99 in 358, but could only find 300's, could I rebarrell the rifle to 358 and all be fine?  supposing I could find the bbl.  Thanks.  BG

[clodbuster]

You would be better off using a  99 originally chambered in 308 Win since the parent case is the same.  I understand Savage used stronger steel in the later guns(308, 358, etc) and the magazine should not need mods to work with 358.  They are generally lower priced in the later guns exc. for the odd cals. like 358 375 284 etc.   Or you could just buy a 99 in 358. They show up at the online auctions regularly.  Or you could get a 308 and load it with heavy bullets and have a gun that would do everything the 358 will.  Good luck.

[Majbg]

saw a 99 in 308 at gun show, $485, "F" model.  looked OK. ser # 913xxx.  maight find it next month.  bg

[Ron T.]

In either late 1954 or early 1955, Savage changed the receivers on their Model 99 to accommodate the slightly longer .308 Winchester.  The next year, Savage added the .243 and .358 Winchester cartridges to the calibers available on the Model 99 as well.

I agree with Clodbuster that you'd be far better off to buy a "99" chambered in .308 rather than .300 Savage... and have that rifle rebarreled to .358 Winchester.

BTW, $485 for that rifle is an excellent buy if the rifle is at least 90% or better condition.  You should "jump" on that one ASAP.     :-)


Strength & Honor...

Ron T.