Author Topic: Is it true? Savage Model 99 coming back??!!?? (Read 2920 times)

coyote trapper1929 · « **on:** September 12, 2005, 06:27:08 AM »

Hi:

I was reading one of the hunting magazines online and they said that Savage is still talking about bringing back the Model 99 rifle. It was either Field and Stream , Outdoorlife, or Sportsafield. I don't remember which one. Would a new production of the Model 99 rifle sell?

slayer · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2005, 10:46:45 AM »

I beleive it would sell if they keep it under $400, over that, I think people would be hesitant. I am not a lever man, but my brothers very old 99 in .300 Savage is one well built rifle!! Jack.

clodbuster · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2005, 04:48:54 PM »

Guys I'd love a 99 in a 22 cal of some sort but my fear is that they would make them a box mag and cheap it up. The old 99's are so sweet I almost prefer they don't do it. I have a 250-3000 and a 308 Win, wouldn't a .223 round out that collection?

Ron T. · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2005, 06:39:10 PM »

It's very doubtful that Savage will ever start manufacturing the original Model 99 again.

Like the "pre-'64" Model 70 Winchester rifles, the original Model 99 Savage rifle like they built 'way back in the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s with the rotary magazine, cartridge counter, etc. would cost far too much due to a considerable amount of handwork, hand-fitting, etc. necessary to build a Model 99 like the best-quality Model 99s built during their "hey-days"... and such a rifle would probably have to retail at or over $1,000 per copy... a price few hunters would pay for a rifle design that is 110 years old.

Most experts agree that the Savage Model 99 is THE finest lever-action rifle ever designed & built as John Barsness pointed out in his excellent article beginning on page 46 in the September, 2005 issue of "Rifle Sporting Firearms Journal" magazine.

I have a 1953 "EG" model in .300 Savage in excellent condition that is my primary deer rifle. Several years ago, my best hunting buddy found it & bought it for me at a big regional gun show near his home 20 miles north of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

It came out of a deceased man's rifle collection that his old hunting partner was selling for the man's widow... and it appeared to be in new, unfired condition. Several years ago, I promised this rifle to my eldest Grandson (now age 13) when I'm "gone" and no longer have any need for it. I am also leaving him my reloading equipment and I bought and put aside 100 brand new Winchester virgin brass cartridge cases in .300 Savage caliber for his future reloading needs.

Ahhhhh yes, the Model 99 rifle is something you pass down to your son or Grandson... it is never sold, it stays in the family... forever. :-)

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

Savage .250 · « **Reply #4 on:** September 13, 2005, 04:14:17 AM »

Bring back to Savage 99.................
Sure they could bring it back" but" and this is a very big BUT...............
You can`t duplicate the past only attempt to modernize it and with that
all the storied history of this great gun goes out the window. IMO.

" The best part of the hunt is not the harvest but in the experience."

Lone Star · « **Reply #5 on:** September 13, 2005, 10:00:12 AM »

Quote

I beleive it would sell if they keep it under $400, over that, I think people would be hesitant.

That is unrealistic thinking - the cheapest Winchester M94 retails for $377, and the far superior M94 Timber model retails for over $600. The M99 is far costlier to manufacture if they tried to duplicate it. This classic design would have no appeal if it was built in China and sold for $350.

tscott · « **Reply #6 on:** September 13, 2005, 11:58:05 AM »

In 1999 I talked with the Savage factory about their 100 yr commerative
99. They refered me to a place where I could see... What a piece of crap!
For $1600. Savage rep acted indignant when I quizzed. Does anyone know what became of these rifles?
I'm exactly with Ron T. with a little incentive. My grandson has to be out of Jersey, where he can use a rifle. I still got at least another 20 years though (I hope) with my .300 1955 model f featherweight.

deerhunter · « **Reply #7 on:** September 22, 2005, 05:13:00 AM »

They already did on a limited basis. the factory told me that they made a batch and sent them to a certain distributor a couple of years ago. I could not get a price from then, or from my local dealer. Either they sold out fast, or they didnt sell them. the lady at the Savage factory told me that they already shipped them, so they must have been made.

brasskeeper · « **Reply #8 on:** September 23, 2005, 01:29:44 PM »

If they come out with a new one I would probably buy one. My 1899 take down in 300 savage (1922) would like to have a great grandson to keep it company.

Slamfire · « **Reply #9 on:** September 23, 2005, 07:28:54 PM »

Quote from: Lone Star

Quote
I beleive it would sell if they keep it under $400, over that, I think people would be hesitant.
That is unrealistic thinking - the cheapest Winchester M94 retails for $377, and the far superior M94 Timber model retails for over $600. The M99 is far costlier to manufacture if they tried to duplicate it. This classic design would have no appeal if it was built in China and sold for $350.

I think Cosco, the Chinese army's prision labor company would be about the only outfit that could make the rifle in that price range. Problem is they don't have machinery, just files and hammers, etc. :roll: