99 Takedown Procedure ?

[Dogshooter]

I just got a 99 takedown in 250-3000. Manufacture year is 1915. It is rellay dirty and the buildup in and on it is thick and gummy. I cannot feel any movement whatsoever in the takedown joint. I don't know which way it is supposed to turn, clockwise or counterclockwise. Also, the forestock is tighter than Dick's hatband. I got the buttstack off OK and really want to tear this rifle dopwn to get ALL of the gunk off  and out of it. Any advice from the gallery would be more than welcome.

[olgrouser]

First off, she an old girl, so be gently, don't force anything...

if the fore end does not come off by simply sliding on the button on the underside towards the receiver (I think), you've got problems as someone may have permanently fixed it on.

In order for the barrel to unscrew, the fore end first needs to be removed and then the lever must opened. An arrow on the underside of the barrel should show you which way the barrel you should turn. If the barrel doesn't want to turn, it too may have been fixed into place.

If this advice is useless, take the time to find a competent Savage gunsmith who is familiar with 1899/99.

Good luck.

[Dogshooter]

Thanks olgrouser. I sprayed some Kroil into it and let it soak in for a couple of weeks. Checked on it tonight and  it broke down really easy. Still seems pretty tight. Came apart just like you said. Thanks again for the help.