Savage 99 TD in 30/30 question...

[DonT]

Just traded for a 1928ish Savage 99(D) I beleive (22" round barrel, straight stock, shotgun steel buttplate and no checkering) takedown in 30-30.
Needed a crack in the forend repaired which was not biggy.  But while I had the forend off I noticed a recessed steel sleeve, doesn't go all the way thru, with what appears to be about a 1/4" square hole in it.  Almost like it would be used to "loosen" something. 

It does not got thru the forend and from the looks of it I would say it was factory installed.  Can't find anything on the rifle it would fit.  Anyone got any idea what it is for?  There is nothing it fits over under the barrel...

Also this rifle has a shiney varnish type of finish on most of it.  In some areas it is pretty warn and around the trigger plate scratched up a bit.  Thoughts on refinishing???  I have done a number of rifles and know to keep any sanding to a minimum and it looks like stripping the finish & reapplying a finish will be all it needs.  I was leaning toward a satin hand rubbed finish like linspeed or tung oil...  Do you think this will detract from the value...

The finish on the metal is smooth and mostly patina with if worn silver under the action where it was carried.  Bore is excellent.  This gun was hunted but not abused, wish it could talk...

Any thoughts on refinishing the stock???  Anyone knwo what type of finish it originally had??

Thanks,
DonT

[Rangr44]

[a recessed steel sleeve, doesn't go all the way thru, with what appears to be about a 1/4" square hole in it.  Almost like it would be used to "loosen" something. It does not got thru the forend and from the looks of it I would say it was factory installed.  Can't find anything on the rifle it would fit.  Anyone got any idea what it is for?  There is nothing it fits over under the barrel...]

It is a factory-designed wrench that fits over the barrel's forend lug, when held cross-wise to the barrel.



[on refinishing the stock???  Anyone knwo what type of finish it originally had??]

Varnish, IIRC.

.

[Hopalong7]

     Of course you know it's worth far more to a lot of 99 nuts left un-refinished.  Which has exactly nothing to do with what it's worth to you!  When I acquired my first TD model I had the same question that you did.  What's that for   Tried for ever....couldn't figure it out...had to ask.  Makes sense....pop the forend on the barrel cross ways and use as a lever to break the barrel threads loose.  Most folks advise to not use the TD feature or stay clear of TD models that aren't still good n' tight because somebody else used to take it down regularly.  Mine is an old 22 Hi-Power and thankfully feels just like a rigid frame model.  If this is your first, welcome to the great world of 99's!  Walt