The Model 99 Savage is in the midst of becoming a true American icon... and the older, better quality rotary magazine rifles are much preferred over the newer "clip" models.
I believe the "EG" model, introduced in 1935 and discontinued in 1960, with it's classic slender forearm & it's "schnoble" forearm tip is the most "classic" of the Model 99's. I prefer the later model "EG" which had the schnoble forearm tip, the hand-checkering (1940 & after), the 24-inch barrel (1941 & after) and was available in the classic .300 Savage caliber.
The Model 99 Savage rifle is a "classic" and handles like a dream. Its lever action is "butter-smooth" compared to most other lever action rifles. While opinions tend to differ, most Model 99 enthusiasts believe the best quality 99's were made prior to the late 1950's.
I use a 1953 Savage Model 99 (a late model EG) in .300 Savage for all my deer hunting and I don't think either the rifle or the caliber can be beat for deer out to 250 yards.
The .300 Savage cartridge, "father" of the .308 Winchester cartridge, is acknowledged by many experts as "THE" perfect deer cartridge because most hunting bullets offer outstanding performance at .300 Savage velocities while averaging 25%-30% less recoil than a .270 Winchester with equal weight bullets.
My hunting handload, consisting of a 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip Bullet in front of 41.5 grains of IMR4895 rifle powder and a standard Winchester large rifle primer, chronographs at an average muzzle velocity of 2680 fps while giving an average of ¾ of an inch, 3-shot groups @ 100 yards off the bench rest with my Bushnell 3x-9x variable scope set on "9x". It fired a 3-shot group of .112 inches @ 50 yards off a bench rest using sandbags and a rifle rest. Ive seen many other Model 99 owners claim ¾ inch accuracy at 100 yards from their Savage Model 99s as well and I have no reason to doubt them. The Savage Model 99 is undoubtedly one of the, if not THE, most accurate lever action rifle available anywhere.
Sighted in 2.75-inches high at 100 yards, the .300 Savage cartridge has a point blank range of 265 yards, meaning the bullet does not rise or fall more than 3 inches above or below the "line-of-sight" from the rifle's muzzle to 265 yards down-range which is a long shot for most hunters.
The .300 Savage cartridge, using 180 grain bullets, is easily capable of taking elk, moose and black bear at reasonable ranges (under 200 yards) while the use of 120 grain to 130 grain premium bullets turn the efficient .300 Savage into a great antelope rifle for long range shooting. The 150 grain bullet is an excellent choice for deer.
There's something to be said about hunting with a "classic" rifle in a "classic" caliber... and the Savage Model 99 in .300 Savage caliber offers its owner a reasonably light, fast-handling, truly "classic", but very useful rifle for all occasions in a very reasonable price range.
If youd like more information about the Model 99 Savage, get THE authority, Doug Murrays book, THE NINETY-NINE. Murrays book is a wealth of information. He will personalize and sign your copy of his book if you request it. Heres the order information. Delivery takes about 10 days to 2 weeks:
Doug Murray
20 Polo Lane
Westbury, NY 11590
The cost is $30.00 post paid, Canada add $3.00.
Strength & Honor
Ron T.
