What "Just Some Guy" posted is correct for the later model "E" ("Economy" Rifle/Carbine).
The original Model E (Light Weight) was introducted in 1922 & discontinued in 1934. It was made in a variety of calibers and barrel lengths. Serial numbers for this Model E ranged from 238,000 to about 344,000.
The Model 99-E was re-introduced in 1960, As "JSG" indicated in his post. But one quickly-noticable "difference" between the two Model E's was that the original Model E had a straight butt-stock whereas the later Model E had a pistol-grip butt-stock.
Actually, the later Model E (intro'd in 1960) was made in four (4) configurations. The first configuration looked almost exactly like the early "EG's" with a schnoble forearm, a pistol-grip butt-stock and no checkering... it was a very handsome rifle. However, the 1960 E-model did not have a pistol-grip cap and had a hard rubber butt-plate rather than a steel butt-plate like the EG's.
Checkering was added to the EG's in 1940. I have a 1953 EG in .300 Savage (the most numerous caliber) with which I use as my primary deer rifle.
The 2nd variation (intro'd in 1961) of the later Model-E lacked the cartridge indicator like the early E and EG... and had a rounded forearm rather than the classic schnoble forearm.
The next configuration change was the introduction of mpressed checking stocks in 1966.
The final 99-E version had a Monte Carlo comb and a heavily-grooved forearm.
"Just Some Guy" gave you an excellent explanation of the varieties of serial numbers. If you'll give us the first alpha-character (if there is one) and the first 3 or 4 numbers of your rifle's serial number, (use x's for the last three digits as in "A1342xxx"), we may be able to give you the year your rifle was manufactured.
Sadly, an era passed when the Model-E was discontinued in 1984. The later Model-E was the last Model 99 made to have the famous Savage rotary magazine. :cry:
The next Model 99, the Model-C (Clip), introduced in 1965, had a 4-round sheet (3 rounds in .284) steel clip in place of the "trade-mark" Savage rotary magazine.
Strength & Honor...
Ron T.
