The guy at the gun shop is looking ONLY at the rifle's serial number and is ignoring the LETTER in front of the serial number. The "letter series" Model 99s began with the "A" series in 1969, the "B" series began in 1973, the "C" series began in 1976, the "D" series began in 1979, the "E" letter series in 1984 and so on.
The
last rotary magazine Model 99, the Model 99E ("Economy") was introduced in 1960 and discontinued in 1984. This model is NOT... repeat...
NOT the same thing as the "E" LETTER SERIES Model 99 Savage rifles. This model was truly an ECONOMY model and did NOT have cartridge counter on the left side of the receiver. However, it was drilled & tapped for a scope, not for the tang sight. The rotor is plated steel and the cocking indictor is gold plated. It has a corrugated hard rubber (not "steel") butt-plate and the pistol grip does not have a "cap" like previous Model 99s.
The "C" model ("Clip Magazine") was introduced in 1965 and remained in production up until Savage quit making the Model 99. The "C" model was the first major change to the Model 99 frame design in 66 years of production and remained the only model of the Model 99 rifle being made after 1984 until sometime in the late 1990's or very early 2000's when Model 99 production finally ceased (probably forever).
My records show a "G" Letter Series Model 99 available as late as 2002, but I am suspect of that series and wonder if that wasn't those Model 99s that were made of left over parts.
Some left over models and some rifles made of surplus parts were offered to gun dealers after production of the Model 99 ceased, but these were not actual production models, but rather rifles made up from unused parts... a very sad end to a magnificent rifle, without a doubt the BEST lever action American-made rifle ever produced.
While the "C" model is not the quality of the earlier Model 99s made prior to 1960, it's still a very fine hunting rifle. As to what it's worth... that depends on how bad you want it, doesn't it? After all, they aren't making them anymore. I've seen some "C" models in excellent condition go for $500... but rarely any more than that.
As to the year of manufacture, look at the top of this forum for the "sticky" which the forum's moderator posted permanently. It was something I posted here for all to use and tells you the serial numbers/Lever Boss Codes of various years of production of the Model 99.
However, the information I gave you is very accurate.
Good luck in your quest.
Strength & Honor...
Ron T.
