Author Topic: Model 99 (Read 818 times)

qajaq59 · « **on:** May 07, 2006, 08:09:29 AM »

I'd like to pick up a used model 99 Savage in NRA "good" shape, if I can find one. What would you consider a fair price from a gun shop or private individual?

tscott · « **Reply #1 on:** May 13, 2006, 02:37:40 AM »

Tough question, in that there seems to be a bit of price gouging by shop owners. Even tougher in Fla. as I saw on vacation last year.. Shops west of Daytona were asking huge amounts for total garbage, that 99 purists
would not give a second look. I personally would expect to pay $400 +
for a good 99.. pre mil. There is a guy who comments (Ron T) who has a wealth of knowledge, and has helped me. I am lucky in that my deer rifle
is a 99f .300 that my Dad let me pick out new in 55'. If I was looking I would continue with the gun shop, but not rule out e-bay types of places,
and be prepared to pay for quality. For instance I know of a shop that has a 49 in pretty good shape. 250-3000 D&T which is a no no, but with a pretty spiffy period scope, and stith mount. Grip cap is replaced by mahogony.. nicely done. Cost = $1000. At 60 I got a 7 and 10 year old, so I'll pass, but I would buy under other circumstances.. Most purists would say I'm nuts... Hate to be vague but good luck!!! After my 50 years in the deer woods... Nothing compares to the 99. Certainly not the plastic stuff of today. Just look at fit and finish!!!!

qajaq59 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 13, 2006, 06:50:43 AM »

tscott, thanks for the reply. At least it gives me some idea of what I might have to pay. I know I wouldn't pay $1000 for one because I have plenty of other rifles but $400 would probably tempt me. I did like the way it looked. I'll start lookng around and see if anyone has one that they want to get rid of. Qajaq

Ron T. · « **Reply #3 on:** May 22, 2006, 04:15:16 PM »

The prices of Savage Model 99s has literally skyrocketed in the past 5 years or so because the Model 99 is a well-designed, quality-built, very accurate lever action rifle with a "butter-smooth" action... and they aren't making them anymore. Therefore, as demand increases, the prices go up.

Five years ago, you might have bought a NRA "good" condition pre-1,000,000 serial numbered Model 99 for $400. Today? How 'bout $650 to $800, depending on condition, for the same rifle in a 300 Savage?!?

I've adviced other fellas to look for a Model 99 in the pre-million serial number range in a model "EG" with the classic schnoble forearm, rotary magazine and cartridge counter that was made in Chicopee Falls, MA.

Savage moved their plant out of Chicopee Falls in 1960... and most "99" lovers tend to agree that the quality control lessened after Savage moved their plant outta Chicopee Falls. That move occurred at about serial number 990,000 with a "L" Lever Boss Code. (See my explanation of the Lever Boss Code at the top of this forum)

My personal "99" is an "EG" model in .300 Savage caliber with an "E" Lever Boss Code (1953), ser. # 709xxx. I'm a "hunter/shooter/reloader... not a "collector".

My own beautiful (98%) Model 99 shoots my maximum handloaded 150 grain Nosler Ballistic Tip bullets at 2680 fps and yields 3/4 inch, 3-shot groups at 100 yards.

The higher quality Model 99s have reached "classic" status... and they are no longer made, so they are never going to be any less expensive than they are right now.

The Model "EG" in .300 Savage caliber is the most common model rifle & caliber and one of the, if not "THE" greatest looking Model 99s. The same rifle in 250 Savage (aka ".250-3000") costs a bit more due to the fact that less of them were made and they are also highly suitable for deer.

The same goes for a 99 in .358 Winchester or .284 Winchester (very rare). The .308 Winchester is also a popular caliber that was introduced in the Model 99 in the mid-1950's and was designed FROM the .300 Savage cartridge thus making the .300 Savage cartridge the "father" of the .308 Winchester.

To get a less expensive Model 99, you should look for a post 1,000,000 serial numbered rifle... possibly a "C" model which uses a "clip" or magazine rather than the rotary magazine for which the Model 99 is so famous.

You might find a "C-model" in .308 for $400-$500 or so in "NRA good" condition, but I doubt it. But you can try. Of course, the "classic" Model 99 has a rotary magazine and a cartridge counter... 2 of the more desirable features on a Model 99.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.