Bought a Savage 99 take down model in 303 savage. Never owned a takedown before and have some ??? for the Savage experts. First is it smart to take them apart? Second how do you take them apart? The forearm comes off easily and I can see the arrow pointing to off but how hard should it be to turn off?? Also what is the round metal insert with the 5/15 square hole in it in the forearm? (please see picture) Also by the serial # it was made in 1927 but it has a ribbed trigger, did they have them in 1927 or has it been replaced?
I've got dies and cases ordered and can't wait to shoot it.

If it hasn't been taken down recently, you might find it hard (or next to impossible). Obviously, it should unscrew in the direction of the arrow but don't put too much arm into it. Gunk and old oil can really seize those barrels up. Try fitting the square hole of the forearm into the square peg of the barrel and using that to increase the barrel torque. Hold the rifle by the front of the receiver, not the stock! Using the stock will almost always result in a cracked or broken one. If it doesn't come off with a reasonable amount of force, try dripping some Break Free or something into the barrel threads. Eventually, it should come loose but it might take some time. If you take it apart a lot, they will have a tendency to loosen over time, but I don't think an occasional takedown would hurt too much. Most owners I know don't bother though.

I'm not sure about the triggers, but both of my 1950s vintage 99EGs have ribbed triggers and I think a friend's 1917 vintage 99H TD had one as well. I'd bet it's original as there weren't too many replacement parts made for the Savage 99s. Maybe a real expert will chime in and correct me if I'm off on that.

If it hasn't been taken down recently, you might find it hard (or next to impossible). Obviously, it should unscrew in the direction of the arrow but don't put too much arm into it. Gunk and old oil can really seize those barrels up. Try fitting the square hole of the forearm into the square peg of the barrel and using that to increase the barrel torque. Hold the rifle by the front of the receiver, not the stock! Using the stock will almost always result in a cracked or broken one. If it doesn't come off with a reasonable amount of force, try dripping some Break Free or something into the barrel threads. Eventually, it should come loose but it might take some time. If you take it apart a lot, they will have a tendency to loosen over time, but I don't think an occasional takedown would hurt too much. Most owners I know don't bother though.

I'm not sure about the triggers, but both of my 1950s vintage 99EGs have ribbed triggers and I think a friend's 1917 vintage 99H TD had one as well. I'd bet it's original as there weren't too many replacement parts made for the Savage 99s. Maybe a real expert will chime in and correct me if I'm off on that.
Thanks for the help. I'll go slow, I don't want to break something.

Sucess! I put Kroil on it for about 1/2 hour and took a big Screwdriver and put into the slot at the juncture of the barrel and reciever at an angle and very lightly tapped it with a hammer and it came loose easily. I was afraid to use the forearm. Thanks again

Can't remember if Savage offered the .303 with the auxillary bbl in .410 or not. Most likely so, as the .303 and the 22 Hi power had the same case head. I would be nice if you could find one or have one made.

Mike, Looks like you have a very nice "G" model. My first 99 was a G .300 dom 1930 and it has been in the woods with me every year since 1977. Taken it's share of deer too! -JDL