http://i26.photobucket.com/albums/c146/rushmoreman/Napamorning.jpg

I've hunted with this .308 since 1971 and it still shoots as new. Quiet and convenient safety, large trigger with medium light pull, accurasy is remarkable, balance is extra ordinary. Recoil is moderate. Yet the 99 failed in the marketplace toward latter part of previous century.

What happened?

TR

(Yes, I had a double buck tag for California A Zone)

There is a rumor going around that it be produced again. I'm not sure of all the reasons production stopped, but Savage was in deep financial trouble for a while and it was a very expensive rifle to produce. Savage stopped all production but bolt guns during that time period. I certainly looks like their on the upswing now.

I've been hunting and shooting for near fifty years now and though I've come close a couple of times I never owned and hunted with a Savage 99. Just to much of a bolt gun guy I guess. I know that prices sure keep rising on the used ones, but that's true across the board for lots of guns.

I sure would like to see this fine gun back in production.

I too read where the 99 will be back, maybe as soon as next year. My grandpa had a nice one in 30-30, but took it with him when his house burned.

I feel there were several factors in the 99's demise. Savage's financial woes, of course, and the cost of producing the rifle. But also, keep in mind that leverguns in general were at a low ebb. The Marlin 336 and Winchester 94 held on during that period, but they were always cheaper to produce, as well as being lighter and a bit handier and perennial favorites for their style, but the Winchester 88 bit the dust in the same era. I've always appreciated the design, especially the early models with rotary magazine, and I'd love to see them come back.

Like many rifles introduced 100+ years ago, the 99 was designed for open sights. With the upswing of interest in scopes in the 50's and 60's, the 99 came out with a high comb stock that really wasn't the best answer for a scope mount. This also upset the beautiful classic lines of the original 99.

Another thing that hurt the 99 in later years was the wood. Savage dropped the quality of the wood work, and I think many hunters were put off by this.

All the companies were in cost cutting modes at the time and each suffered in quality. The main factor, I think, was that the 99 was a relatively expensive rifle to begin with. Then too, the Remington 700 hit the scene, America was in a bolt action frenzy because of it, and the rest is history.

If they bring it back, they better do it right cause Marlin has the levergun market pretty well sewed up at the moment. I don't see that changing. Either they cater to us ole farts who love the classic 99 or they try to modernize it with synthetic stocks and bells and whistles. If they do that, they'll still lose out to Marlin and I sure won't buy one.

Maybe quality control?? Don't know. Just a guess. But I know the 99 has a sort of cult following to some degree. I could never figure it out. :confused: My experience with 99's is limited to three 99-C .308's from the early 70's to early 80's. All three were "minute of paper plate" accurate at 100 yards. They all kicked like mules. The triggers were horrible. And the actions worked with all the smoothness of a set of tank tracks. :( Maybe the cult following comes from the earlier models which may have been more finely built. :confused:

One of my “Hunting Uncles” used a Pre-WWII.300 Savage Model 99 and it was a fine rifle. My observations are the .300 Savage cartridge is about ideal for deer and antelope. I would not feel undergunned if I encountered a black bear either.
My problem has always been with the rifle. The Model 99, when the shooter is familiar with the action is quite quick for a follow up shot. The lever leaps open at the shot and all but the last moment of lever throw is smooth and clean – or can be made so without any great difficulty.
The short barrels of the post WWII Model 99 make them far too muzzle light for off hand shooting at moving game. The barrels are thin and while they have adequate accuracy for the occasional shot at game we spend far more time on the range shooting at targets than we do at game and in my experience the Model 99 comes up short accuracy wise due to the light weight barrels. The light weight barrels throw the CG of the rifle too far aft for me and the Model 99 does not follow through for me on moving game.
The Model 99 rifles are light, in my limited experience with Model 99’s they are lighter than my Big Bore Winchester rifles. This light weight causes more felt recoil when shooting from the bench and this reduces some of the pleasure of shooting the rifle.
I have shot the forend off our .358 <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:pWinchester</ST1:p</st1:City> Model 99 a few times and this is a bit of a pain. The Model 99 looks good but is just not quite right for me. The funny thing is I was just discussing the Model 99 and the look of its open action with another forum member and I sent him some pictures I had taken a year or so ago for ENGLANDER of the Marlin, Winchester and Savage rifles with open actions. No matter how often we shoot we still spend more time looking at our rifles than shooting them and looks affect our opinions.
The only way I would consider a Model 99 is if it were a pound or so heaver and had the CG moved forward two inches or so.<O:p</O:p

Slim...here's the answer to your problems with the rifle.

When Savage comes out with the new model 99, get the one with the tactical forend on it and attach a big ol' flashlight to the rail.

Perfect for deer hunting and home defense!

The Savage 99 fell by the wayside due to 2 major factors.............Folks were complaining about the quality, which fell way off after they retooled everything in 1960 with the 1 million serial number change, and the finacial straights that Savage Corp was in. When they bring back the 99, if it doesn't have the quality of the early models, I won't get one. They were not a cost effective rifle to produce, so the ones that will come out are gonna run 700 and up, mark my words. I love the 99, it is the best lever action ever made, but it is one you have to grow into. Some like the feel others don't. Les

When Savage comes out with the new model 99, get the one with the tactical forend on it and attach a big ol' flashlight to the rail.

A two cell mag light weighs about a pound and a half. With my “superior brain” I should have thought of that. I had the Wizard add thumbtacks to the sawdust the last time he changed it and now I am as sharp as a.…

I’m with Mr. Iorg on this one but maybe it’s because I’m a Marlin man.

I used a 99 in .300 for two years after I lost my old .35 to a fire and although it got the job done in both deer and moose season it’s like lugging around a 2x4 compared to my 336 and the balance front to back isn’t even close.
If there is anybody out there who’s really enamored with the 99s I’ve got one in .300 that could be had pretty right compared to some of the insanity I see out there pricewise. This isn’t a troll for a sale but more like finding a home for an ugly pup where they love ugly pups.
I can understand loving ugly pups and am some glad that the wife has a soft spot for ugly....
<O:pblackfly <O:p

So where is the other Maine?

I took this picture last year (not a very good one I admit) for ENGLANDER and forgot the .32-40. How many calibers was the Model 99 chambered for any way?

Your only missing the 7mm-08 and 32-40. Nice group of cartrides there. Les

So where is the other Maine?

I took this picture last year (not a very good one I admit) for ENGLANDER and forgot the .32-40. How many calibers was the Model 99 chambered for any way?

22 HP, 25-35, 303 Sav, 32-40, 30-30, 38-55, 300 Sav, 250 Sav for the oldies.

22-250, 243, 308, 358 for so-called modern.

I just did this from memory...did I pass?

Missed the 7mm-08, but you almost had them all. Good Job, not too many that can do that. Now, name all the models since the 1895. :D Les

Cost to produce was a factor in their demise. Odd thing is I have an article that claims Savage tried to investment cast (like Ruger) the receivers but couldn't get the quality control right. But its claimed that Bill Ruger was a major fan of the Savage99, and if Savage had of approached Ruger they would have assisted in casting with appropriate quality control and reduced the cost to produce them. Unsure if its true or not?!? I've never been a fan of them as they look 'clunky' ... but if a shot-out 22HP comes up I'd like to have it rebarelled to 30/30!
Cheers...
Con

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...I always liked the looks of the Sav99...and the barrel nut on the bolt gun never bothered me...I was more interested in the accuracy standpoint and a little lathe work could change the profile ala todays offerings...I never bothered.

I never aquired a 99 until a couple years ago when I came across a very early take-down 300 Sav model and happened to be looking for leverguns at the time...NOT a collectors model...basically I have no use for collectors of anything...and I've looked around for an early original, rotary mag 250-3000 but wouldn't pay the extra "ignorant BS to me" value added tax. I've had bolt 250 Sav including a present 250 AI on a 788 action.

All this being said...I would like to see the 99 come back. I think in this day and age with CNC and CAD plus better engineering and design teams the 99 could be produced well within the price range of most hunters...maybe not "exactly as original inside', but certainly the same externally by using all the available techniques of cost reduction and that includes using the rotary mag not a removable mag.

Would be nice...but I think also falls into the "NOWAYJOSE" zone. We better be happy with what we have now and whatever new things come down the pike, because life as we know it is swiftly coming to an end with most of us starring off into stary space dreaming of the "Perfect Hunt" not seeing the furry little creatures running around in the underbrush while we lumber on. :eek::D

Enjoy

Got it covered then because I'm backflipping happy with what I have now and I'm seeing all kinds of furry little creatures.
If Savage were to do this then they better really come out of the box with it because the buildup would be unreal.

the other Maine is north of Bangor.

blackfly

I truly hope we can track the 99's return within a year or so. I'll promise right now to the snowshoe gods that I'll take one in 7-08 and that it will never see a scope mounted on it.

I have a savage 99 in .375 winchester. I also have a question can I use a spitzer bullet in it to any advantage and if so where would I begin to look for loading data? I'm new to reloading. I should have my reloading bench setup in a couple of weeks. I also have a marlin in .375 winchester. My son a Ruger number 3 in this caliber also. Could the spitzer bullet also be used in the Ruger

Thanks for any direction and help you can give .

The Savage 99 was also made in .375 Winchester

The Savage 99 was also made in .375 Winchester

....and .284 Win. May have overlooked it but did not see it listed.

I think the Savage 99 fell by the wayside because most people buying deer rifles at that timewere after the last word in performance, and that usually meant a bolt action chambered in a fast cartridge with a large scope. Back then, most guys taking to the woods had a less than 50% chance of getting a shot during the deer season, and they wanted the "last word" in state of the art deer rifles.

I remember when it was a big deal here in the Nebraska (late '70s, early '80s) to draw one of the coveted "either sex" permits, which would allow a person to shoot a doe, thereby increasing one's chances of tagging a deer. Now they literally give away doe tags with each and every permit, because the deer population has exploded. Guys who really worried about filling a single deer tag can now shoot deer until they get tired of cutting them up. Many of these guys are also looking to put a little more excitement back into opening day, so they leave the 700 BDL or Model 70 home and take out something a little different, like a lever action or single shot.

I know two guys who are on a lever action craze, and a a new Savage 99 would attract their attention (and wallets!)

The last Model 99s made were a somewhat sorry lot. I picked up a Model 99-E for my father at a gun shop, and it had a big void in the interior of the receiver from faulty casting that the final machining didn't clean up. My father then bought another one that the gun dealer remarked "That stock is the next best to P*ss Elm". I did have two earlier 99As that were pretty nice though, a .243 and a .308, although every one I had/saw/used needed some trigger work from the outset. My .308 99A sports a leather lace on cheekpiece and a K-3 Weaver, which is my compromise between form and function.

If Savage DOES come back with the Model 99, I hope they go through this checklist:


Rotary Magazine
cartridge counter on the side
brass cocking indicator
good walnut stock and forend
improved trigger
Some "interesting" cartridge chamberings
offered with either a monte carlo or traditional stock
top tang safety, not that lever locking abomination.

I like the old 99's as well. I allways thought they were a great looking gun. My Grandfater had one in 300 savage and I allways hoped to own it some day but such was not to be. However to say it is the best lever action ever made is a truly false statement. Both the Browning blr and rhe winchester model 88 beat it hands down in any way you choose to test them.

The fast shooting rifle after WW2 was the autoloader. Thus those looking for a 'fast' rifle did not think of the 99 any longer.

While I have a couple of 99's and like them I don't think that I would buy a new one. I also have a M88 Win. and to me the Savage is the better rifle.

For that matter Winchester no longer makes the M94! That just has to say that levers are no longer wanted.

I have read through all the comments; and I am surprised that it has not been mentioned that when you try to shoot anything beyond factory loads they stick in the barrel from expansion, I guess-but almost without fail on any of the calibers; we had them all until some druggies cut a hole in the roof and stole 65 rifles and many handguns.I had a .250 Savage 99 that was stolen, my dad bought it for me, he is a 99 lover, and I like them also. They shoot GREAT using open sights; which I preferred until a few years ago. I kept my .250 in perfect shape because it was a gift from dad. I sure miss it. We had the 22 hp and many others that were octagon, I would like to have five minutes with the group that stole them.

Did I kill this thread?
Did anyone else have trouble with handloads not ejecting well on 99's?

I never owned a 99 but had some experience with them and, after owning an original Marlin 1893, 39A, Win 1892 and 1895, I consider it the best lever design... it handled hot rimless cartridges with pointed bullets, didn't change balance with use and could take an overbore scope. The metal and wood finish was never as good as that of Winchester. Savage made 8 models I know of (excluding the later clip loaders), three of which were takedown models. If you owned one of these, you could also fit a .410 shotgun barrel to it.

Bud W

Twelveknuckles, I have never owned a 99 but sure do think they are neat looking.
However, I would suspect that the problem you encountered with reloads in the 99 was from improper sizing of the brass. You probably used a neck sizing die when a full length was needed. Just an educated guess on my part, further study would be needed with gun-in-hand.

Sure sorry to hear of your loss of so many firearms. I just HATE a thief!

Did I kill this thread?
Did anyone else have trouble with handloads not ejecting well on 99's?
I shoot almost exclusively reloads in Model 99's in 250 savage, .303 savage, .300 savage and just recently started on a .358 Win and I haven't had a problem at all. I do shoot mostly lead cast bullets and no overly hot loads. I will say the 250 savage which I shoot the most and with jacketed bullets is hard on brass. Seven or eight reloads and cases start to fail and I just trash that batch. I love them all.:D

I so hope Savage 99 makes a come back. It is a classic rifle. But I must say I want it in stainless and synthetic! Something in 450 marlin would do nicely!

The pre 1960 or rifles with serials lower than 1,000,000 are better finished than the later ones were but, I have a DL model .308 that is shooter for sure. I've shot normal reloads in .250, .300, .308, and .358 and have never had a problem with cases sticking in the chamber. It's true that cases will not last as long as they will in the BLR or other front locking rifles but, 5 to 7 reloads are common. Maybe it's because it was the first lever I ever used but, I must say that they feel better to me than any other except the 24" barreled Marlin 336A which is a dead heat.

William Iorg, I believe the 99R would be to your liking being heavier than other models with a fat bevertail forend and thicker stock. My opinion is they are too heavy and perfer to hunt with an EG, or lately, my DL model.
JDL

I now own my Dad's .300, model 99, and I've taken a few deer with it in years past. I remember sighting it in with a Leupold 2x7, and getting pretty tight groups about the size of a quarter with Rem. 150 factory loads. I'm getting back into hunting deer this year, and will use the .300 of course. I plan on reloading 150 gr. Hornadys, and I could use a little advice. I'm not an experienced rifle reloader, and I'm presently reloading .223 on a friend's press. I plan on buying the Lee loader and dies. Should I full length size the cases or will neck sizing work OK. I'm concerned because it's a lever,a nd not a bolt action. BTW, factory ammo, if you can find it, is outrageously expensive. Saw it at Bass pro for about $27. Unlike .308, can't get any surplus for range firing, hence the decision to reload.
Any comments are appreciated.
Bob

> I plan on buying the Lee loader and dies. Should I full length size the cases or will neck sizing work OK.

Generally I prefer full-length resizing for a lever gun, but if you're using brass fired in that rifle the odds are that neck sizing will work fine.

Bob I have been loading for a friends 1940 vintage 300 99 and have been getting great results with RL15.

Thanks for the prompt response Pisgah and Mark. I already have a few powders, Varget and Hodgdon 4895 (I think) , but I bought IMR 4064 for the .300. I have once fired shells, some about 30-40 years old, some new Winchesters I fired this year. The bullets I have are Hornady 150 SST and Nosler 165 accubond. I'm planning a Texas hunt this fall for hogs, boar and deer. BTW, do you tumble polish your rifle brass? I tumble my pistol MTs, but I wondered if the larger rifle cases might cause damage to the cases.
Bob

I would reccomend FL sizing but, don't screw the die so far down as to push the shoulder back causing brass seperation. I adjust mine by backing up a half to three quarters turn after touching the shell holder. Then trying a sized case in my rifle. If it doesn't chamber properly, I turn the die 1/4 round at a time until it just chambers. 4895 along with 4064 are good powders in the .300 but, while I've never used Varget, it is in the same burning range. No need to get specialty bullets as Rememington, Winchester, Speer, Hornady, or Sierra work fine.
JDL

Mark, what kind of loads are you using with RL 15. Interested in bullet types and fps.
Thanks,
Bob

I've thought about getting a 99 in a 300 Savage for a time. In addition to what some of the others mentioned, I think the biggest sellers for the 99 (the 250 and 300) were displaced by other cartridges such as the 257 Roberts, 25-06 and the 300 by the 308 Win. I think that had an effect as well.

Hi! My name is Tunnels. I'm an old fart and I really like my 99 (.308).
WOW! I feel much better now.

Probably like the original Madel 70-too much hand fitting.