Gun show find: Savage 99 circa 1935

[bigmoose]

Every once in a while a small town gun show will yield a scarce and desirable firearm. I lucked out recently finding this 99. It is in the rare "T" configuration...20" lightweight barrel, beavertail forend with ample checkering, checkered pistol grip, special sights. Made in Utica, NY around 1935 or early '36, this rifle rings all the bells for the 99 collector. It has been gently used and is in high condition, no holes drilled anywhere, never been messed with. Such a pleasure to find one like that. One of the coolest factors (to me at least) is the caliber: .303 Savage. This round was fading in popularity by the 1930's and I am willing to bet not many "T"s (or other 99s for that matter) were chambered in it by that time.

It is quick to the shoulder and balances extremely well. I will carry it on occasion (in rotation with old Remingtons) on those clear days during deer season.

 

[Art Doc]

Actually, in another thread about Savage arms a bunch of guys have posted their 303 Savage 99s. Caliber may be more popular than you think.

 

[weatherby]

Nice classic......Got ammo and dies ?

If not I may know places that have them

 

[vonn]

Savage 99's seem to have a strong following everywhere. Never saw one up for sale that wasn't snapped up by someone pretty quickly.

 

[wbraswell]

Great find. You are right that the 99 is a great handling rifle.

 

[ISCS Yoda]

My ex's father had one in .308 - excellent rifle! I lost my shot at inheriting it when she became an ex! Oh, well, not a bad trade-off.....

***GRJ***

 

[shouldazagged]

We really need a green-with-envy-but-smiling emoticon.

That rifle is about two years older than I am, and I've wanted one for many years. Alas, I can no longer hunt or afford to buy guns, or I'd damn sure be looking for one.

 

[italiansport]

Most of the ones you run across were originally bought for deer hunting and are well used. I had an early mint 50s example in 250Savage that someone talked me out of around 10 years ago. I've been kicking myself ever since.
Jim

 

[bigolddave]

You have a real gem there. In addition to the rather rare caliber, you have the original T rear sight. I have one in .30WCF (30/30), which is also uncommon. Unfortunately a previous owner installed a tang sight, and the original sight is gone. From what I understand, not all of the T's had that sight, and many were changed, as the sight was very different from what most were used to.

 

[bigolddave]

Addendum:

The T is at the bottom-showed up at a small local show, walking around. I had already spent my money on a Terrier and a Second Model HE .44, but a good buddy helped me out. Good thing is happened when it did, as he is turned on to 99's now, and would have kept it!

 

[gregintenn]

A T is very uncommon; especially around here. I'd wager that there were VERY few T's produced in 303 Savage. That is a nice one, and a very good find.

Congratulations!


http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/forums/40/1/Savage_Collectors
I'm sure the guys here would love to see it. They might even be able to give you some idea of the number that were produced.

 

[bigmoose]

I grew up in Utica, and still live in Central NY. I have examined hundreds of 99s and never came across a T until this one.

Thanks to all for the kind comments.

gregintenn: Thanks, I will go over to 24hourcampfire and talk Savages.

Now I've taken up enough space here with rifle stuff, let's get back to the pistols....range report on the Remington 1911R1 Commander coming soon (new thread).

 

[LVSteve]

Savage 99's seem to have a strong following everywhere. Never saw one up for sale that wasn't snapped up by someone pretty quickly.

That maybe a regional thing. I sat through an auction in NV where several Savage 99s went cheap, so much so I nearly bid on one. I was told by a friend that the consignor was gutted at the low prices realized. To be fair, most of them were newer models in calibers like .308 and .243, so the collector rating would have been lower.

 

[Vulcan Bob]

Now that was a nice find! A few years back I picked up a nice 1948 vintage EG in 300 Savage. Don't hunt anymore but I always rather liked the 99's.

 

[Model 19 6"]

Does the 99 have a hidden mag you load through the top?

 

[5BeansintheWheel]

Rotary magazine in the first ones with a cartridge counter on the side of the receiver. First ones were brass then steel. Also there was a detachable box magazine later on.

If my link works you should see lots of 99 pictures.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sav...BJ4WcyASuroLwDg&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=1600&bih=769

 

[5BeansintheWheel]

If a person can find a Savage 1899/99 that does not have extra holes, recoil pad or a major crack/split in the butt stock, grab it. I love old Winchesters but prefer the Savage over the Winchester 1894/94.



Patrick

 

[Vulcan Bob]

If a person can find a Savage 1899/99 that does not have extra holes, recoil pad or a major crack/split in the butt stock, grab it. I love old Winchesters but prefer the Savage over the Winchester 1894/94.



Patrick

Good point about the extra holes and such. Forgot to mention my "nice" 1949 vintage EG was drilled and tapped, the $325.00 price reflected that. Found a nice usable made in El Paso Texas Weaver K-4 with dot reticule for on it to fill up those nasty holes. One interesting thing to me was I removed the wood for a though cleaning and found that the fore stock and butt stock were numbered to the gun.

 

[federali]

.303 Savage

It is widely rumored that the .303 Savage can no longer kill deer but all isn't lost a I'll take it off your hands!

Wow, great find and in original condition. It's value starts at four figures. And yes, there's a special satisfaction in hunting with vintage firearms. I've owned and sold three 99s but none as nice as your's.

 

[PALADIN85020]

That's a really nice 99! I think the Savage 99s are some of the nicest handling sporting rifles ever made. I have an EG model in .300 Savage, made in 1951 in Chicopee Falls. It was used for the photo in my book in the chapter on the Savage 99. I did quite a bit of research on the 99 and its inventor, Arthur Savage. He had a life story that would put Indiana Jones to shame. Very interesting man. You have a definite classic there, and a very good example.

John