Savage 308 99F disgusting? [Archive]

jmsj

03-03-2012, 02:41 AM

olafhardt,
I think it is because the 308 Winchester is not one of the more intersting or rare calibers. It doesn't seem to capture the interest like a the old 22 High Power, 250 or 300 Savage. Newer cartridges for the Savage 99 like the 284 or 358 Winchesters seem to get a lot of interest too.
One of my favorite and "go to" guns is a Savage 99 A in 308 Winchester. I have carried and shot this gun alot over the years.
jmsj

plmitch

03-03-2012, 02:47 AM

There's not wrong with that setup, .308 in that gun makes it a great brush gun Imo.

stubshaft

03-03-2012, 02:48 AM

You have a great gun chambered for a proven cartridge. Don't worry about the other guys.

waksupi

03-03-2012, 02:52 AM

They are foolish people, with short peckers.

plmitch

03-03-2012, 02:55 AM

They are foolish people, with short peckers.

Ha ha ha ha ha!

dubber123

03-03-2012, 07:41 AM

:wink:
They are foolish people, with short peckers.

Ever the politician... ;)

kenyerian

03-03-2012, 07:55 AM

I shot my first wild Hog with a Savage 99 in 308 back in 1974 in Tenn. I used a 180 grain Nosler partition bullet. One shot through the shoulder and he was down for the count. Great gun. Don't know why I didn't keep it. My brother was hunting with me and he was carring a Winchester lever action in 348. He shot one that was running at him and if I remember right it took him three shots to put his down. Anyway be proud of your gun. It will get the job done.

Boerrancher

03-03-2012, 08:37 AM

There is nothing wrong with a Mod99 in a 308. I would agree with jmsj that because they made millions of the 308's they are not a rarity, same with the .243 chamberings. You have a rifle suited to hunt anything in New World. Anyone who doesn't recognize the possibilities and potential of a Mod 99, 308, is as Waksupi stated.

Best wishes,

Joe

richhodg66

03-03-2012, 08:53 AM

I have three 99s, a .250 of relatively recent manufacture, a 1950 or so one in .300 and a .308 E Model I am worikg with now in .308. I love them all, the .308 is one of the very best "do all" cartridges there is, and the 99 is an awsome gun. Some purists would prefer one of the classic cartridges, and that's fine too.

I wish I had grabbed every cheap 99 I saw at gunshows a few years ago, they really seem to have risen in collectability in recent years.

Bret4207

03-03-2012, 08:58 AM

Idiots abound. If only there was a use for them.

richhodg66

03-03-2012, 09:04 AM

Savage did make a few with detachable mags towards the end and I really do not like them, the rotary magazine was one of the 99s best features.

Have you dissassembled your rifle yet? They are marvelous things, amazing how simple and yet how strong and well manufactured the parts are. Considering they are contemporary designs with the '94 Winchester, they were truly ahead of their time. The .308 I own is looking to become my primary deer rifle now, but I'd love to have one in .303 Savage and maybe some of the other classic calibers. I seem to find ten or more in .300 Savage for every one other caliber, but the .300 is a very good cartridge and can do most of what you'd ever need a hunting rifle to do.

jlchucker

03-03-2012, 09:36 AM

a number of years ago I had a 99F in .308. I got it used, and someone had taken the iron sights off before mounting a scope. It wasn't a great grouper, but it killed deer like any .308 does. I traded it off, but if another came my way, I wouldn't scoff at it. Those are pretty light weight for a Savage levergun, even with a scope.

161

03-03-2012, 09:41 AM

They are foolish people, with short peckers.

I took a drink of coffee before I read that. It came out my nose and all over the keyboard.
Still giggling
161

TXGunNut

03-03-2012, 10:52 AM

Not going to speculate about anyone's barrel length but the more obscure calibers are more interesting to collectors. There's a reason why the .308, .243 and .300 Savage are easier to find, they were (and are) more popular. Savage is a fine rifle in any chambering, the .308 is an excellent choice for a shooter.

Hurricane

03-03-2012, 10:54 AM

The Savage 99 in 308 is an extremely usable and flexible rifle. For the reloader, a 308 is the gun for any occasion. With a 150 grain jacketed bullet: full power (factory load) at 2800 fps. Drop down to 2700 fps and you have original 30-06 performance. Drop to 2600 fps and you have a duplicate to the 300 Savage. Drop to 2400 fps and you match the 30-30. Use cast boolits at 1600 to 1800 fps and you have a very accurate and useful load. My 99 shoots both 150 and 173 gr. lead boolits very good. Anyone that tells you a Savage 99 in 308 win. is a lesser rifle is just plain wrong, or jealous. My 99 has a steel butt plate so I shoot mostly 30-30 level cartridges to control recoil. When I go to the range I shoot 100 to 200 cartridges so recoil is an issue with me. To top it all off, 308 brass is easy to get an there are many good powders for it to use. I expecially like H4895 for both heavy and light loads. H4895 is very flexible and can be safely reduced down to 60% of a full power load for light loads (per the Hodgdon web site). Unique, 2400, Red Dot, and H4895 are all good for lead boolits. Everything to like and nothing to dislike. Don't listen to the critics and just enjoy your rifle.

Westwindmike

03-03-2012, 11:05 AM

Just start telling them it is chambered in the extremely rare "7.62 NATO" and see what they say about that.

atr

03-03-2012, 11:26 AM

I have a Savage 99C in .308,,,,,easy to carry in the field, and accurate with cast or J....what more could you ask for?

scb

03-03-2012, 12:11 PM

I bought a Savage 99 F in 308 win. I personally think this is one of the slickest most useful rifles I have ever seen. However I have noticed that a lot of guys get excited about it until I tell them "It's a 308". then they get disgusted and leave. Why?

You are probably speaking to purists who believe that Savage bastardized a "fine rifle" when they turned it into a detachable magazine. They believe for it to be a "real" M99 it has to have the rotary magazine. I like the lines of the old one better. No gaping hole in the bottom. But the clip fed version makes a lot more sense. You can only run shells thru that rotary magazine so many times to load and un-load it before the casing get completely chewed up.

Larry Gibson

03-03-2012, 01:54 PM

Just tell them it's a 303 Savage "improved" and be super secretive about it, if you even care to have those kind hang around.

Larry Gibson

onceabull

03-03-2012, 02:05 PM

ALL the postwar II 99-F's will have rotary mags...condition equal, those with serial # below 1,000,000..(safety by lever, cut checkering )will bring premium over later make.. 300 sav.,308 W.and 243 w. will be less $ than 250/3000. 284 W. & 358 W. High conditon rifles in the latter three are commonly four digit sales nowadays..But Hell,the last Win 88 in 358 W I saw sell got $2800... Onceabull

largom

03-03-2012, 02:29 PM

9.3X62AL

03-03-2012, 03:02 PM

What Waksupi said, with malice aforethought. That was funny, right there!

Any Savage 99 variant chambered in 308 Win is a very useful, flexible game rifle that has classy looks and design elements WAY ahead of its time. The reason the collector fascists lose interest is because they aren't as likely to screw over another fascist or rube with the more common and useful calibers. That lot can go pound sand.

Jim Flinchbaugh

03-03-2012, 04:39 PM

I'm on my 4th Savage 99 308, and it is at a custom shop getting the full load custom build.
I ma getting very anxious to get it back. I haven't had hands on it for 5 years now :(
They're fine rifles, and some folks think they are trash, but the last on I saw in a pawn shop here had a 595$ price tag on it. Lots of money for a "junk" rifle.:)
Obviously the nay sayers have never carried one in the woods, I rarely use a sling on mine, it feels so good and comfortable in the hands, and is always ready, unlike being slung over your shoulder. I like the strange looks I get carrying it on the prairie hunting antelope:bigsmyl2:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v313/James64/jim.jpg

williamwaco

03-03-2012, 04:45 PM

They are foolish people, with short peckers.

I resemble that remark !

rond

03-03-2012, 06:18 PM

I really like my 99 in .308, it is my understanding that the .308 was developed from the 300 Savage. I have made a lot of 300 Savage cases from .308.

gandydancer

03-03-2012, 06:34 PM

the savage 99 F (feather weight) is the only 99 that will hit you with full felt recoil in 308. and that is the only reason I never cared for the one I had but its still a great gun.

6.5 mike

03-03-2012, 06:36 PM

I'ld be happy as a dead pig in the sunshine to find a 99 in .308, for the right price.

TXGunNut

03-03-2012, 06:40 PM

I'ld be happy as a dead pig in the sunshine to find a 99 in .308, for the right price.

Pretty sure that would be my first choice most days. 300 Savage would be more fun, tho.

Larry Gibson

03-03-2012, 06:42 PM

I'ld be happy as a dead pig in the sunshine to find a 99 in .308, for the right price.

Ah yes, they have 12" twists....great for cast:cbpour:

Larry Gibson

richhodg66

03-03-2012, 06:43 PM

I just put my first cast through my 99E in .308 this afternoon and am very happy with the results. Not a tack driver, but way better than enough for deer hunting. Load was the 31141 and 32 graions of IMR4895. I think if I had let the barrel cool between shots it would have done better.

ANytime anymore I find a 99 under about $500, I am going to give it hard consideration. I'm not letting go of the three I have and this newest .308 one is growing on me fast.

plainsman456

03-03-2012, 07:14 PM

My first was a 300 Sav.then came the 308 Win and last was a 30-30.They all have the safety at the lever and they will shoot jacketed and cast just fine.
I have shot a deer with the 300 but not with the others.....Yet.
Now work continues on cast loads with the other 2 and I have high hopes they will get the call for deer hunting in the next couple of years.

725

03-03-2012, 07:47 PM

Bret & waksupi speak wisdom. I don't have a 99, but I do have a Mod 88 Winchester (lever .308) that kind of looks like a 99 -- sort of -- and it is the very best of hunting rifles. I took a Rem 700 .308 to Africa as my one & only and everything I looked at died with one shot. DRT!!! Well, except the warthog. It ran about 40 yards. Let others scoff at the .308 and you just smile with the higher knowledge & satisfaction of what a great cartridge you have there. When somebody is making a fool out of themselves, get out of the way and let 'em at it.

Ed in North Texas

03-03-2012, 07:50 PM

I really like my 99 in .308, it is my understanding that the .308 was developed from the 300 Savage. I have made a lot of 300 Savage cases from .308.

Found one of those in a batch of .300 cases. Guy forgot to trim the case - sure did stand out - longest neck I've ever seen on a .308! :p

Ed

MT Gianni

03-03-2012, 08:16 PM

I put my BLR in 308 in the same category. Good shooters that are not liked by "purists". Enjoy how it shoots and handles.

Mykos

03-03-2012, 10:37 PM

I have a Savage 99C in .308. It had been cut and crowned at 19" sometime in it's previous life, the rear sight removed and filled with a blank. With that and the detachable magazine most of the Savage snobs find it downright detestable.

It's a super sweet short and handy shooting machine in my books. I picked it up for a song and it came with a lower end scope a pile of brass and a box of ammo. I also suspect it's had a trigger job because the pull on it is marvelous. I haven't fired any other 99's to compare it to, but it's pretty slick.

Enjoy your Savage and p*** on the naysayers.

Hamish

03-03-2012, 11:31 PM

Idiots abound. If only there was a use for them.

zombie bait?

democratic national comittee?

Would sure like to know who lifted the 99 out of the hall closet after Dad passed,,,

fatnhappy

03-03-2012, 11:48 PM

Idiots abound. If only there was a use for them.

Soylent Green.

My only .308 is a Savage 99F. I got it from a guy at work that stuck it behind his furnace in the 60s and left it there. It was as close to NIB as you can get. So far it's trash canned 2 medium sized bucks like the hammer of thor. The first one weighed 150 lbs dressed. I put a 180 round nosed corelokt through him end to end.
I lent it out to my friend's son 3 seasons ago. He put a hurting on a couple deer with it and promptly went and bought a 99 in .300 savage. He searched long and hard to find a very good rifle.

http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/002-2.jpg
http://i63.photobucket.com/albums/h152/lhsjfk3t/001-7.jpg

Four Fingers of Death

03-04-2012, 12:43 AM

The 308s are commonly available (well, reasonably common anyway) and would probably be one of the first rifles a Savage collector may have purchased. You probably find thet lose interest because most would have one and it is probably their go to gun that protects the safe queens.

I don't own any Savages, but have a swag of 308s. I am rather fond of the cartridge as I carried a 7.62 FN/FAL- SLR in my younger days, when I was a part time Government Gunman (soldier). The 308 is an uncommonly useful, but under appreciated cartridge. Fom plinking to sniper, it will do it all (and has done).

Off the top of my head my 308s: T/C Encore, No4 Mk1 Lithgow Conversion, Israeli Mauser (BRNO), Remington 7600 Police, Remington 700SPS Tactical, Omark44 Target rifle, 2x M17Eddystone based Target Rifles (there is probably one or two more in there that I can't remember). Heck, I need a Savage and maybe a Browning to round it off!

starmac

03-04-2012, 12:44 AM

The biggest problem I see you might have with that M99, is you may never want to tote a bolt action afield again. lol

TXGunNut

03-04-2012, 01:07 AM

I also suspect it's had a trigger job because the pull on it is marvelous. I haven't fired any other 99's to compare it to, but it's pretty slick.

Enjoy your Savage and p*** on the naysayers. -Mykos

Dunno, possibly not. Handled a few slick ones but haven't been lucky enough to be in the right place, right time with the wherewithal to purchase one I want. I've handled some very nice ones but they all seem pretty good.

TXGunNut

03-04-2012, 01:11 AM

The biggest problem I see you might have with that M99, is you may never want to tote a bolt action afield again. lol

I have a Marlin or two stirring that pot already. A 99 is welcome at this party. :-D

starmac

03-04-2012, 01:33 AM

Mine has been in my possession since 74 and is a 300 not a 308.
It was a tool when I got it, with zero collector value, that is fine by me.
While not a 308, it seems to kill stuff just as dead, and at the distances I shoot, the only thing the 308 would have on it is the brass and ,or ammo availability.

I have a marlin and a win, but the savage has been my main tool seems like forever, but I like them all. lol

olafhardt

03-04-2012, 01:46 AM

Waksupi, I did not expect this many replies when I posted this thread. I want to thank you for your concise, creative reply. Perhaps I should point out that in addition to a Savage 99F 308 I also have a short pecker. The VA says it is due to exposure to agent orange and pays me a monthly stipend for " ioss of use of creative organ". I spend the money on molds, brass, etc and a 308 Savage 99F.

gnoahhh

03-04-2012, 01:44 PM

richhodg66

03-04-2012, 02:02 PM

I have owned a pile of Savage lever guns in my life, and the F .308 was the only one I was glad to get rid of. The bugger kicked like an army mule with factory ammo (which is also precisely why I never lusted after a 99 in .358 too). But that is just personal preference- they are fine rifles and I would never look down on one. Personally, I'll stick with my hundred year old .303's, .30/30's, and .22 HiPowers. Anybody who can lead me to a .32/40, I'll be your slave for life!

Gary, you gotta quit talking like that, I've almost got myself talked out of buying that .303 one I saw the other day, LOL.

My .308 is no featherweight, and was comfortable to shoot off a bench with Federal factory 150s and my cast loads. I'm really enjoying the 99s, great rifles and I sure wish they were still available new in some way, shape or form.

gnoahhh

03-04-2012, 03:11 PM

Rich- never talk yourself out of buying any Savage lever gun you have even the remotest use for! It leads to nightmares and trips to the shrink's couch! Guys who shoot Savage lever guns are admired by all dogs, tend to be prosperous, and have beautiful strange women buy them drinks in bars. 'S truth!

starmac

03-04-2012, 03:58 PM

I have a funny story about a savage. People definitely remembers them.
I ran out of gas close to the town of post tx in the 70'son a sunday evening and caught a ride into town. I walked from one end of town to the other trying to find a station that would take me and 5 gallons of gas back to my pickup, with no luck. I walked back until I got to the last station, the first one I had been too, and the young man was in the process of closing up and agreed to run me out to get my pickup.
My old 300 was hanging on the rack in the window, and this kid tried to get me to sell it.
I followed him back to town, where he opened up so I could fill my tank, all the while making offers on my rifle.
Several years later in a different pickup I happened to stop in post to eat.
The guy just happened to be in there and remembered my rifle, he came over and asked if I still had it and was I ready to sell it yet. lol

Boerrancher

03-04-2012, 07:47 PM

Of all the guns I have to deer hunt with, when I get down right serious about going out and killing a deer, I grab my Mod 99 300 sav. I have won a few dollars with it on bets at the local range from guys who turned up their nose at an old junk lever gun and swore it couldn't shoot as good as their high dollar bolt guns. It will put the first three rounds in one hole every time at 100 yards. It is nothing to drive out the thumb tacks that hold up the targets. I don't know how many times I have gone out and put up a blank piece of paper, shot a hole in the center of it and used the bullet hole as the target to shoot the rest of the one ragged hole group, 3 shots and let it cool for 5 min and fire the other two for a 5 shot group that is smaller than a dime at 100 yards.

Best wishes,

Joe

Four Fingers of Death

03-04-2012, 07:58 PM

Boerrancher

03-04-2012, 08:17 PM

Seriously good performance, you don't need anything more, that rifle will keep the freezer full.

That Mod 99 300 is the standard that I judge all of my other high powered rifles by. I bought that gun for $200 back in 1990, at the urging of my all things gun related mentor. He told me that if I didn't like it he would give me $400 for it, as he was a 99 collector. Since I had largely grown up in his basement as he and dad built custom rifles, I guess he figured he knew me well enough to know I would like it. I bought the rifle and have never looked back. Even before good condition 99s were bringing 4 digits, I was offered in the 4 digits several times for that rifle. It is one of those guns that I will still have have until Just before I die. I will pass it on to which ever one of my kids takes the greatest interest in it.

Best wishes,

Joe

starmac

03-04-2012, 09:34 PM

My 99 was a gift from my uncle, but in the early 70's he paid 100 bucks for it with a 4 power jana scope on it. At least I believe that was the scope brand, it gave up the ghost years ago.

The gun was supposedly built in 1932, I would be curious as to how much a new one cost back then.

I stopped by sportsmans on my way back from the Ron Paul rally and just for chits and grins priced 300 savage ammo. 34.95 a box, so three boxes today would cover the purchase price in the 70's, and I bet you 2 boxes would have covered it when it was new. lol

ammohead

03-04-2012, 09:43 PM

Ric,

We must be pc. Those people have really big trucks!

richhodg66

03-05-2012, 12:24 AM

Here's my most recently acquired one at it's first real range trip yesterday.

http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b90/richhodg66/IMG00139.jpg

TXGunNut

03-05-2012, 12:48 AM

Saw three decent 99's at my local Cabelas tonight; a .308, 30-30 (99A) and a 300. All decent shape. I was in a funk, distracted by other matters, etc. No excuse. One of them should have been in my safe tonight. Took my shoes off as soon as I got home so the kicks wouldn't hurt as much.

starmac

03-05-2012, 02:21 AM

TXGunNut have they built a cabellas in texas, or are you somewhere else.

richhodg66

03-05-2012, 07:32 AM

There's one in Fort Worth, I believe.

Canuck Bob

03-05-2012, 01:12 PM

Your F is a fine rifle I would be proud to own. I'll go out on a limb here and state there are too many of us caught up in this collector thing. I really enjoy when I get a real clean top notch used rifle cheap because it was once drilled and tapped, my pristine Lee Enfield No.5 as example. I'm even happier when it has been refinished and even cheaper!

When folks turn their noses up on a classic Savage 99, in fine shape, because it is chambered in one of the finest 30 caliber cartridges invented you gotta wonder whats going on. It is a superb rifleman's gun.

I've been drooling over getting a 308 99 someday in the C model. A receiver sight, replaceable mag, and nice pieces of walnut makes my idea of a tactical lever, a lever action Jungle Carbine!

TXGunNut

03-06-2012, 12:00 AM

TXGunNut have they built a cabellas in texas, or are you somewhere else.

I'm about 30 minutes from the Ft Worth store. If I don't come in every couple of weeks they send someone by the house to check on me. ;)

starmac

03-06-2012, 12:36 AM

I never knew there was a cabellas there, I have been to the bass pro shop down in that country back a few years ago. Where is the cabellas.

starmac

03-06-2012, 05:37 PM

I read a book 30 some odd years ago, about trapping in alaska.
I don't remember the title or when it was printed, or even a lot of it's contents, but I do remember one line in it.

The author said a good rifle was a must, because of the bears, he suggested a model 99, 300 savage.

TXGunNut

03-06-2012, 10:31 PM

I never knew there was a cabellas there, I have been to the bass pro shop down in that country back a few years ago. Where is the cabellas.

Fairly new store, west of Bass Pro on 170 @ I-35W. Just south of Texas Motor Speedway. Or borrow my car, it knows the way. Already has an empty rifle case in the trunk. ;)

starmac

03-07-2012, 12:09 AM

I hope I won't be in the neighborhood for a good while yet. Is it like most cabellas with truck parking.

TXGunNut

03-07-2012, 12:14 AM

I hope I won't be in the neighborhood for a good while yet. Is it like most cabellas with truck parking.

Yes, first parking lot off 35W svc road. Give me a holler if you'll be around during a weekend. There's a good IHOP just S of there and I'd be up for a burger in the cafe upstairs @ Cabelas. Buffalo and Elk burgers pretty good.

oscarflytyer

03-07-2012, 12:46 AM

They are foolish people, with short peckers.

Guilty!

I have a 99 in 284 Win. I want another 99. But it has to be either a 300 Savage or 250 Savage. I want one of the original Savage calibers. I would pass on a 308 unless I could get it very cheap, and then probably sell/trade it for the above. Just me.

Four Fingers of Death

03-07-2012, 05:59 AM

When I lived in Sydney some 20+ odd years ago, there was an old guy that came to the range (probably about the age I am now, lol). He owned two rifles, an old Brno 22 which he used to hunt rabbits and foxes with and a 308 Savage which he used for everything else. He used a mixture of cast and jacketed bullets. He used mostly cast, saving the jacketed bullets for hunting out west where the ground is flat and the paddocks big, he used to use 125 Gn Nosler Ballistic Tips and for Sambar (elk sized) he used 180 Gn SAKO bullets.

He didn't see a need for another rifle. but occasionally pulled out a fine old double barrel shotgun which was used on everything from rabbits to foxes to ducks and even the odd round of skeet.

He was a bit of an identity with his Savage and the tray of reloads with the cast boolits and sometimes paperpatched boolits.

TXGunNut

03-07-2012, 11:05 PM

I'm glad most folks don't much care for the guns I like. If they did I'd have to look longer and pay more.

Boerrancher

03-08-2012, 12:51 PM

I'm glad most folks don't much care for the guns I like. If they did I'd have to look longer and pay more.

I will second that notion. I am glad that most of the folks around here are into big caliber bolt guns and all forms of black guns. I will stick with my older calibers in lever guns and my front stuffers. It is not that I have anything against black guns and I even own one or two, but they just don't have the appeal to me that the older guns do.

Best wishes,

Joe

Ron.D

03-11-2012, 05:16 PM

I just love my 99. it was a .308. Had it rebored to .358, 16 twist. My favourite bush gun.:kidding:

Good Cheer

03-11-2012, 10:35 PM

starmac

03-12-2012, 02:36 AM

Bought a used 99 in 308 specifically to have it rebored to .338Federal. I really should send it off. Got the dies. The RD mold. The brass. The gas checks. And now I got a week off and round tuit to spare. It's time.

I have thought for a while that that would make a fine rifle.

I was reading a book of hunting stories in alaska last might, where a guy got a goat at 300 yards with an old lever action action 300 savage. I didn't mention model, but it had to be a 99.

Artful

05-18-2013, 09:47 PM

I used my Savage 99 in 358 for Coastal Mountain hunting in Oregon - good out to 250 yards and one shot kill every time.

I should look for one in 308 to go with it, being I have so many 30 caliber molds now.

9.3X62AL

05-18-2013, 11:25 PM

rintinglen

05-19-2013, 12:30 AM

I have used much flimsier pretexts than this to justify gun purchases for a long time.

More truth in that statement than any 6 political speeches. I plead guilty.

starmac

05-19-2013, 02:17 AM

I generally don't have to justify them, but 30 some odd years ago on my first anniversary I came home with a 10/22. This would not have been a big deal, but I had already bought a 44 and a 44 ruger carbine that week, sooo being pretty sharp I announced , this one is yours. All these years later she still believes that is her gun. lol
Now last week I sorta made the same mistake. I walked in with a 357, she knows I have never shot 357's so, I get the what is that for. Again being the sharp guy I am, I said it will be easier for you to handle, sho nuff she thinks it is hers. I started out with it the next day, and got the, where do you think you are going with my gun, it doesn't even get to live in the same place as mine. lol

What ever you do, DO NOT justify a firearm purchase by saying, this one is for you. lol

Four Fingers of Death

05-19-2013, 04:03 AM

I once got a rifle in exchange for an agreement to reload for a guy I worked with at Long Bay Jail. I loaded him a batch or working up loads, handed them over with instructions on what to do, how to keep the various groups of five rounds at each powder level separate so I could see any pressure indicators and even gave him a ruled up sheet to record the groups with and also a couple of targets with multiple bullseyes and the load printed on each bull, etc. He was stoked and bought the rifle in next day and we shook on it. I took the rifle home and my wife was there when I got home and I proudly showed her the rifle and described how I was going to load ammo for the guy who gave it to me. My wife was suitably impressed and the gun went in the wardrobe in the bedroom.

Funnily enough, I never clapped eyes on the guy again. There were a lot of us working there then and what with rotating shifts, leave, etc it wasn't unusual to not see people for long periods. I eventually forgot about it.

Some time later, I bought another rifle and took it home. My wife was chatting over coffee with one of the neighbours and I had to walk past them with the rifle. SO I walked in like it was the most natural thing in the world to come home with a new (to me) rifle. I said hello and gave the wife a kiss as I went past and my wife said proudly " been loading ammo again?" Welllllllllll, I knew what she meant, but that was not what she asked, so I truthfully stated 'yep, always out in the garage on the loading press.' She then proudly told her friend how clever I was loading ammo in exchange for the rifles. I didn't tell any lies, but she didn't structure her question correctly, haha.

Next day at work I asked about the guy that I had loaded the ammo for, I had completely forgotten about him. I was told that he has secured a transfer to a jail in the country. I then remembered him talking about wanting to move out west. I rang the jail he had transferred to and they said that he had resigned and joined the Northern Territory prison service, thousands of miles away.

Cheapest rifle I ever got. That was in 1985, If he bobs up again, I will honour the deal, but I don't expect him to bob up in a hurry.

jlchucker

05-19-2013, 11:38 AM

I'ld be happy as a dead pig in the sunshine to find a 99 in .308, for the right price.

I'd be happier to find one in the Model 99A version that they were selling about 20 years ago or thereabouts. The one with the schnabel forearm and straight grip. That one looked like a classic. I think they made them in a couple of other calibers, too--but 300 Savage may not have been one of them.

jlchucker

05-19-2013, 11:41 AM

The biggest problem I see you might have with that M99, is you may never want to tote a bolt action afield again. lol

You have a point, but some of us lefties wouldn't mind--as long as the safety was up on the tang and not down on the lever. The latter configuration isn't quite as ambidexterous.

starmac

05-19-2013, 01:13 PM

Mine has the safety on the lever, and I have never minded it (lefty) It also is the takedown model with the schnabel forearm. It didn't start life out as a 300 though. the caliber has been X'd out and re stamped sometimes years ago. Probably was originally a 30/30.

300savage

05-19-2013, 03:20 PM

I have often thought that if I could only have one rifle it would be my 99f 300. A little VXIII 1.5x5 tops it off sweet.
I have many of the finest rifles ever made and this little lever action is in my hand most every time I head out on the ranch. There has never been a faster handling, sweeter shooting rifle ever made. I don't know what this factor would be called but every time I send one downrange that makes a hole precisely where it is supposed to . Or every time it jumps up and a critter whacks the ground I just have to stop and smile in appreciation.

starmac

05-19-2013, 05:40 PM

LOL I got mine in 75 or 6, and it will go to a son or grandson unless something unforseen happens. The only way it would be retired as in not my favorite rifle is, living here I would carry a 358 if I ever find an affordable one in a model 99. lol

pdawg_shooter

05-20-2013, 12:38 PM

Idiots abound. If only there was a use for them.

There is....we send them to D.C.

helice

05-20-2013, 03:12 PM

My brother's daughter (a hunter) married a hunter. For their wedding present I gave them my Savage 99 in 308. Beth is left eye dominant and shoots lever guns left handed to make up for it. She got really proficient with a 94 trapper in 30-30. Now she is getting proficient in raising sons. I often say that I miss that 99 but I picked it up to give it to the kids. Maybe I just gave it away too soon :D like 30 years too soon.:bigsmyl2:

starmac

05-20-2013, 03:28 PM

LOL I happen to know a gal, whose father in law gifted her a 99, it seems funny that you would mention that. She lives in Oregon though.

dbosman

05-20-2013, 05:01 PM

Personally, I think you hit on the answer.
I know people who've purchased a rifle in .223 or .308 and started shooting the cheapest 5.56 or 7.62 reloads or surplus military cartridges they can find, then complain about the rifle.
Fortunately meeting those people provides great pricing on low use rifles.

Just start telling them it is chambered in the extremely rare "7.62 NATO" and see what they say about that.

Smoke4320

05-20-2013, 05:43 PM

Idiots abound. If only there was a use for them.

cannon fodder :)

trebuchet ammo :) :)

Four Fingers of Death

05-20-2013, 09:55 PM

Fortunately meeting those people provides great pricing on low use rifles.

They are a pretty good source of free brass as well. I am the Rifle Captain at our club and all unwanted brass (mostly 22LRs) go into the box and are sold every now and then and the money used for new targets, whatever. I am pretty well fixed for brass, but check it out every range day. The most common brass I find is 243. I don't own a 243, but have dies, mould, sizer, 200 new cases and a thousand of so jacketed bullets,D'Oh! I am going to have to buy one. Every now and then we get a new reloader and I often present them with a quantity of brass to get them going. 223 is No2.

TXGunNut

05-20-2013, 11:56 PM

Four Fingers of Death

05-21-2013, 03:33 AM

Fortunately meeting those people provides great pricing on low use rifles.-dbosman

Much like folks who put see-thru rings on leverguns with a bit of recoil. They're so glad to be rid of "that hard-kicking rifle".

We had a guy at the range who talked incessantly but never listened to what anyone said. He had a 44Mag Marlin and didn't like the recoil, he was using factory loads. I told him to save his brass and that I would load him some that didn't kick so much. Didn't get any response.

A few weeks later another guy turned up at the range with it. He told me that he bought it at the local gunshop. He took me up on the offer and when he was in Sydney, picked up a bag of Starline 44Special brass. He also bought a loading press and dies, etc. I went to his place, showed him how to load (he did all the loading). He was at the range every week learning how to drive his new Marlin 1894 and his new press. He used the 44Mags that the other guy sold with the rifle for hunting. He loves the rifle and loves reloading for it, He uses commercial cast bullets at the moment, but is savng for a Pro melt, sizer and moulds.

One guy knew it all and gave away a rifle that was sound, the next guy was a good listener, now has the good rifle, feeds it for not much money and is about to embark on a new hobby, casting.

HighHook

05-21-2013, 04:53 AM

The thing i like best about my 99 in 308 is at the range, brass hits the ground and i dont have to act like a dog looking for that lost piece of meat. .308 win is plentiful and shoots Cast Boolits Beautifully...

richhodg66

05-21-2013, 11:33 PM

The 99E in .308 I posted a picture of earlier in the thread took a nice public land buck here on opening day for me with a Ranchdog bullet. The rifle may not drive tacks, but is plenty accurate enough for that game and has me convinced they are the best thing going for deer, at least the way and in the area I hunt.

Gonna get my .300 one in the game this year I hope. Also the .22 Highpower, but not until and unless I really don't need the venison, because that one will require a perfect shot for me.

Ed in North Texas

05-27-2013, 01:51 PM

I will second that notion. I am glad that most of the folks around here are into big caliber bolt guns and all forms of black guns. I will stick with my older calibers in lever guns and my front stuffers. It is not that I have anything against black guns and I even own one or two, but they just don't have the appeal to me that the older guns do.

Best wishes,

Joe

Mostly I agree with that, though my BP arms are cartridge except for the Encore .50 barrel and the Ruger Old Army (which I've yet to shoot, too many guns - too little time). But I like the MSRs too. I have a CMC (Cossack's Motorcycle Club) party place not too far from me, it gives me peace of mind to have more than a few rounds at hand when a potential threat is 20 or 30 outlaw MC riders (or more).

But I love my 99s (.250, .300 and a .308 DL)