Savage 99 conversions

[Naphtali]

While I recognize that converting Savage 99 rotary magazine action is acknowledged to be a major headache, what's the skinny on - what appears to be - a nearly non-invasive, simple conversion, such as 300 Savage to 308 Winchester?

Would there be significant differences in difficulty/complexity between side lever safety and tang safety models? Between brass rotor and aluminum rotor models?

[scrapcan]

I htink there is a good avage 99 collector site that gives the main differences. I think there may be a difference in the different 99 versions. One I recall is a difference in action length but I could be all wrong. I will see if I saved the link.

[scrapcan]

here you go

http://www.savage99.com/

there is a section for links

the savage 99 24 hour campfire section has some good info also.

[Gee_Wizz01]

As I remember the .300 Savage to .308 Win is a No Go I asked this question about 40 years ago. I ended up buying a .243 Mod 99. I wish I had bought the .250 or .300 instead! The .300 Savage is an excellent round and a good deer killer.

G

[gnoahhh]

Ditto on the no-go from .300 to .308, difference in action length. Also, actions with serial nos. lower than about 90,000 aren't rated for high pressures. They're fine for the rounds they're chambered in. Also, the early 1899's bolts were squared on the back end and the receiver mortise was squared also (the lock-up point), which led to a few instances of cracking. Savage changed the design to a radiused bolt/receiver interface a hundred years ago and the problem went away.

As far as I know all rotors are interchangeable. They merely changed materials for economic reasons along the way. Brass, bronze, aluminum and case hardened steel were all used at one time or another. Yes , altering one to accept a different cartridge is a major PIA!

If it were me, I'd stick to the .300. Changing up to the .308 won't buy you very much.

[358wcf]

My old takedown 99 is in 22HP, and was made in 1913- excellent "shooter" shape, with Marble's tang sight, but not a collector to me.
Thinking hard about rebarreling to 30wcf, or 38-55. Considered reboring the original barrel, but it's just too light in my opinion, being only .563" at the muzzle.
Thoughts??? I'd be happy to make it a solid frame rifle without the takedown feature if needed.
Any recommendations on a 'smith to take on this job?

358wcf

[gnoahhh]

Can't recommend a 'smith. I have a spare .22HP barrel I'm going to have rebored to .25 cal and make a .25/35 out of it, as a spare barrel to go with my .22HP 1899H Takedown. The rotor in my gun controls the .25/35 cartridges nicely. I'm pretty sure they used the same barrel blanks for everything from .22HP to .303 Savage. Those H's like yours and mine are pretty light barrels, but shoot very well. I'll try to remember to mic the muzzles on my .22HP and .303's tonight and report back to you. I think .38/55 is definitely too big, but .30/30 should work ok. Rotor would have to be changed out. I think I have an extra one. Let me know if you need it.

[Naphtali]

Many thanks for the conversion information.
***
Regarding gunsmiths, the answer is Tim at Grizzly Custom Guns, Columbia Falls, Montana. Now, what is the question? . . . All joking aside, Tim is, perhaps, the most meticulous gun artist I've experienced. In the small shop, he strongly prefers working on non-military, non-"tactical" firearms - that is sporting arms. Lew is probably who will respond to your query, or answer the phone.

Hope this helps.


My old takedown 99 is in 22HP, and was made in 1913- excellent "shooter" shape, with Marble's tang sight, but not a collector to me.
Thinking hard about rebarreling to 30wcf, or 38-55. Considered reboring the original barrel, but it's just too light in my opinion, being only .563" at the muzzle.
Thoughts??? I'd be happy to make it a solid frame rifle without the takedown feature if needed.
Any recommendations on a 'smith to take on this job?

358wcf

[Bret4207]

My question would be why? Why rechamber to 308? You won't gain much, if anything, while staying within the limitations of a 99 action.

[gnoahhh]

358wcf- muzzle diameter on my .303 1899H equals yours, .563. The diameter of my .22HP= .580 on one and .555 on another.

[Gee_Wizz01]

My old takedown 99 is in 22HP, and was made in 1913- excellent "shooter" shape, with Marble's tang sight, but not a collector to me.
Thinking hard about rebarreling to 30wcf, or 38-55. Considered reboring the original barrel, but it's just too light in my opinion, being only .563" at the muzzle.
Thoughts??? I'd be happy to make it a solid frame rifle without the takedown feature if needed.
Any recommendations on a 'smith to take on this job?

358wcf

You know this just aint right, modifying a fine old gal like that! I still drool over my great uncles takedown 99 in 22HP. At least put .303 Savage barrel on her.

G