Savage 99

[Weak Daze]

I got a Savage 99 lever action rifle from a friend. It came with a Williams scope and mount on it.
I removed the scope and mount looking for the model number, when it was drilled and tapped the drill went
thru the model number.

I have the serial number and the build date code.

My question is, is there a way to find the model number for the serial or is it someplace else on the gun?

The build date is 23B which makes it a 1950 build date.

The serial is 5596XX.

Thanks in advance, Bill

[Phil T]

Log into the forums at 24hourcampfire.com There is a Savage collector's forum there, and some of them have the book that can likely trace your rifle based on the serial number. The caliber may also help.

[Weak Daze]

Thank You for the response. I forgot to mention that it is Savage .300 caliber.

I asked the same question on another forum, and found out I have a model 99 EG.

The person that gave me the info included a photo and the one I have is identical to his.

Now I am getting hyped and ready to (find) some ammo and get to the range so I can have it ready

for the November deer season.

[Phil T]

Mine is a '52 EG, 300 Savage. Halfway through 1952, Savage started drilling and tapping holes for scope mounting. Factory d&t rifles are easy to identify, because the roll stamped Indian head was moved from the top of the reciever ring to the side so the scope base didn't cover it. This affects collector value. The addition of sling swivels and adding scope mounts and recoil pads lowers the value to collectors. But, the EG was the most built model, and 300 Savage was the most common caliber in the 99's 100-year history. Therefore, our rifles don't have a big collector value, despite what price gun stores have on their tags.
If you handload, pay attention to the firearm that was used in the manual's testing. A 150 grain Hornady Spire Point over 40 grains of IMR 4064 will kill any whitetail that ever walked. If you see a maximum load of 44 grains of that powder, you will be stressing the action (the bolt locks at the rear) and shortening brass life. Factory loads are mild enough for the 99.

[Weak Daze]

Thank You, That is some very helpful info.

I have seen the cartridges online that are factory loads and are in both 150 and 180 grain bullet weights.

And are only (lol) about $1.20- $1.30 per round.

[Phil T]

Check rural farm supply stores that also sell hunting ammunition. There is one 45 miles from my farmland that had factory ammo for my four "oddball" deer rifles. I was amazed they had 300 Savage, 6.5X55 Swedish Mauser, 257 Roberts, and 45-70. It was the only store in a town of around 6000 population that had any of those, and they had them all.

[Nick Kanauz]

Weak Daze...I have a 1950 99R....You are the proud owner of what I consider one of the best all around weapons made. You really have to test all the brands of ammo. I have found that Federal works the best. I had misfires with Remington, and Winchester, and I couldn't get tight groups with them. I put a Tasco World Class 3x9x50 on it, and it groups 1/2" groups sighted in at 1" high at 100 yards. Just my preference, I've had a few 300 Yard corn field shots. That way it is dead on at that distance. My only problem, is trying to find stores that carry Federal ammo. Cabelas has been my main location, and you are right...they've become pricey. That and you can't get premiun loads for .300 Savage. Federal has told me it won't happen because they'd have to do a run of a million rounds, and they don't feel that there is enough demand. According to my hunting partners, this rifle kicks like a mule, but I differ with them...I have taken numerous deer off hand and never felt any "kick". My best friend calls it "The Rocker", and watched me take a buck at 300 yards with it...from a rest of course. This rifle is good for everything from coyotes to moose! Stick to 180 grains, and you'll always get great knockdown, and shock power. 150's have a little more speed, but they tend to go off when encountering twigs down range. 180's have so much power, I took one deer through a four inch tree that bled out in the scope, and the bullet went through both, along with some of the tree's wood. Most of the deer I shoot with it go right down, or go just a short distance. Not to say that I've not had to track a few. Michigan deer don't like to die easy! Good luck with this one...you will enjoy it!