Par - dic - a - ment

[Ralt71]

So. I’m in a bit of a par dic a ment here…
A lot of the local guys and the gun store here in town know I really like lever guns. I also like odd ball calibers.

I guess at some point today a guy came into the gun store here and was asking about selling a gun. The guy behind the counter reached out to me and linked us up. The kid reached out sent a video and some pictures.

It’s an older Savage model 99 in 303 Savage. It’s not in that great of shape, but it’s not in bad shape. It’s not been tampered with or drilled which is a plus.

Here is the issue, he doesn’t know what he wants for it and I don’t know what I want to pay given it’s not super great shape for collecting it and it’s also not one I could shoot much. It will always be open sights.

In everyone’s opinion, what’s fair here? I don’t even think I can get dies for 303 savage and I couldn’t tell you the last time I seen that ammo available.

It’s not the best, but here is a picture he sent me

 

[RL338]

There are small ammo manufactures that sell 303 Savage ammo , just a little pricey.

303 Savage 180 gr. SP 2100 fps (New) – Wisconsin Cartridge, LLC

www.wisconsincartridge.com

HSM Game King Ammunition - 303 Savage - 150 Grain Sierra Pro-Hunter - 20 Rounds

Wholesale Ammunition

miwallcorp.com

 

[SJB358]

You can use 30/30 dies for it. Double check my dimensions but I believe it’s almost identical but it was loaded with a 190 vs a 160 for the 30-30.

I’d say around 600-700 for that rifle. At least going by those pics.

 

[filmjunkie4ever]

Looks like its a takedown, those are notorious for being less accurate than solid frame models. Although for less than 100 yards with open sights it should still be well within minute of pop can.

I would offer him $500. See what he says.

 

[cloverleaf]

Looks like a takedown to me. First thing the smith checked on my friends was how tightly the action seemed to "lock up when closed. Dont know what/how to tell you to do that- it was was "fine" according to him. Lock up between barrel and reciever would also be somthing I would look for. That can be adjusted. Cant believe there arend dies around for a .303. That was a very common round for the British empire.
My friends 99 looks about the same vintage. In .257 cal. rifles that old have a slower twist rate that means it shoots lighter (shorter) bullets better. but I dont know if that happened w/ .303 cal. rifles.
My friends rifle still shoot 100gr. bullets well enough, . About 1.5 in group at 100 yds without trying very hard. I havent tried 75's. Not trying to dissuade you at all. They are a super cool rifle and a piece of history. Super nice to carry and handle. Cant suggest a value for you. My friend boughht his for $300 but its in rough shape, wood wise, so much so that cabelas would even consider buying it. CL

 

[Ralt71]

You can use 30/30 dies for it. Double check my dimensions but I believe it’s almost identical but it was loaded with a 190 vs a 160 for the 30-30.

I’d say around 600-700 for that rifle. At least going by those pics.

This really helps, if I can mod a 30/30 reload that may be worth my time. In this consition it’s more about shooting the gun than having it in my collection.

 

[Ralt71]

Appreciate the input fellas. I’m going to meet him tomorrow on my way home from the Penn State wrestling match and Kay eyes on it. I really wish I knew more about checking that action lock up. I’m going to do some research on that today between meetings.

If you guys think it’s a take down, it probably is. Sadly, I’m not well versed in most all savage rifles, the 99 is no exception.

 

[salmonchaser]

I saw dies available on a couple of the regular reloading sites at regular prices. Brass as well. Just now on gun broker I found brass at a good price for obsolete cartridges and even loaded ammunition from 5 bucks a round to about 2.25 a round. I honestly can’t remember buying factory ammo but 2bucks a round sounds pretty good.
I wrestled against Penn State when I was in college, SOBs are good.
There were 27 303 savages listed on gun broker the only ones getting any action seemed to top out less than 400. They did have a few days left in the auction however. I’m with Dale, if you’re looking at this to help the guy out you can show him what the guns are actually selling for, what the market will bear so to speak and go from there. If he wants more for it, at least you gave him a legitimate offer and he can move on.