Lever action rifles

[gerry]

A while ago I saw a couple of used Savage 99 rifles in 308 that fit surprisingly well. The iron sights lined up perfectly when you shouldered the gun. Anyone have any advise on the Savage 99 and what to look for or are there any other used lever guns that I should be aware of? Something that I could pack around shed hunting and take camping. I would keep it with iron sights or at most put an aperture sight on it.

 

[Blkram]

Most prefer the older Model 99s with the brass rotary magazine and the round counter over the later models with the detachable magazine. But this would really be a personal preference for some. There are also several variants that were made over the years such as the Model E, F, and so on, with various differences in barrel length, stock options, etc. I'm not up on the variants, but some are more sought after than others. An internet search should provide more info.

Along with the Winchester Model 88 and Browning BLR, you can use spitzers vs flat points as must be used in the Marlin and WInchester models with tubular magazines.

For short and handy, if you do not mind the tubular magazines, the Trapper versions of Marlin and Winchesters with 16" barrels are tough to beat.

 

[cloverleaf]

Dosent surpise me that the 99 you tried seemed to "fit you". They were popular because of that. What you descibe is the perfect "walking around rifle". The 99 is it. Cool to find a "newer one" in 308. That makes it potentially so versitaile. My friends below is an old take down model. Gunsmith told me the following about the 99. Bolt should lock up tightly (a little stiff) into battery. If its a take down variety, there is some adjustment between the barrel and receiver. Have a competent smith look at it and make sure there is some adjustment left. The only other thing I know about them is they were prone to splitting the stock where the receiver/tang fits into the stock. It acts like a wedge if the sides of the grip don't fit well to the receiver. My friends has a custom scope mount and scope. It ruined that balance and easy carrying. Makes it just like any other good rifle. Not quite as lively w/ the scope IMHO. Newer ones than the one pictured were drilled and tapped from the factory so you can go that route if you want. Aperture sights are available. Older ones had slow twist rates that sometimes have an impact on the bullet weight they willl shoot well, but I doubt you will have any trouble w/ a 308. Grandpa borrowed one when he drew a deer tag, several times, also in 308. Dont recall hearing anything but positives. CL

 

[Ralt71]

A while ago I saw a couple of used Savage 99 rifles in 308 that fit surprisingly well. The iron sights lined up perfectly when you shouldered the gun. Anyone have any advise on the Savage 99 and what to look for or are there any other used lever guns that I should be aware of? Something that I could pack around shed hunting and take camping. I would keep it with iron sights or at most put an aperture sight on it.

The 99 is great, but they offered them in a take down. If the one you are looking at is a take down and was used much.. it will most likely have some play in it and that typically results in erratic shot placement. They are great guns, fun to hunt with, and unique. If you find a good one, just buy it haha! You won't regret it!

 

[wvbuckbuster]

The outdoor writer of yesteryear Ben East used a Mod 99 in 300 Savage which he wrote of it. Friend in high school had one in the 300 Savage and it did well for him. Still has it. If you like it and it fits-suits your needs get one.

 

[SJB358]

I have my Grandpa’s M99 300 Savage. Believe it’s a 40’s vintage. Maybe early 50’s. Before I got it, a numbskull cousin tapped it but otherwise it’s a slick rifle. I should break it out and let it breathe. Great carrying rifle.

 

[Vince]

Cool rifle.
Buddy had one in .243 Winchester that he used on mule deer and elk.

Vince

 

[Wolfshead]

My Brother In-law has a 99 chambered in 30-30.
Shoots very well.
I’m more of a Model 94 guy when it comes to lever actions however.
Would love a 73 in a pistol caliber, maybe someday…..