Savage Arms Model 99-DL 99 DL .243 Win. 22″ Lever Action Rifle 1965 C&R
SOLD FOR: $2201
LSB#: 220110JJ002
Make: Savage Arms
Model: 99-DL
Serial Number: 1085531
Year of Manufacture: 1965
Caliber: .243 Win.
Action Type: Lever Action with Rotary Magazine. This is a solid frame model.
Markings: The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE ARMS / WESTFIELD, MASS. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.243 WIN.” and with an ovalled “SP” proof. The right side of the barrel is marked “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED”. The left side of the chamber ring is marked “SAVAGE / MODEL 99M” and “X”. The “M” marking is not a model designation, it designates Monte Carlo stock.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a serrated beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated ramped base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight has been removed and there is a flat filled dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the receiver is installed with a one-piece base and a pair of rings holding a Redfield 2-7x wide angle scope. The scope has some scattered light handling marks and a couple faint scuffs. The scope has a graduated post reticle and the glass is clear. The scope rates in about Fine Plus condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are press checkered wood with a capped pistol grip, monte carlo comb, and Pachmayr buttpad. There are a few light compressions, one or two minor scuffs, and some light handling marks. The checkering is intact. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 12 7/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 12 1/8″ to the wood. The pad has some scattered minor wear. The spacer is slightly shy to the wood. The stocks rate in about Fine-Excellent condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There is finish loss on the edges of the receiver. The receiver has some scattered oil stains. There are a few little tiny nicks into through the finish, spots of faint oxidation, and light hairline scratches on the receiver. The lever has some finish loss and spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. The barrel has some scattered spots of faint surface oxidation. There are a few little scuffs and minor marks through the finish on the barrel. There are some little oil marks on the barrel and there is some finish loss on the muzzle. The screwheads are sharp to worn with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: Included is the previously described scope.
Our Assessment: The Savage 1899/99 model rifles have quite a history. They were preceded by the Model 1895, which was the first hammerless lever-action rifle produced. A hammerless action was useful as it reduces the lock time, allows the rifle to be fired more accurately and is less likely to jam in brush or snag in clothing. The 1895 and 1899/99 models used a rotary magazine to hold the cartridges, using a spring-loaded spool with grooves. The 1899/99 models added a counter to the spool to indicate how many rounds are loaded. This design allowed the use of spitzer bullets, which could not be used in the Winchester rifles of the times because the pointed tips in the tubular magazines could cause accidental discharge. This gave Savage a lead in producing rifles that could handle high velocity smokeless powder cartridges with bullets offering flatter trajectories than other lever-action designs. This is a Model 99-DL from 1965 chambered in .243 Winchester and has a 22″ barrel. It looks great and does not look to have been used often. This would make a great addition to a collection of Savage lever rifles but will also be a great shooter. Please see our photos and good luck!