Savage Model 99-F Featherweight .308 Win 22″ Lever Action Rifle, 1957 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1001
LSB#: 220516MK003
Make: Savage Arms Corporation
Model: 99-F Featherweight
Serial Number: 951991
Year of Manufacture: 1957
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Rotary Magazine. This rifle is a solid frame model.
Markings: The left of the barrel is marked “.308 WIN.” and “SP” in oval, the right “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED / MODEL – 99F”, and the top “SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.”. The left of the chamber ring is marked “SAVAGE / MODEL 99” and “7”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number in front of the lever, the front of the lever boss is marked with an ovalled “16I”.
Barrel Length: 22″ Round
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed to a serrated, ramped base fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notch elevator sight that is dovetailed into the barrel. The elevator is missing. The top of the receiver is installed with a one-piece base and a pair of rings holding a Weaver K4-W wide view scope. The scope has some wear and finish loss on the tube. There are some scattered light handling marks. The scope has a graduated post reticle and the glass is clear. The scope rates in about Fine condition. The top tang has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, serrated metal buttplate, and sling swivels front and rear. There is a crack on the top of the wrist at the tang. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are a few little dings through the finish and scratches. Some of the most noticeable marks are on the comb and belly. The checkering is strong. There are some scattered light handling marks. The LOP measures 13 1/8″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the metal buttplate. The buttplate has areas of finish loss, oxidation, scratches, and some oxidation. Overall, the stocks are in about Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. The receiver has some scattered small spots of light minor oxidation. There is some finish wear on the edges, most noticeable at the muzzle. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some little nicks and scuffs that have thinned the finish on the barrel. The lever has some thinning and some spots of discoloration from previous oxidation. The bolt has spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation. There is standard operational wear. The screw heads are sharp to lightly worn with serviceable slots. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in about Very Good-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 tubular magazine rifles of the times because the pointed tips in the tubular magazines could cause an 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-F Featherweight with a checkered pistol grip stock set. The rifle has a 22” barrel chambered for .308 Winchester and retains its original finish. This is a nice-looking vintage rifle and will be a welcome addition to a C&R or lever-action rifle collection! Please see our photos and good luck!