Savage Model 99 Series A .243 Win. 22″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1971 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1105
LSB#: 220516MK004
Make: Savage
Model: 99 Series A
Serial Number: A713215
Year of Manufacture: 1971
Caliber: .243 Win.
Action Type: Lever Action with Rotary Magazine. This is a solid frame model.
Markings: The left side 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 chamber is marked “.243 WIN.” and has a partial proof. The left side of the chamber ring is marked “SAVAGE 99 / SERIES A”. The right side of the barrel is marked with a proof and “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated ramped base that is set on the barrel. The rear sight is a “U” notched flip-up sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the receiver is installed with a one-piece base and a pair of rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are press checkered wood with a capped pistol grip, straight comb, and an alloy Savage buttplate. There are some scattered compressions and draglines. There are some scuffs and areas of thinning. There are a few minor scratches and there are some tiny dings. The top of the wrist is proud to the tangs. There are some scattered light handling marks. The checkering is strong. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate has some light marks, thinning, and finish loss. The stocks rate in about Fine 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 in the bore.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. There are some scattered little draglines and a few tiny marks through the finish, mostly on the receiver. There are some scattered light handling marks. There are some scattered patches of stock finish on the receiver by the edges of the buttstock. There is standard operational wear. The screwheads are sharp. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine Plus 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 Series A with press checkered stocks, a 22″ barrel, and a Leupold-style scope base. This rifle is in great mechanical condition and has a bore that can still do plenty of work. Please see our photos and good luck!