Savage Model 99M 243 Winchester 24″ Lever Action Rifle & Scope MFD 1961 C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,820.00
LSB#: LSB260120RS115
Make: Savage Arms
Model: 99M
Serial Number: 1015265
Year of Manufacture: 1961, C&R.
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action, Internal Rotary Magazine.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “243 WIN.”, along with a circled “SP” proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED / – MODEL-99M –”. The buttplate is marked “SAVAGE”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The forend, buttstock, and buttplate do not have serial numbers.
Barrel Length: 24″
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, screwed to the barrel. The rear sight is a folding semi-buckhorn U-notch sight on a riser, dovetailed to the barrel. The top of the receiver is mounted with a Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16×50 scope, with a duplex reticle. The glass in the scope is clear. The scope shows no notable wear. Overall, the scope rates in Excellent condition. The scope is mounted on a two-piece scope base, and sits in 1″ QD rings.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, fluted monte carlo comb, serrated aluminum Savage buttplate, a checkered forend, and sling rings front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with light scratches, dings, and compressions throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the stock’s finish is largely intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Good to Very Good condition.
Magazine Quantity & Condition: 4rd internal rotary magazine, with functioning brass cartridge counter.
Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color.
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with light operational wear on the action, minor thinning at the muzzle and on the leading edges of the receiver, and minor scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces. The bluing is largely intact. The case color on the lever/trigger guard is starting to fade and show oxidation. The jeweling on the bolt is vivid and bright. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Good to Very Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the tang mounted safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: This rifle comes with the scope as mentioned above.
Our Assessment: The Savage Model 99M represents the later postwar evolution of Arthur Savage’s iconic rotary magazine lever action, and by 1961 the design had fully matured into a refined, high-velocity sporting rifle. Chambered here in .243 Winchester, introduced in 1955 as a flat-shooting dual-purpose cartridge for varmints and medium game, this configuration offered hunters modern bolt-action ballistics in the fast-handling familiarity of a lever gun. The 24 inch barrel, Monte Carlo stock, and internal rotary magazine with brass cartridge counter reflect the 99M’s role as a forward-looking deer and open-country rifle during the golden age of American sporting arms.
This example retains approximately 95 percent of its original finish, showing light operational wear, minor thinning at the muzzle and receiver edges, and gentle handling marks consistent with respectful use. The case color on the lever is beginning to mellow and show light oxidation, while the bolt jeweling remains vivid. The bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 10 out of 10. The walnut stocks remain tight to the action with well-defined checkering and only light surface impressions. The Bushnell Elite 6500 2.5-16×50 scope with clear glass is mounted in quick-detach rings, complementing the rifle’s classic profile with modern versatility. Mechanically sound and representative of Savage’s enduring lever action heritage, this 99M remains a capable and historically significant sporting rifle. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.