Savage Model 99C Series A 99-C .308 Win 22″ Box Mag Lever Action Rifle 1985
SOLD FOR: $1603
LSB#: 210519FY12
Make: Savage Arms Corporation
Model: 99C Series A
Serial Number: E593935
Year of Manufacture: 1985
Caliber: .308 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Detachable Magazine. This is a solid frame model.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE” followed by “MODEL 99C SERIES A / PATENT 3,281,879 / WESTFIELD, MASS., U.S.A.” and “CAL. 308 WIN.”. The left side of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The chamber has inspection marks.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a ramped riser fixed to the barrel, it has a protective hood installed. The rear of the barrel has an empty pair of drilled and tapped holes. The top of the receiver is installed with a one-piece Leupold-style base.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a pistol grip with a checkered black hard rubber grip cap, monte carlo comb, and a rubber buttpad. There are some little scrapes, scuffs, and dings. Some of the most noticeable marks are on the top of the comb and the right side at the receiver. There are some areas where the finish is slightly matte, most noticeable on the right of the buttstock. The checkering is mostly sharp. The LOP is 13 3/4” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad. The pad has some light wear. The stocks rate in about Fine condition.
Type of Finish: Blued
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its metal finish. There are a few little scuffs and light marks on the receiver. The receiver has a couple of little freckles of frost. The lever has some light wear from use with a few little marks through the finish. The barrel has a couple of scuffs and scratches on the right side at the front. The barrel has a few scattered light handling marks and some scattered oil stains. The screwheads are sharp to lightly worn. 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 a 4-round magazine.
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 99C with a detachable 4-round magazine, checkered wood stocks with a pistol grip, and a 22″ barrel. This is a nice find for the Savage 99 collectors. If the collectors don’t pay enough attention, this will make a great deer rifle for next season. Please see our photos and good luck!