Savage Model 99 A Series A .243 Winchester 22″ Lever Action Rifle MFD 1977
SOLD FOR: $1300
LSB#: 210920RF08
Make: Savage Arms
Model: 99A Series A
Serial Number: C558067
Year of Manufacture: 1977
Caliber: .243 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle. This is a solid frame model.
Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE” followed by “MODEL 99A SERIES A / WESTFIELD, MASS., U.S.A.” and “CAL. 243 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. The rear sight is a flip-up “U” notch sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the receiver is installed with a pair of bases and rings holding a Weaver K6-W scope. The scope has some little nicks through the finish and there are some scuffs. The scope has a duplex reticle and the glass is clear, it rates in about Fine condition.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, schnabel tip, and a serrated steel buttplate. There are a few little compressions, most noticeable at the toe. There are some draglines, most noticeable on the sides of the buttstock. There are a few scratches, most noticeable on the left side of the buttstock at the rear. There are no chips or cracks. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The plate 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 96% of its metal finish. There are a few little spots of oxidation on the receiver, mostly on the bottom. The bottom of the receiver has a couple of light scuffs and little draglines. The barrel has one or two little tiny marks through the finish. There is some thinning on the edge of the muzzle. The lever has some thinning from use. There are a couple of little scabs on the lever. 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 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 99A Series A with smooth wood stocks with a straight grip and a 22″ barrel. This sharp rifle 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!