Custom Savage Model 1899 Takedown .300 Savage Semi-Auto Rifle 1923 C&R

SOLD FOR: $1,425.00

LSB#: LSB250516JB017

Make: Savage Arms Corporation

Model: 1899A Short Rifle Takedown

Serial Number: 249404

Year of Manufacture: 1923, C&R

Caliber: .300 Savage

Action Type: Lever Action Rifle with Internal Rotary Magazine and Cartridge Counter

Markings: The left side of the barrel is marked “.300 Savage”. The top of the barrel shank is marked “SAVAGE / 1899 MODEL”. The bottom of the receiver is marked “249404”.

Barrel Length: 22” Aftermarket Barrel. 

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a gold toned blade pinned to a base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is a u notch elevator sight dovetailed to the barrel. The upper tang is installed with a Marble Tang Sight. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two piece checkered select walnut with takedown forend with schnabel tip, straight grip, straight comb, and Steel serrated savage buttplate. The LOP measures 13 1/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the steel buttplate. There is no wear on the buttplate. The buttplate is in about Excellent overall condition. The stocks rate in about Excellent condition as not original to the gun. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Colored

Finish Originality: Refinished. 

Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion the bore rates 9/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 99% of its current metal finish. The blue is strong throughout. The case color is vibrant in the protected areas but muted in the high handling areas. The screw heads range from sharp to lightly tool marked with strong slots. There is scattered oxidation on the bolt. Overall, this rifle rates in about Fine condition as refinished. 

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 standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

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 custom Savage Model 1899A Short Rifle is a beautifully restored and tastefully upgraded take on one of America’s most mechanically advanced lever-action rifles. Manufactured in 1923, this takedown model was originally chambered in the potent and efficient .300 Savage—a cartridge designed to replicate .30-06 performance in a shorter case. The 1899’s unique rotary magazine allowed for the safe use of spitzer-pointed bullets long before other lever-actions could match its ballistic performance. Combined with its sleek profile, strong action, and advanced features like a cartridge counter and tang-mounted sight options, the 1899 was well ahead of its time.

This particular rifle has been thoughtfully customized with a high-quality aftermarket 22″ barrel, a refinished blued metal finish, and upgraded checkered select walnut stocks that offer both visual appeal and excellent fit. The addition of a Marble tang sight complements the precision-oriented upgrades, while the action remains tight and mechanically sound. The bore is clean with sharp rifling, and the overall cosmetic condition is Fine, showing careful attention to detail during its restoration. Whether you’re a lever-gun enthusiast, a hunter looking for a refined field rifle, or a collector of early 20th-century sporting arms, this custom 1899 offers a compelling blend of historic engineering and tasteful modern craftsmanship. Please see our photos and good luck on your bid! – L.S.