Savage Arms Corp. Model 99-F Featherweight 99 .358 Win 22″ Lever Rifle C&R
SOLD FOR: $1200
LSB#: 210814DD04
Make: Savage Arms Corporation
Model: 99F Featherweight
Serial Number: 916717
Year of Manufacture: 1957-1969
Caliber: .358 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action with Rotary Magazine
Markings: The front of the lever boss is marked with an encircled “11”. The left side of the barrel is marked “358 WIN” with an ovalled “SP” proof. The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.”. The right side of the barrel is marked “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED / MODEL-99F”. The underside of the receiver is marked “916717”. The left of the chamber ring is marked “SAVAGE / MODEL 99 / A”.
Barrel Length: 22”
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a brass beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated ramp fixed to the front of the barrel. The rear sight is a “V” notched elevator sight dovetailed into the barrel. The top of the receiver has two pairs of drilled and tapped holes that are empty. There is a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are checkered walnut with a pistol grip with a hard rubber grip cap, straight comb, and an aftermarket buttpad. There are some scattered little light scuffs, draglines, and some little compressions. There are no chips or cracks. The checkering has some rub wear but is mostly strong. The LOP is 13 1/2” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttpad and 12 1/2″ to the wood. The pad has some scattered light wear. The stocks rate in about Very Good 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.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 65% of its metal finish. The receiver has finish loss and patina. The majority of the finish wear is on the receiver. The receiver also has some scattered nicks and light scratches. There are a few small spots of dark discoloration from previous oxidation on the receiver, most noticeable on the bottom. There are some scattered scuffs that have thinned the finish on the barrel. The barrel has some little nicks and some light scratches. There are some little spots of minor oxidation scattered infrequently on the barrel. The lever has some finish loss, mottled patina, and a few patches of oxidation. The screwheads are lightly worn. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good 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: 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 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 99 F Featherweight, a solid frame model made with a checkered pistol-grip stock and blued finish. This is a nice vintage lever action that will be a nice addition to your C&R collection. Please see our photos and good luck!