Savage Model 99C 99-C .25-35 Win. 24″ Lever Action Rifle, 1925 C&R
SOLD FOR: $3,625
LSB#: 240507TB002
Make: Savage
Model: 99-C
Serial Number: 274003
Year of Manufacture: 1925
Caliber: .25-35 Winchester
Action Type: Lever Action Rifle fed by Internal Rotary Magazine
Barrel Length: 24” Octagonal
Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed to the barrel above the muzzle. The rear sight is a U/V notch reversible insert in an elevation-adjustable flip-up mount dovetailed to the top rear of the barrel. The top rear of the receiver is drilled, tapped and installed with a Lyman base with a fully adjustable flip-up aperture sight.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are two-piece checkered walnut featuring a Schnabel forend, a straight grip, a fluted straight comb and a shotgun-style metal buttplate. The wood shows light nicks, scratches, compressions and some minor handling and storage marks. The checkering shares some of the above imperfections but remains distinct overall. There is a small crack at the right side of the wrist. There are a few tiny chips along the front and rear edges of the buttstock. The LOP measures 13 5/8” from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks are in Very Good Plus overall condition.
Type of Finish: Blue and Case Color
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is bright and the rifling is sharp. There is no erosion in the bore. In this writer’s opinion, this bore rates a 9 or 10 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 96% of its metal finish. The balance of the finish shows some light thinning and wear primarily at leading edges and underside of the receiver. There are a few light nicks and handling marks scattered about. The screw heads are well-defined. The markings are clear. Overall, this rifle is in Fine condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. We have cleaned this firearm and performed a mechanic’s check but expect many will want to clean the firearm again depending on their 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 is a Model 99C with a rotary internal magazine, checkered wood stocks with a straight grip, a shotgun buttplate and a 24″ 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 in your bidding!
-J. Ren
