Savage Model 99R .250-3000 Savage 24″ Lever Action Rifle, MFD 1953 C&R

SOLD FOR: $2,001.00

LSB#: LSB260120RS123

Make: Savage Arms

Model: 99R

Serial Number: 698927

Year of Manufacture: 1953, C&R. 

Caliber: .250-3000 Savage

Action Type: Lever Action, Internal Rotary Magazine. 

Markings: The top of the barrel is marked “SAVAGE ARMS CORPORATION / CHICOPEE FALLS, MASS. U.S.A.”. The left side of the barrel is marked “.250-3000 SAVAGE”, along with a circled “SP” proof mark. The right side of the barrel is marked “HI-PRESSURE STEEL – PROOF TESTED”. The bottom of the receiver is marked with the serial number. The left side of the receiver is marked “SAVAGE / MODEL 99”. 

Barrel Length: 24″

Sights / Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade, dovetailed to a serrated ramp, integral to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable flip-up U-notch sight, dovetailed to the barrel. The rear of the receiver is mounted with an adjustable Lyman aperture peep sight. The top of the receiver is drilled and tapped for optics. 

Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are a two-piece checkered walnut stock set, with a capped semi-pistol grip, straight comb, serrated steel buttplate, a checkered forend, and sling studs front and rear. The LOP measures 13 1/2″ from the front of the trigger to the back of the buttplate. The stocks show light wear, with mostly light surface level scratches and compressions throughout. The checkering is well defined, and the stock’s finish is intact. The stocks fit tightly to the frame, with no play. There are no chips or cracks. Overall, the stocks rate in Very Good condition. 

Magazine Quantity & Condition: 4rd internal rotary magazine, with functional brass cartridge counter. 

Type of Finish: Blued, Case Color. 

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is bright with sharp rifling. There is no erosion in the bore, but there is some minor fouling present. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 10/10. 

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 95% of its original metal finish. The balance of the finish shows light wear, with a couple small spots of thinning finish on the barrel, along with minor thinning of the finish on the leading edges of the receiver. There are light scratches and dings throughout the metal surfaces. There is operational wear on the bolt and on the lever. The case color on the lever is vivid and bright. The markings are clear and legible. The screw heads are tooled, but retain strong and serviceable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in Very Good condition. 

Mechanics: The action functions correctly, as does the safety. We did not fire this rifle, but we did perform a mechanic’s check. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None. 

Our Assessment: The Savage Model 99R represents one of the most refined expressions of Arthur Savage’s rotary magazine lever action, and by 1953 the design had already proven itself across generations of American hunters. Chambered in .250-3000 Savage, the first commercial cartridge to break the 3,000 feet per second mark when introduced in 1915, this pairing reflects a forward-thinking era in sporting rifle development. The 24 inch barrel and rotary magazine with brass cartridge counter maintain the rifle’s classic balance of speed, accuracy, and mechanical ingenuity, while the factory Lyman receiver sight enhances its practical field utility.

This example retains approximately 95 percent of its original finish, showing light, honest handling wear with minor thinning at the receiver edges and small spots on the barrel. The lever’s case color remains vivid, and the bore is bright with sharp rifling, rating 10 out of 10. The walnut stocks remain tight with well-defined checkering and only light surface impressions. The internal rotary magazine functions correctly, and the action cycles as it should. This is a well-preserved mid-century 99R in one of the model’s most historically significant chamberings. Please see our photos for a better understanding of condition and good luck with your bids! – J.D.