Question on 99 barrels

[NVBighorn]

I have a pretty nice 99F in 300. I believe it was made in the late 1950s. I really wish it was a 250-3000. Occasionally I have seen take down barrels for sale. So my question is, can a TD barrel be fitted to my non-TD action easily? What are the differences between those barrels.

[emtrescue6]

Not that I am aware of...and if you could, I suspect it would be very expensive. The differences are pretty great...

I'd just keep my eyes pealed for a deal on a 250-3000 (250 Sav)...I just picked up a 99E (1950) in 250 Sav for $550 that will be my daughters new deer rifle...and have a 1930 99 takedown in 250-3000....one of my fav calibers!

[Mad Dog]

I just picked up a 99E (1950) in 250 Sav for $550 that will be my daughters new deer rifle..

No such animal, there was no E made in 1950.

Bighorn, it might be possible with a full turn in T/D barrel but I doubt it would work with the quarter turn barrel. The major problem would be the hook under the barrel that grabs a take down forearm, this would have to be removed and have an escutcheon put in it's place to hold a solid frame forearm. Either that or find a T/D forearm and just fit it to the gun. I've seen a few 1899's that the factory has fitted T/D barrels to solid frame guns, and more than once seen a Savage model 1920 (bolt actions) wearing 99G (take down) barrels so it is possible.

[emtrescue6]

Sorry....typo...it's an EG...

[wbm]

I found one gunsmith in Montana that specialized in Savage 99's. Said he would switch barrels on my 99 from 308 to 250-3000....$450...included the new barrel.

[Mad Dog]

Can't beat a price like that considering that most pre-fit drop in barrels these days are selling for $400 and you have to install them yourself.

[NVBighorn]

I found one gunsmith in Montana that specialized in Savage 99's. Said he would switch barrels on my 99 from 308 to 250-3000....$450...included the new barrel.

Thanks for the input everyone.

wbm, can you give the name of this smith?

[Mad Dog]

Said he would switch barrels on my 99 from 308 to 250-3000....$450...included the new barrel.

Did he mention that your probably going to need a new rotor to make this work?

No way a 308 rotor is going to work with a 250-3000 cartridge. Just thought about that now.

[wbm]

Did he mention that your probably going to need a new rotor to make this work?

Didn't think about that either until you mentioned it.


wbm, can you give the name of this smith?

Been several years ago but I'll see if I can find it. Will post it if I do.

Found It!

Doug Wells
Lock, Stock and Barrel
Huson, MT 59846




406-626-4152

[NVBighorn]

OK, another question. Suppose I find a regular barrel off a 99F in a caliber I like better. Contour is the same. I'd still need the different rotor. But how much work is likely involved in swapping the two barrels to get the headspace correct?

[emtrescue6]

OK, another question. Suppose I find a regular barrel off a 99F in a caliber I like better. Contour is the same. I'd still need the different rotor. But how much work is likely involved in swapping the two barrels to get the headspace correct?

I'd think most competent smiths could do it in a couple hours unless there's something I am not thinking about....

[Hectocotylus]

No such animal, there was no E made in 1950.

Bighorn, it might be possible with a full turn in T/D barrel but I doubt it would work with the quarter turn barrel. The major problem would be the hook under the barrel that grabs a take down forearm, this would have to be removed and have an escutcheon put in it's place to hold a solid frame forearm. Either that or find a T/D forearm and just fit it to the gun. I've seen a few 1899's that the factory has fitted T/D barrels to solid frame guns, and more than once seen a Savage model 1920 (bolt actions) wearing 99G (take down) barrels so it is possible.

In the same vein, but different direction, could I fit a non take down barrel to my take down rifle? Just got a 99 takedown in 300 savage and have no idea what I am doing, but it needs a new barrel.
Thanks for your help.

[Mad Dog]

Ya, I've seen factory made solid frame actions and the barrels were marked "OFF" with the arrow on the bottom of the barrel, so Savage actually used take down barrel on some of their solid frame guns when the parts bins got low.