When did the switch from 1899 to 99 model take place?

[KeithNyst]

Just getting started in learning about the 99. Always wanted one when I was young, but never had the money. Now feeling a bit nostalgic and would like to pic up a nice condition Savage for my son-in-law to start deer hunting with us next fall.

When did Savage transition from the model 1899s to the 99s? I found the on-site catalogs (which go back to 1937), so I know the 99s started at or before 1937.

Other than naming, did this switch mark any significant mechanical changes?

Thanks in advance.

[Mad Dog]

A lot of how the 1899/99 transition came around has a lot to do with Doug Murrays book. He more or less gave them an identification because way back when there was no such thing as a model 1899A, it was more of an 1899 round barrel, octagon barrel or half octagon barrel in the earlier catalogs.

Needless to say it was Savage that shortened the term 1899 to 99 in the early 1920's IIRC but it's confusing because some early guns were still marked 1899 yet the same model later on was stamped 99. I think if you were to find a rifle with a manufacture date in the mid 20's on up it will be marked 99 but right now I can't remember the exact year due to age and brain fart.

[KeithNyst]

Thanks Mad Dog. Is Doug Murray's book considered the best reference for these rifles? Or would you recommend another for first book?

[Mad Dog]

Definitely Murrays is the bible of Savage collectors.

[J.Baker]

My 99F TD from 1925 is stamped 1899.

[Mad Dog]

Transition rifle. I've got this all written down somewhere but do you think I can find it?

Might be time to clean up this desk today, missing a bunch of old Savage pictures I can't seem to find as well.

[BillPa]

My "99" (mfg 1903) isn't model stamped, only caliber, S/N , patent dates and etc.

A quick look at the chronology in Murry's book, "1899" was used years 1899 thru 1919, 1920 on the "99".

Bill

[Mad Dog]

Bill, you sure it's not just real faint? Should be on the left hand side of the barrel?

[BillPa]

Bill, you sure it's not just real faint? Should be on the left hand side of the barrel?

Well these old four eyes ain't what they wuz, but I couldn't find a MN anywhere on it.
On the left side of the barrel only "Savage Smokeless Steel", under it , "High Pressure Powder". On top "Manufactured by Savage Arms", patent dates. Just ahead of the receiver on top of the barrel, "Sav. 303" and on the bottom of the receiver the S/N 29.694. 'dats it!

Is it possible because of it's configuration, grade A checkering and engraving the mod wasn't stamped or it was made on a Friday at quit'n time? :p

Bill

[Mad Dog]

I just had a look at three of my old 1899's, an 1899A short rifle in 38-55, a 1/2round, 1/2 octagon 1899C in 38-55 and an 1899A in 32-40 and they were all stamped on the left hand side right beside the rear sight with "model 1899".

Maybe it did have something to do with it being a special order.

[BillPa]

Maybe it did have something to do with it being a special order.

I wouldn't have known what it was without your help and Callahan's letter. All I knew its an old well used and abused 99!:p

Bill