Got the bug bad enough to finally get a 1899 but which one?

[levallois]

I know this is going to open a whole can of worms but I'm stuck and the show is this weekend. Been admiring 1899s for years (and years) - always will look at any that are at the local shows - sold a gun recently and I think I have the money for just about any model except the rare calibers and fancy/engraved versions. I do find myself gravitating toward the prewar carbines; Fs with those terrific saddle rings and Hs, but quite frankly they're all pretty dang cool. If you were starting out again, what would choose to start your collection with a $2k budget? Thanks!

john

[Big Al1]

Tough question! Why not start out with the 1899 that got it all started, one in .303 Savage! There's a lot of them out there and with your budget, you could get a nice one, or two! Good for starters! My second choice would be one in a rare caliber like .25-20, .32-40, or .38-55. These three were all discontinued in 1914 or so. Takedown would be nice, too! I always enjoy the hunt, so have fun!!


OOOPPPS! Meant to say .25-35, not .25-20. It was late!:wacko:

[levallois]

Thanks Big Al1 for the reply. I think a rare caliber model might be the most interesting route to take. I'll be off to the show in a few hours so maybe I'll get lucky?

John

[levallois]

Five Savages at the show. All were pretty rough and post war as far as I could determine. Plus they were rough - pitted and poor stocks including two with filler in the wood. Very disappointing but not unexpected.

[Big Al1]

I was at the Ashland, Wi. gun show a few weeks ago. There was a guy there selling off his collection of over 200 1899/99's. Bet he could have hooked you up!!

[J.Baker]

I was at the Ashland, Wi. gun show a few weeks ago. There was a guy there selling off his collection of over 200 1899/99's. Bet he could have hooked you up!!

And you didn't tell him to come join us here? That may be a ban-able offense - I'm going to have to check the rules... :p

[levallois]

I was at the Ashland, Wi. gun show a few weeks ago. There was a guy there selling off his collection of over 200 1899/99 (tel:200 1899/99)'s. Bet he could have hooked you up!!

Oh man, you're killing me!

[Big Al1]

And you didn't tell him to come join us here? That may be a ban-able offense - I'm going to have to check the rules... :p

Sorry, I was staying with my friend at a campground!! It was an internet dead zone!!

[Big Al1]

Oh man, you're killing me!

I went weak in the knees, and almost controlled my drooling. It was worse being there! He had an 1899 custom deluxe in .32-40. That's when I had to go on 02!! After they remove the paper bag from my face, I looked at the price tag and moved on.................reluctantly. But with your budget, you could have afforded it!

[levallois]

?................. He had an 1899 custom deluxe in .32-40..........................but with your budget, you could have afforded it!

aaugh!