Model 99 Opinion Please!

I just bought a Savage Model 99 and need a couple opinions. First, which model 99 do you think it is? I'm not sure how to post pics. The rifle has a straight grip and originally had a crescent butt stock. Plain...no checkering. Has the shell counter and a cocking indicator. Round barrel that is 26". It's a takedown model chambered in 303 savage. Serial # is 225,XXX. Front site is a "Jake" as described on Savage99.com. Second opinion has to do with the stock. Apparently, the crescent plate was removed, butt flattened, and butt recoil pad put on. Is it better to leave the original stock on with these modifications or should I replace with a new crescent stock? Thanks...

Sounds like either an 1899A or a 99B (not to be confused with the 1899B), but most likely an 1899A.

Secondly, I'd just leave it as is unless you really want the cresent butt. Savage 1899's were all numbered on the buttplate, butt stock and forearm to the receiver. Most collector guns haven't been touched but yours has already been made into a shooter grade gun as the numbers will never match again so just shoot it and enjoy.

Many thanks...on the barrel it says "Savage Hi-Pressure Steel" and then directly underneath that it says "303" bracketed by two lines. Would that indicate which model it is? I can't find anything on the gun that says model 1899. Thanks.

It won't say what model it is, Savage never did that until into the 1960's.

I can just tell what model it is from your description and serial number.

Sounds like a cool old Utica-made 303 Savage. Great old caliber very similar in ballistics to the 30 30. I have one made in 1913, but not a take down.

Even if you replaced the buttstock finding the crescent butt plate is no small task.