I just picked up this Savage 99 at a local auction. I think it's a cool design and I have wanted one since I saw a YouTube video on them.

What I know:
caliber 250-3000
serial 222489 on receiver and barrel
c stamped on lever tang
broken extractor
custom stock and fore end
possible incorrect magazine carrier



My questions for you fine folks are:
How does one ID the caliber of the carriers. I have seen a few on Ebay and Gunbroker but I cannot tell if they match. I want one with the round counter, which should be correct as my receiver has the little window.
How do you properly date these? the other website has the dating tool but do you go by the serial or the tang letter stamp. They seem to contradict each other.
It appears that the lug for the fore end is simply dovetailed in there. Does this mean I can purchase original furniture?

Thanks in advance for any help.

I have the rifle apart for cleaning and hopefully restoration to original, here are some pics.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/P5KQHrREBjge2PC37