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Thread: Not sure what I have.1899 or 99

  1. #1
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    Not sure what I have.1899 or 99


    I have this Savage takedown rifle chambered for 303 Savage.
    By its serial number it was manufactured in 1920, the year Savage started phasing in the 99 to replace the 1899.
    It is not marked anywhere on the barrel or receiver with a model number. I have a 99F from 1926 that is marked Model 99 on the receiver bridge, and I am told by several sources that 1899's were frequently labeled as such on the barrel.
    I am trying to figure out how to post some photos, but as they are on my computer, not on the web, I am not sure how to go about doing so here.
    In any case, the quandary I am in is this.
    I read the post here in regard to What Model Savage do I Have.
    The best conclusion I come to is that this rifle is a interim or crossover rifle having features of both the 1899H and 99F
    It has no saddle ring, no Model Markings at all.
    It has a 20 inch barrel which is of a heavy or possibly medium contour. Much heavier than my 99F.
    It still has about 90 percent of its bluing, and bore, chamber, and rifling are pristine.
    It is quite accurate, as it will print .5 to .75 inch groups at 50 yds, with graf and sons 150 gr ammo, but it shoots about 5 to 6 inches above point of aim at that range with the rear sight at its lowest setting.
    Original 190 gr Silvertips print about 2 inches high at the same range. I luckily inherited several boxes of the Silvertips with the rifle.
    I plan to handload for this rifle and would like to find some 190 gr roundnoses for that purpose.
    All the Spitzer types I find give too long an overall length for proper functioning through the magazine.
    Any knowledge you can share on suitable bullets in that weight range would be appreciated.
    Also any help as to how I can post photos.
    Thanks,
    D.

  2. #2
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    I recognize the name from the Marlin forum, welcome!! I would say it's an 1899F, since its in .303. There's contradicting info in my Savage 99 book. It says 1899F was discontinued in 1919 and replaced by the 99H in 1920. When I go to the 99H info it says it was introduced in 1923!!?? Hard to tell without pics. These were designed to shoot the heavier bullets, mine likes 180 grain RN's. 190's are available from some of the boutigue bullet makers. Spitzers don't feed well through any of my 99's, but since most of the velocities are so low RN's perform the best anyhow!!

    I haven't figured out how to post photos here, either!!

  3. #3
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    I too have seen much conflicting info.
    If this Rifle had a Saddle ring, I would say it was an 1899F
    Without a ring, It should be a 99F.
    But 99F's are all supposed to have light weight barrels, and this one is definitely a heavy barrel.
    That and lack of any model numbers at all are throwing me off.

  4. #4
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    The bottom line is it matches best with an 1899F except that it is in takedown configuration, with no saddle ring

  5. #5
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    If it's a takedown with a 20" barrel the only models were 1899H and 99F, but they were both lightweights!

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Big Al1 View Post
    If it's a takedown with a 20" barrel the only models were 1899H and 99F, but they were both lightweights!
    Yes, I know that, But this one has a standard or heavyweight Barrel. Actually looks heavy to me.
    Wish I could post photos to show you.
    I'll probably post a similar thread on M.O. since I am not able to do so here.

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