My kind of project!! I love reviving old and neglected firearms, and a classic like a 99 is worth the time and effort!! Like you said, the hunt and quest for parts is sometimes the best part! And the satisfaction of the save and completion of the project!! Maybe just get it stocked and keep looking for the right one. When you have a 100 year old rifle, when it was new, people used them as tools to put meat on the table. Every dent, ding, scratch, and crack has a story to tell, and adds to the character of the rifle!!

I had a 14/141 on my list for a long time, Just waiting for one at the right price! Already have ammo, brass, dies, and bullets for a .35 Rem. That's how I've started many projects!!

Almost forgot! The barrel on my .303 has two dovetails cut for the rear sight!! WHY?? Who knows!