Savage Model 99 (Old)

This earlier variant of the Savage Model 99 dates from the first decades of the twentieth century, when the design was still relatively new and Arthur Savage’s innovations were reshaping what shooters expected from a lever-action rifle. Early Model 99 rifles are distinguished by their high-quality machining, finely checkered walnut stocks, and overall fit and finish that reflect an era when skilled hand labor was still integral to firearms manufacturing. These pre-war examples represent the design at its most refined, before the pressures of mass production and cost reduction altered the character of later guns.

The earliest Model 99 rifles were originally marketed as the Model 1899, and they typically feature a distinctive crescent-shaped steel buttplate, a slender forend, and a lighter overall profile compared to the beefier later variants. The lever itself is elegantly curved and comfortable to operate, and the action cycles with a smooth, precise feel that experienced shooters immediately recognize as a mark of careful fitting. The rotary magazine in these early guns was meticulously assembled and functions with clockwork reliability, feeding cartridges up into the chamber with a positive, consistent motion.

Chambered most commonly in .303 Savage during its earliest years, the old Model 99 was a thoroughly modern hunting rifle for its day. The .303 Savage round offered respectable velocity and energy for deer-sized game, and the pointed-bullet compatibility of the rotary magazine gave it a real ballistic advantage over competing lever guns that were limited to flat-nosed ammunition. Hunters quickly recognized the benefits, and the Model 99 became a staple of the American deer woods within its first decade of production.

Early Savage Model 99 rifles are prized by collectors today for their craftsmanship and historical significance. The transition from “Model 1899” to “Model 99” markings, variations in barrel lengths and stock configurations, and the presence of original case-hardened finishes all contribute to the collectibility of these handsome old lever guns.