SAVAGE ARMS MODEL 99
Posted May 25, 2023
F
The Savage Arms Model 99F is an iconic American firearm, having been one of the first commercially successful lever action rifles to hit the market. Developed in 1899 and made until 1998, it has a long history of providing reliable, stylish shooting capability. With its classic design, large magazine capacity, and smooth lever action, the Savage 99F has remained a popular gun for many shooters.
The Savage Arms Model 99F is a lever action rifle chambered in .303 Savage, the first commercial cartridge designed by Savage Arms. It was produced from 1899 to 1998 and is based on a slightly modified version of the Browning-designed Winchester Model 1895. The Model 99F is a popular collector's item due to its simplicity, accuracy, and classic styling.
The Savage 99F is primarily constructed of steel and walnut, giving it a classic look that is still quite attractive today. The action is smooth and reliable, and the loading gate makes it easy to operate the action. The rifle is fitted with a blued steel finish, giving it a glossy protective layer. The gun is also equipped with an adjustable rear sight and a marble’s front blade sight, which are useful for targeting distant targets and adjusting for windage.
The Savage 99F has a detachable box magazine, which holds up to 11 rounds of .303 Savage ammunition. This is a large capacity for a lever action rifle, and the rifle is relatively easy to reload via the loading gate. The lever action is also smooth and reliable, cycling rounds quickly and effortlessly with minimal noise. The rifle has a short trigger pull, making it well-suited to snap shooting and fast follow-up shots.
The accuracy and reliability of the Savage 99F is generally considered to be good. Many owners report being able to make accurate shots at distances up to 300 yards. With the proper ammunition and sighting equipment, the Savage 99F has the potential to make even longer shots. The gun is also capable of delivering consistent accuracy with the correct load and sight adjustment.
The Savage 99F also has a good reputation for durability. The gun is well-built and resistant to rust and corrosion, meaning it should last a lifetime with proper care and maintenance. The gun is also fairly light, weighing in at just over seven pounds, making it ideal for hunting or long-range target shooting.
Overall, the Savage Arms Model 99F is an iconic American rifle with a long history of reliable performance. Many shooters still prefer it for hunting and target shooting due to its classic design and long range accuracy. With its blued steel finish, large capacity magazine, and smooth lever action, the Savage 99F is a great choice for a quality lever-action rifle.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- The bolt has a smooth, short throw and locked up tightly
- Slightly faster cycling and reloading than standard lever actions
- Lasts for years and is relatively durable
- Easy to disassemble and clean
- The ergonomics of the gun are well done
- Variety of available calibers for the Model 99
Cons:
- Can be heavy for some women shooters
- Limited capacity of only four-rounds
- Can be difficult to find accessories
- Parts for the Model 99 can be hard to come by
- Pricey compared to other lever action rifles
Who Should Buy
Anyone looking for a quality lever action rifle should consider the Savage Arms Model 99. It is known for its accuracy and reliability and is available in a variety of calibers. People who are uncomfortable with firearms or inexperienced in using them should not purchase the Model 99. Furthermore, anyone who is looking for a more modern or specialized rifle should look elsewhere.
Comparisons
| Model | Caliber | Capacity | Magazine Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savage Arms Model 99 | .250-3000 Savage | 5+1 | Detachable |
| Marlin 336XLR | .30-30 Win | 8+1 | Tubular |
| Henry Big Boy | .45 Long Colt | 10+1 | Tubular |
| Ross M65-45 | .45-70Govt | 3 | Internal |
| Rossi M92 | .357 Mag/38 spl | 10+1 | Tubular |
Features / Specs
• Manufactured from 1899–1998
• Lever-action rifle
• Rotary magazine fed
• Available in 6 radically different calibers: .250–3000 Savage, .303 Savage, .30-30, .30-06, .243 Winchester, and .308 Winchester
• Five different variants: the A, B, C, F, and G
• Barrel length varies depending on caliber and variant
• Blued steel finish
• Walnut stock and fore-end
• Weight of 8.3 pounds
Popular Accessories
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- Replacement barrels
- Bases and rings for mounting optics
- Aftermarket stocks
- Magazine upgrades
- Trigger guards
- Safety levers and kits
- Internal and external parts upgrades
- Sling swivels
- Recoil pads
- Scope upgrades
Accuracy
The Savage Arms Model 99 is a reliable and accurate rifle with an unmatched track record. Its simple rotary magazine design allows for rounds to be quickly loaded, while its rotary bolt design ensures that the rounds are always correctly aligned with the barrel. Furthermore, its open-top receiver design ensures the Model 99 is as rugged and reliable as it is accurate. The Model 99 is well-known for its accuracy and is capable of consistently grouping under 1 MOA (1 inch group at 100 yards, 1.5 inches group at 200 yards, and 2 inches at 300 yards) with factory ammunition. This combination of accuracy, reliability, and ease of use has made the Savage Arms Model 99 a popular choice among both hunters and shooting enthusiasts alike.
