30-30 savage 99s

Here's one:

http://www.gunbroker.com/item/570390703

I have one dated 1929. I have no opinion on any particular date being the best. Since the 99 was capable of chambering much more powerful rounds with spritzer projectiles, I don't think the 30-30 was one of the more popular chamberings. However, if you are a handloader, this platform will allow you to squeeze out all of the potential of the 30-30 cartridge. I have a pretty respectable collection of 99's and have never really run into one that I felt was manufactured poorly. Even the later versions with detachable magazines are fabulous rifles.

I have one dared to 1903 that I'm currently working on. The stocks need to be replaced and the barrel is shot out, but the workmanship is still evident. Hopefully I can do it justice and make it a beautiful rifle again. But it probably won't stay in .30-30. I was thinking of having it bored out to .35-30/30 so I can shoot .357 mag bullets out of it. Should be fun!

You can find 30-30s. In 20, 22, 24, and 26 in barrels. Models with straight stocks and some with pistol grip stocks. All will be 1941 or earlier.

If you don't want a long barrel, the 1899H and early 99F are straight stock 20" and I think probably show up for sale the most.

The .303 Savage is very similar to a 30-30, but much harder to find ammo for (or you can reload).

You might also consider one in .300 Savage (excellent deer cartridge similar to .308 ... Easy to find because savage made a lot of them. There are also models in .308.

This is my 1913 model 1899H in 30-30.