Savage 1899 in .22 HP ??

[MP-44]

I have been wanting one of these ever since reading about them in old books and hunting stories.

Other than ammo availability and odd bullet dia., is there reasons to not buy one?

What would you consider a reasonable price for one in good condition that has been altered ( D&T , sling swivels installed etc..) ?

How much effort and expense in having one re-barreled?

Can the .22 HP be loaded down to .22 WRM power levels?

Pics of your 1899 and info would be appreciated.

 

[Art Eatman]

I'd call it "worth having", if it doesn't take a bunch of effort to put it into shooting shape. No idea about prices.

Phil Sharpe lists a load with a corrosive primer and a bunch of 2400 behind a 40-grain bullet at some 3,900 ft/sec.

With a light load of a 2400-burn-rate powder, you'd have a fun plinker.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5.6×52mmR

Note the comment about the availability of .227 and .228 bullets and of loaded ammo.

 

[FSJeeper]

I check Savage 99's everyday and buy bargains when they come up.

The 22HP's are less common and fetch higher prices. Cheapest I have seen one go for is $460 and they commonly sell at over $1,000. Probably average somewhere in the $650-$800 range in the shooter grade condition you mentioned.

Getting one re-barreled will be very expensive as they are not the easiest to work with and not very many people do them.

 

[GooseGestapo]

When you do get one, don't discount the .224" bullets.
A recent article in HANDLOADER magazine suggested that many of the HP's had .224" bores and was reason for perception that they weren't accurate.
I suggest you get a BLR in .22-250!

 

[Sav .250]

If you ever "find one." Do not hesitate, buy it pronto!

They are going the way of the Buffalo.

 

[Coogs.]

I've found two in my life. Same guy has them both. One is shooter condition, the other as new, believe it or not! Have tried to get him to part with at least one for the last 10 years or so, no soap. Not a big '99 fan, but that is one I would love to have.! Coogs.