Savage 99 question

I have a Savage 99 in 250-300 that I am interested in selling, but I need to determine the value before I post it.

Serial number is A981xxx. It has a 20" barrel, schnabel forend, straight stock, can't tell if the round counter is brass, but there is a round counter. The stock is nice walnut. Tang safety. Metal and wood are perfect. Was purchased new long ago (by my cousin), hunted with once, and then put in a safe and never used again. Beautiful rifle with similar vintage scope and rings. No wear or tear - looks new.

What is a reasonable value for this rifle? When was it produced? Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks
Hastings

 

Do an internet search on "99 Savage for sale."

http://www.gunsinternational.com/guns-for-sale-online/rifles/savage-rifles-99.cfm?cat_id=356

The above site has several 99s in .250-3000 for between $1200 and $1500.

 

The few 250-3000 99s I have seen lately have had barrels that were basically shot out.
Most of the ones I see are listed for $800 or above, but generally sit for a LONG time without selling.

 

This one isn't shot out. It has less than 30 rounds thru it. My cousin was the original owner.

I've seen the high prices on some of the auction sites, but I assume those rifles will never sell. I was thinking between $750 and $850, but there are so many variations or the 99 that I'm not sure if that represents a realistic asking price in light of the great condition or a pie-in-the-sky figure that I'll never get.

I have put four rounds thru the rifle (from one of the two original boxes my cousin purchased when he bought the rifle). Seems like a nice shooting cartridge, but I have never bothered to pursue reloading or shooting it beyond the four-round test-fire. If I decided to keep the rifle and use it for varmint and small deer, how many rounds can the 99's handle in this cartridge before they are "shot out"? I would hate to keep the thing, start using it frequently, and end up getting something like the life expectancy of a 22-250 out of the thing. I'm not a fan of cartridges that erode barrels rapidly.

Thanks for the info.
Hastings

 

My estimate was based on searching the site for .250-3000s that seemed to match the condition of your rifle. I believe it would sell for more than $1,000 -- but you might have to wait a while for it to sell. A lower price would mean a quicker sale.

 

A Premium.

The 250-3000 in excellent condition will bring a premium price. Depends on the model but $1200-$1500 is not out of line. I would give you a Grand even on my fixed income. Might be divorced over it, but I've had a good run.

 

The .250-3000 cartridge is a fairly mild round when compared to cartridges like the .25-06 or even the .257 Roberts. Certainly not nearly as hard on a barrel as the .22-250. I don't think barrel life would be a concern unless you're out west trying to eradicate a prairie dog town in a weekend.

 

Your rifle would be a Model 99A from early 70s. Over on the Savage 99 Collector Facebook we keep a sales log. I will snapshot all the sold prices in the log for 99A 250-3000s and PM you the info. Keith

 

I had a 99 in .250-3000 from 1917. Extremely excellent condition. Limited edition only made for four years. Beautiful wood, hand checkered.

Sold it for $1,200. Guys will tell you it's worth gazillions of dollars. Lotsa guys wanted it. Hard to get someone to come up with the money.

If I could get $1,000 I'd be all kinds of happy.

 

Redneck2, your 1917 would have been a model "1899 .250-3000". That was the first model that Savage offered the 250-3000 Savage in. In the early 1920s Savage change the model name from 1899 to 99. There were several 1899/99 model variations that were chambered in 250-3000. The earlier the year, given similar condtion, the higher the value.

The ops rifle is a model 99A from 1972. This model was re-introduced in 1971 and was made until 1982. I say "reintroduced" because savage also made a Model 99A from 1926 to 37 with a cresent buttplate.

 

The Savage 99 experts are here: http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/forums/40/1/Savage_Collectors

 

Post pics, it helps w/ appraising the value. General rule for me is brass counter is worth more than steel. And lever safety is worth more than tang safety. These are my personal preferences because I actually shoot mine. The counter doesn't matter in this situation but the safety does.

If it's in the shape you say it is figure $1,000 and up. List it for $800 if you want to move it instantly. I'm not at home otherwise I would be able to tell you which counter it had.

 

Here is one that sold in August

This one sold for $715 in August

http://www.gunbroker.com/Item/575106359

 

It should have a letter right on the front of the lever pin boss..Starting in 1949 and the letter A,and each year after 1949 had the next letter of the alphabet.I have one with the letter C,so it's a 1951.Mine has the brass spool,and safety at the lever,and 24 inch barrel..I kill a good bit of deer,and varmits with it..I would say you may have a faster twist than the older ones. Mine is a 1 in 14.it does great with 87 grain Hot-Cors,and I have shot 100 grain Hot-Cors,and it stabilizes,but I just stick with the 87s for everything..I would guess yours to be late 50s,because I think they went with the removable clip early in the 60s.

 

It will not have a lever boss code, the last year savage used them, was supposedly 1971 (Y), but I've never seen one past W (1969). The ops rifle is a 1972. The only models Savage made with a detachable magazine was the 99C and 99CD.

 

What are the scope and rings? I sold my three Savage 99's (.358, 243, 308)and don't recall the date/SN ranges, but will trust others on this thread to do that. My point is if it is factory D&T you are OK, but if it is an earlier .250-3000 that has aftermarket work done to the receiver the value will drop. Pics would be helpful. I don't recall seeing many of the newer ones in that caliber.

 

it is from 1972, so it was factory drilled and tapped; not an issue for this one.