Savage 99 Steel Magazine Spool?

[planetmobius]

I just picked up a Savage model 99 in 300 Savage. The serial number indicates that it was manufactured in 1949. This particular rifle is equipped with the round counter on the side but has a steel magazine spool. I have 3 other 99's but all have brass spools. Anyone know why this one might be steel?

 

[rbernie]

Is it steel, or aluminum? I know that they made several models with the aluminum spool, but I have never seen a steel spool.

 

[planetmobius]

Aluminum? That never ocurred to me. It just might be. I'll have to look at it more closely and get back to you. Did they use aluminum in the late 40's?

 

[rbernie]

As far as I knew, the aluminum spool was introduced in the fifties. I could either be wrong on that and it may have been done a wee bit earlier than I thought, or the spool may have been replaced along the way.

 

[planetmobius]

I'll check it after work tomorrow and post my findings.

 

[788Ham]

My '99 has a brass spool, it was made in 1946. Must be a replacement. If you've got one in .300, you've got a good caliber. Mine is in .300, and I've got another '99 in 250, both from my Pop. Goooood shooters!

 

[rcmodel]

Whatever it is made from, it might have a lot to do with the availability of raw materials just after WWII ended.

By the end of the war, brass was just about a scarce as hens teeth.

rc

 

[planetmobius]

I checked it with a magnet today. It's steel.

 

[64zebra]

steel.....thats a new one on me, mine and all others I've ever seen were brass
just checked some auction sites and saw a couple listed with aluminum
I'd like to know if these are factory or it was a replacement

 

[planetmobius]

I have no idea, its a new one on me as well. While, I've never seen a 99 with a steel magazine, I've never seen steel replacements advertised. They are usually brass or recently have become aware of aluminum ones. Maybe one of the heirs to my thrown will make a fortune off of it.