I have been looking at the Savage 99's for a while and would like to know if they are noted for some models being better than others. I want to hunt with this rifle it won't be a safe queen. I would like a 308. I have seen a couple of 99C's around. Are they good? Thanks for the help!
Savage 99C vs Rotary Magazine
- Thread starter TexasEd
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mr.trooper
Member
iv been looking for a while as well. Pouring over used gun sections at all the local stores, and hitting up all the regional gun shows.
In the last year and a half, iv turned up 3... one in 300 Sav, and 2 in 250 Sav. GOOD LUCK finding one in any other caliber. If you do, it will cost you extra.
They were made for decades, and in every caliber under the sun... and yet the only ones you can find are in 250 savage. Gunbroker has the others, but they want a premium for them.
In the last year and a half, iv turned up 3... one in 300 Sav, and 2 in 250 Sav. GOOD LUCK finding one in any other caliber. If you do, it will cost you extra.
They were made for decades, and in every caliber under the sun... and yet the only ones you can find are in 250 savage. Gunbroker has the others, but they want a premium for them.
Joe Demko
Member
.300 Savage will do anything the .308 will do in real hunting situations. It is a fine old cartridge. I've killed a number of deer with one and seen a good many more killed by others who use it.
The rotary magazine is just so old school cool that I, personally, would never consider anything else.
The rotary magazine is just so old school cool that I, personally, would never consider anything else.
smokemaker
Member
The rotary mag is way smoother in feeding than the 'C'. Not that the box mag is awful, just not as smooth. I concern myself more with 99's that haven't had holes punched in them for scope mounts, rather than what type of magazine they have. (Of course, 99C's and EG's drilled and tapped already) The .300 Savage is a nice cartridge, but so is the .250 for anything up to deer. If you can find a .308 or even rarer, a 7mm-08, (or even more rare, a.358 Win) good luck selling that first born child to pay for it.
rbernie
Contributing Member
I have owned four or five Savage 99s in 308 with the rotary magazine. All were post-'61 (tang safety, 1.X mil S/N) but early enough yet to be of fine quality. I still have one.
If you can't find one, the 300 Savage is a fine choice; it is what was used as the basis of the 308/7.62x51 and differs primarily in having a shorter neck. Case capacities and such are pretty equal between them. The only reason to favor a 308 is if you do not handload and want local ammo on-the-shelf. (Having said that, my local Academy Sports still carries a few 300 Savage offerings..)
BTW - The 'C' model does not automatically designate a box magazine. Only that last years of the run got a box magazine. The best way to shop for a Savage 99 is by serial number. Anything below 1mil is the original design, made up to 1961. Anything above one mil was a post-61 design that had a different trigger/hammer setup as well as a relocated safety.
If you can't find one, the 300 Savage is a fine choice; it is what was used as the basis of the 308/7.62x51 and differs primarily in having a shorter neck. Case capacities and such are pretty equal between them. The only reason to favor a 308 is if you do not handload and want local ammo on-the-shelf. (Having said that, my local Academy Sports still carries a few 300 Savage offerings..)
BTW - The 'C' model does not automatically designate a box magazine. Only that last years of the run got a box magazine. The best way to shop for a Savage 99 is by serial number. Anything below 1mil is the original design, made up to 1961. Anything above one mil was a post-61 design that had a different trigger/hammer setup as well as a relocated safety.
mr.trooper
Member
so over the years you've sold off 3 rotary magazine 99's in 308? I hope you have something nice to show for it.
Personally, iv been hunting after the 243 and 22-250 version, with no luck at all.
Personally, iv been hunting after the 243 and 22-250 version, with no luck at all.
earplug
Member
Rotary Magazine
I have never heard of a Savage 99 rotary Magazine problem.
I have a 1946 version in 300 Savage.
While the detachable magazine may be nice for in and out of a vehicle type hunting.
The Rotary Magazine can't get misplaced or dropped in the dirt.
I have never heard of a Savage 99 rotary Magazine problem.
I have a 1946 version in 300 Savage.
While the detachable magazine may be nice for in and out of a vehicle type hunting.
The Rotary Magazine can't get misplaced or dropped in the dirt.
Abel
Member
I agree. Don't pass up a good 99 just because its a 300 Sav. & not a 308. Get a good rifle first and foremost.
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