What a shame economics caused this great rifle to be discontinued. Cost too much to produce. Too much machinery work. Replaced with stamped sheet metal rifles that have not an ounce of soul. Thank you Sir for your thoughtful comment.
Such a beautiful, perfect rifle. Learned how to hunt with one many years ago. Time has passed and families have split. Hoping to get my hands on one again to bring back those memories.
Sir Anyone that is going to Bend your Ear about Improving a 99 needs a Woopin! Some of the 99's werent given the Proper attention they Need,Your Hands have Vastly Improved Every Savage model 99 that have touched! Arthur Savage is Smiling Down on You Sir! He only wished ALL his builders took such Pride in his Rifles!
There is absolutely nothing like carrying a rifle you can depend on be proud of and both mine are.308 Win never failed tip white tail over and a few smaller critters. But at camp all the men looked and talked about my savage lever rifles. 99 even the E are tools that can make generations proud.
You are a great person to do what you do with savage 99 . I waited almost 50 years to get my 99 and it was worth the wait they are in my opinion one of the finest weapons ever made
Great video as usual. Collectors can be a different type of people. Hunters can be another. I agree with you. These rifles were meant to be used. I appreciate the fact that you have resurrected rifles that need a new life. It must give you a sense of accomplishment. Keep the videos coming. God bless!
I loved what I did to all those rifles, and , their new owners liked them enough to keep bidding until they won. I never set the price, but they always brought enough to make it well worth my time. Collectors have their opinions, and I have mine. Thank you Sir for watching and for commenting. Dennis
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Thanks Dennis for taking the time to reply. Perhaps you could make a video if you ever restore another rifle. Showing the care and love you put into restoring these beautiful firearms. I know I would enjoy it very much. Thanks again. Nils
Dennis, I'm giving you a 3 thumbs up on this video!! I had a wonderful, pre 1 million 99F that I let a hunting companion talk me out of more than 20 years ago. I was planning to get another since they were around for 3 to 4 hundred dollars. Well, I never did and the prices has skyrocketed and as you know we old retirees are not rolling around in money. Had a couple of the newer post 1 million DL models, one a .358, the other .308 and I could never get used to the safety so they left. BTW, your F was probably made in the early 1960's as it still has cut checkering as did mine. Thanks for making the video and I'm looking forward to seeing it make meat this fall! Love your videos!!
I think all of us have let various firearms slip through our fingers. And we would all like a do over. Good 99’s are certainly hard to come by these days for sure. And we old retirees sure can’t afford thugs like we once did. I want to thank you for your thoughtful comments. Dennis
Pretty gun, l love my 99 Savage it feed my family very well for years. I know what you mean the stock finish and fit needed help. The finish was like a barn finish. I made mine pretty too.
My model 99 has a tang safety, rotary magazine and round counter. However it is not a featherweight. It is chambered in 308. Looking forward to hunting with it. Arthur Savage was way ahead of his time.
I am sorry but I don’t quite understand that comment. I missed something I guess. Are you perhaps speaking of something like the Pachmyer Liw Swing mounts?
You keep up the Fantastic work there mr. Pritchard sir, Savage Model 99 lever actions there are a fantastic rifle I own two of them i300 Savage and a Savage 308 you keep doing the fine work you do
I recently inherited my late step fathers 99E 308, and at the moment, I'm really excited to take her out shooting. It's a cheep model that I think he or his dad bought at a hardware store. She's tough, and in good shape, but you know, this is a family hand me down, or as others might call an Heirloom. I don't care if it's worth anything or not, she's mine, and it's got lineage. I did work as a unit armorer for a year in the army, and so I've been thinking about getting some books on older rifles, pistols, and revolvers. Just because I don't see taking something out to someone else if I can learn how to do it myself. So.. Thanks for your videos, I think you are right on the money sir.
My dad had one of these in 250-3000. It had a beautiful white diamond shaped inlay in the stock just behind the receiver. I assumed the inlay was bone or ivory and I asked him about it. He laughed and said “no son it’s a piece of plastic cut from a Clorox bottle”. Sixty years later and it still looks like ivory!😅
I purchased my grandfathers 99 from my dad 26 years ago and have hunted with it since that time. It remains “pure”. It looks like it just came out of the box.
My old savage, 99 and 243 I've never seen another one like it. I've seen lots of 300s, 308 and so on but never 243 I love the safety on it it is by the trigger.
I've got 300 Savage made in 1936. It's perfect but very plain. You have me talked into making it pretty. I'm 65 and hunt with it in Florida. It's mine. It's not for sale. My kids don't want that plain old lever gun. I can do what I want with it. I always take a lever gun to the forest (except during archery and muzzle loading.)
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I love the shine of you're mountain cruiser. Any advice on how to make it look like that would be greatly appreciated. I can fix a car, never been a wood worker.
For squirrels I hunt with a Winchester Model 61 that has been re-blued and tapped for scope before I ever got it. I wouldn't trade it for any other. I'm trying to buy a Savage Model 99-DL .308 from a friend and am hoping to make the deal on it. With deer rifles, I find, I spend a great deal more time sitting admiring it than I do actually shooting it. It's nice to have a great looking rifle with great looking wood. Collectors have their place but they don't own all guns or control the market. I'm glad you are doing what you are doing Sir.
I'm with you on redoing old rifles, I'm more of a shotgun guy.. but I got an old steel weaver on a .17hmr, and you can see a fly land on a tree in the woods at 100 yards, its very clear..
My firearms are for shooting. Not for collecting! Both my 1954 Savage and my 1956 Winchester have had their stocks refinished, This was done a long time ago but it was done to make the guns look better. No regrets. I put a Weaver 2.5 to 7 power scope on mine. I used swivel scope mounts on it. These mounts allow me to drop the scope off to the side and use open sights for close brush shots .I have been surprised at how well the scope stays zeroed with this mounting system.
If you are using the Pachmayr Low Swing mounts you are using some good ones. It is a shame they are no longer available. I did a lot of testing with them. I would shoot a five shot group as normal. Then I would fire a group and swing the scope to the side between shots. Then fire another group and completely remove and reinstall the scope between shots. Guess what? There was never a difference in the group sizes. Incredible. That you for watching and for your comments. Dennis
Not sure who made the mounts but I did like you did and the scope was always right on. after it was locked back in.@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882I did have to use the open sights one tome though. I dropped the rifle on a snowy hillside and the scope was moved and couldn't be used. I was grateful that I had the swivel scope mount on that trip.
I know what you mean. I redid 3 of them so far. The finish that came on some them was like a barn stain. The nice thing was is there was nice wood under that stuff. They do give enough extra wood to make them pretty. The one l made for my daughter in-law it was extra pretty. Had to put purple accents on it.
It surely is a good deer rifle, and no doubt a good pig rifle as well. But we have no pigs around here. They say pigs are a problem all over the country but when I try to find a place to hunt them they want to charge me . If they are a problem then why charge someone to help you rid yourself of a problem.?
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I agree ☝️ there are lots of wild pigs in TX, but lots of ranches set up pay 💰 to play and that’s fine for people who want that. There are opportunities for people who seek out permission from land owners or public land also.
Nothing as nice to handle in the woods as a 99. I have my Father's 1955 f, with a Lyman. 4 x. he carried it for 60 years it show some wood miles, but looks perfect to me. Thank You for the memories. Just a thought, but Skinner sight makes a peep for the rear of Lever actions in the scope mounts. I'm sure you are good enough to adjust one to a 99.
Looks like we have similar rifles!!! That is a good thing., Actually I have some Skinner sights. They are pretty good. Thank you for your thoughtful comments. Dennis
I just sold a Savage 99, 300sav last year and Savage 99..30-30 w.,The 30-30 had peep sind,,V sind,,and the 300sav had a 4 power scope,,Both for 600 each.
❤very informative and well said i had a 99 stolen at my father's house in a break in he lost o lot also i want another one maybe 308 mine was 243 i think a little anemic for whitetails i bought a weaver wideveiw and it is clear in bright sunlight but early morning or a hour befor dark you cant see smoke is there a company that rebuilds them i like the old stuff and i like the way you brought the ol lever back to life the butt plate you made looks better than the add on one's they sell that is a nice deer stalker hope you enjoy all the hard work you put into it many thanks ❤
I have had many guns stolen, and lost many in a house fire. Not fun. As for your scope, I really don’t know who works on them these days. Sorry, but I just don’t. I have had many 99’s. I made a living working on them for several years. By far the most accurate caliber is hands down the .300 Savage. I have never had a Savage caliber, no matter which one, that gave me any trouble as far as getting them to shoot accurately. Every .308 or .243 that I have ever seen has been a pain in the rear when it came to developing an accurate load. It is a shame that ammo, all ammo, is so hard to find these days. And those like the .300 Savage are even harder to find right now. But you can make .300 Savage brass out of .308 very easily. Most younger guys go for the .308, but the .300 Savage is easily the most accurate. And when loaded to the same pressure as the .308 it is ballistically equal. I will always choose the .300 Savage over the .308. But then again I am 80 years old. Thank you for watching and for commenting. Dennis
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 thanks for your reply and inspiring thoughts im not a reloading guy that is why I want a 308 to replace the 243 I have a couple 30-06 auto rem n bar takes up sum recoil I noticed a couple of the 99s kicked like a government mule in your videos but you took it on the chin like you expected it to do that so just for availability on ammo the 308 or 30-06 will be the model 99 that I find going to a gun show tomorrow so keep me in your thoughts and prayers many thanks again for the knowledge and folklore for these old ruger drop block and savages 99 because I don't need a ar15 to bring down a white tail most every deer iv got was one shot in the head on does and engine room on bucks one shot not a 30 round mag lol hahaha 😆 that just me and what is good for one guy may not work for another keep them groups tight Dennis im watching you uncle
I Think you did right. I’ve got my Grandpas old Savage 99 in the safe looking a little rough but I haven’t had a chance to take it out and shoot it yet.
Beautiful Dennis, while I don't own a 99 my brother did years ago before he passed. I would love to get a hold of a nice one like the one you have there. She sure is Sweet! Thanks for sharing and happy hunting this fall.
My dad was a savage 99 in 300 savage man he met Gary Cooper one time out in Colorado Cooper asked him what he was shooting my dad told him and he went and bought one
Beautiful rifle there Dennis you did a super job on it. I'm sure it will take a deer for you this year. Seasons getting close but just wondering if your heading out west Elk hunting again, I enjoyed those videos but good luck hunting whatever whenever you can. Be Blessed 🙏.
I am not going elk hunting this year. Not sure I will ever go again. The hunting situation all over the west is getting a bit ridiculous. Gone are the good old days. Never thought I would see the day when the overall hunting would be better in the east than it is in the West. But we have arrived. All the states around me have elk hunting IF you can draw a tag. And that ain’t easy, but neither is it easy out west these days. And good luck to you Sir this coming season. I plan to mix a lot of fishing in with my hunting this fall.
I highly agree with you my passion is the old 30-40 krag Jorgensen. Do what is needed to make it safe and fully functional. I am a shooter collector not a Barby doll collector. The more I learn about the savage 99 the more I wish I new sooner, great rifles. The only reason I can see to buy collectable only rifles is to turn it immediately to afford the others I want. Don't know if I could trust myself with a non fired collectable, they are intended to be used.
I have never seen a rifle that I would not shoot! If it wasn’t made to shoot then why is it chambered for a particular cartridge? Oh well. Thanks for commenting.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 one of my brothers belongs to a shooting club with members who are big collectors one of which drove a couple of states away to purchase some kind of pistol he wanted to help complete his collection turned out to have been never fired the friend who accompanied him on the trip almost talked him into shooting it. He had been looking for this version for his collection for many years upon updating himself about its current value He found he had gotten an excellent price for the pistol even in used condition and if he had fired it still would have been a good price however unfired it was worth close to $3000 dollars more . I could never be this kind of a collector besides I have never made enough money to worrent spending 900 - 1000 dollars on something that wasn't for putting meat on the table.
Thank you sir. I sure do love my 99’s and I think you do ‘Em credit. My 358 win model 99 is just about perfect when I’m out in the woods at our ranch in the Idaho mountains.
Steve I just purchased what may be my last deer rifle. Late 1950s 99F with a Leupold 3x9 from the 1960s. The walnut stocks are likely custom as the figuring in the walnut is stunning. With scope, mine weights 8.55 pounds or so. I'm curious what your rifle weights. I understand a factory 99F will weigh about one pound lighter than other models. Love Dennis's channel by the way.
Nice job! I've noticed in your other videos with 1899's, you always keep the bolts in the white. I have an old 1899 from about 1920 chambered in Savage 22 High power & am planning on refurbishing. The bolt has been blued & worn out on the top, but I am trying to decide which way to go with it.
To me the bolts should be polished, in the white. I just think they look better that way. Never entered my mind to do anything to them except polish. I do like them jeweled also.
My dad collected rifles and handguns. Buy them at the pawnshop traded them for upgraded another. He bought back in the ‘60s factory new low serial number weapons. Some he never fired some fired once and others used regularly! 50 yrs later the brand new low serial number never fired were not worth much more than he bought them for! What was the use in investment other than I have this I have that never fired!
I am blessed with a 250-3000 1921 featherweight takedown that shoots amazing! May I ask for suggestions how to clean the wood, and what wood 'oil' to properly finish the wood please. It was a gift from a dear old friend that has passed. I only use it in fair weather, love it that much. Has the Lyman rear sight flip up tang sight also. Thank you for a wonderful video! I guess it is the deluxe model? 234788
I use several coats of Tung oil. It is very waterproof. You can put as many coats as you want to achieve the look that you want. Nice rifle you have there!!
Dennis, I recently won a Savage 99F and received it today. I looked up some videos to learn about it and found your video. Thanks for the informative video. If you have any advice on disassembly, I'm all ears. She needs a good cleaning
First off congratulations on your great win.,I should be so lucky. I would recommend the Savage Take Down booklet from Radocy. The little 8 page booklet. That is all you should need.
I have a 99f in 243. It has the hand cut checkering and the tang safety. It's a great rifle but has an abhorrent trigger pull. Hopefully, one day, i can find someone who can do a trigger job, but people that know these guns are few and far between.
Your rifle has the newer trigger system and most of them have pretty nice triggers. Crisp with hardly any slack. The pull weight can be adjusted but you do need someone who knows what he is doing. Most come from the factory with about a five pound pull which is fine for a hunting rifle.
Dennis, why do you prefer 170 grain bullets over 150 grain? I always used 150 grain for Mule Deer here in Utah. Also, how many times do you reload the same cases before you quit using them?
I have what is called a red-green deficiency, meaning I have a hard time seeing blood. So it makes trailing an animal very difficult. So I slowly became a fan of the heavy bullets per caliber, simply because they will more consistently pass completely through the animal. The large exit wound leaves a much better blood trail for me to follow. But as a rule, I try to break the animal down where he stands so I, hopefully, won’t need to trail him. Breaking him down generally means breaking bone. Again heavier bullets are more likely to accomplish that. And lastly, because the heavier bullets usually penetrate deeper it gives me the option of taking shots that are less than the perfect broad side shot. As a young man I grew up in the heavy bullet per caliber days. Virtually everyone used heavy bullets back then. And along came Roy Weatherby. Roy made light per caliber bullets, moving at higher velocities quite popular. I joined that crowd. Some kills were spectacular to say the least. Critters dropped in their tracks rather often. Light bullets placed perfectly are spectacular performers usually. But all too often the critter did not drop in its tracks. And all to often the entrance hole would be blocked with skin or flesh leaving very little blood for me to follow. So I have returned to my roots. Heavy bullets serve me better. As simple as that. I have no set number of times that I reload a case. I always anneal the brass between firings. And I set the shoulder back only two thousandths of an inch. So consequently I get long case life. I hope this answers your questions. Thank you for watching and for commenting. Dennis
What does the gold trigger signify? Only one of my 3 model 99s, the .243, which is a newer than my other 99s, it the model with thin barrel and schnoebel fore-end, and it is my only model 99 having the gold trigger, though it has stamped checkering and the thumb slide safety and a Steel rotary not brass, has lighter wood and the gold trigger. Which model would you say it is? And, what is the background of the gold trigger.
I have been trying my best to figure out which model you have there. It doesn’t match any model that I know of. My best guess is it is a later Model F but someone has put a different fore end on it. Only thing that makes sense to me. The gold trigger came along when Savage changed to the sliding tang safety and improved trigger mechanism.
A collector wants to pay dirt price. That's why they don't want you to fix them up as nice as you do And I'm the same way you are. A gun is meant to be used not to look at They start charging taxes on these collectors They won't be collecting too many then.
Ok so I buy a brand new pair of leather boots that fit no problem. I go home filled full of hot water let ‘em sit over night. Next morning pour the water out put them on. Go to work and walk them dry! The fit like a glove from then on on! Was I wrong! Old cowboy told me that trick!
I don’t think I would soak them in hot water. I do like to get them wet while walking in grass and weeds that are drenched with a heavy dew, if fem rain. Then wear them till dry. But don’t over do it. I break my Kenetreks in this way for the first 50 of so miles.
Dennis, what do you charge for 99 services? I'd love to have you take a look at my 99F and see what you could do with it. It's a bit of a family heirloom. I haven't shot it yet, but it had plenty of copper in the barrel I cleaned out and the action is a bit stiff. I'd love to see it prettier and well functioning if either is possible!
I am sorry but I quit working on the 99’s several years ago. To many ridiculous regulations primarily. I would be glad to help walk you through whatever it is that you might want to do to your rifle. I have done that for several people. Thank you for watching and for your comments. Dennis
No deer rifle quite like the 99 in my opinion! I hunt my 99F up in the “cold, wet, rainy woods” of Maine. Can’t see myself changing guns any time soon. I see things the same way you do. I’ve never understood the point of collecting guns as showpieces. The vast majority of them were built as tools, not toys. Why not use them?
The caliber in this one is the ..300 Savage. And since the .300 Sav and the .338 Federal are based on the 7x57 Mauser case it should be a simple job to re barrel. And probably it would cycle ok.
I have to laugh. Are there lookin’ rifles and shootin’ rifles? Not for me anyway. Make it useful. Do what you want to your rifle. Someday I would like to find me one in 250 Savage. Only in blued steel and walnut. Both good looking and useful.
I have a friend who owns “Good” rifles and “Using” rifles. He carry’s some pitiful guns afield that often don’t even work properly, while his good rifles stay safe at home. That is crazy if you ask me.
There are no currently manufactured rounds being produced (Last production run that I know of was in the early 2000's). You can sometimes find a few vintage rounds at gun shows or online marketplaces but be prepared to pay crazy money for them as they are becoming very collectible. Reloading/handloading is going to be your best bet for a continuous supply. PPU does make new brass for .303 Savage and 30 cal. bullets are common. I don't know what country you're in but here in Canada, Budget Shooter's Supply is where I get mine from. Handloading is not cheap to get into so do your research on both avenues before you decide.
@@A.C._Taylor I contacted them. They are producing the 303 in Serbia. Out of Mississippi I guess. Got 100 empty cases and 20 complete cartridges for about $110
@@UFOhuntersWorldwide Well I looked online for you and I guess I'm eating a bit of crow. I definitely cannot get the manufactured ammo in Canada, it appears that Bannerman does produce .303 Savage ammo. Google Graf and Sons , then on the website's search bar, type in .303 Savage and you will see both the manufactured rounds and the PPU brass as well. It says there is stock on both items. Hope it helps!
Taylor's right, but reloading isn't expensive to get into. I use a Lee's hand press and hand primer, they work great considering how inexpensive they are 👍
If you are having case separation with factory fodder I would suggest you have a smith check it out. Sounds like too much headspace which can be compensated for by hand loading.
I had no idea I would watch an hour long video about a discontinued rifle. Great video from the soul.
What a shame economics caused this great rifle to be discontinued. Cost too much to produce. Too much machinery work. Replaced with stamped sheet metal rifles that have not an ounce of soul.
Thank you Sir for your thoughtful comment.
Such a beautiful, perfect rifle. Learned how to hunt with one many years ago. Time has passed and families have split. Hoping to get my hands on one again to bring back those memories.
@@erk7218 thank you for watching and for commenting. I hope you find the 99 you are looking for.
Dennis, Im a believer In experience is your best teacher so listening to your videos is a great educational experience!
I hope I am not leading you astray!!!!!!
Great job dennis , my 1940 99 in 300 savage loves 4064 powder and 150gr speer flat point bullets for the 3030 , thanks for ur love of the classics
It appears to me that you have a rifle-load combo that is working just great for you.
Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
Sir Anyone that is going to Bend your Ear about Improving a 99 needs a Woopin! Some of the 99's werent given the Proper attention they Need,Your Hands have Vastly Improved Every Savage model 99 that have touched! Arthur Savage is Smiling Down on You Sir! He only wished ALL his builders took such Pride in his Rifles!
That was what I always tried to
do wether successful or not. Thank you for your comments .
There is absolutely nothing like carrying a rifle you can depend on be proud of and both mine are.308 Win never failed tip white tail over and a few smaller critters. But at camp all the men looked and talked about my savage lever rifles. 99 even the E are tools that can make generations proud.
The 99 is a rifle ahead of its time.
Great video. I have a .250 and .300 that were my grandpa’s. Good guns.
Then you have two fines rifles. Make sure that you enjoy them
You are a great person to do what you do with savage 99 . I waited almost 50 years to get my 99 and it was worth the wait they are in my opinion one of the finest weapons ever made
Great video as usual. Collectors can be a different type of people. Hunters can be another. I agree with you. These rifles were meant to be used. I appreciate the fact that you have resurrected rifles that need a new life. It must give you a sense of accomplishment. Keep the videos coming. God bless!
I loved what I did to all those rifles, and , their new owners liked them enough to keep bidding until they won. I never set the price, but they always brought enough to make it well worth my time. Collectors have their opinions, and I have mine.
Thank you Sir for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882
Thanks Dennis for taking the time to reply. Perhaps you could make a video if you ever restore another rifle. Showing the care and love you put into restoring these beautiful firearms. I know I would enjoy it very much. Thanks again. Nils
@@nilsforseth404 I did one pretty close to what you want called, “Restoring and Refining the Savage 99.”
Check that one out.
Thanks for commenting.
Mr Dennis, what is favorite caliber in the 99? What is your favor model? Do you like the detachable mag models?@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882
Dennis, I'm giving you a 3 thumbs up on this video!! I had a wonderful, pre 1 million 99F that I let a hunting companion talk me out of more than 20 years ago. I was planning to get another since they were around for 3 to 4 hundred dollars. Well, I never did and the prices has skyrocketed and as you know we old retirees are not rolling around in money. Had a couple of the newer post 1 million DL models, one a .358, the other .308 and I could never get used to the safety so they left. BTW, your F was probably made in the early 1960's as it still has cut checkering as did mine. Thanks for making the video and I'm looking forward to seeing it make meat this fall! Love your videos!!
I think all of us have let various firearms slip through our fingers. And we would all like a do over. Good 99’s are certainly hard to come by these days for sure. And we old retirees sure can’t afford thugs like we once did.
I want to thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Dennis
Pretty gun, l love my 99 Savage it feed my family very well for years. I know what you mean the stock finish and fit needed help. The finish was like a barn finish. I made mine pretty too.
Just saw your comment. Enjoy that fine rifle.
My model 99 has a tang safety, rotary magazine and round counter. However it is not a featherweight. It is chambered in 308. Looking forward to hunting with it. Arthur Savage was way ahead of his time.
Sounds like you have a winner on your hands to me!! And you are right about Mr Savage.
Great video again. I really enjoy your taste in firearms. I could listen to you all day.
Well thank you Sir. Thank you very much.
The breakdown on are perfect and when together they never lost zero scope wise and or open sights. Great ❤show 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸
I am sorry but I don’t quite understand that comment. I missed something I guess.
Are you perhaps speaking of something like the Pachmyer Liw Swing mounts?
Sorry, Savage break down rifle 99
@@leonardjanda6181 you must have a 99G. Mine is awesome!!
You keep up the Fantastic work there mr. Pritchard sir, Savage Model 99 lever actions there are a fantastic rifle I own two of them i300 Savage and a Savage 308 you keep doing the fine work you do
Yes they are fantastic rifles and you hold on to your two. Not so easy to come by these day’s.
Thank you for watching and for your comments.
Dennis
I recently inherited my late step fathers 99E 308, and at the moment, I'm really excited to take her out shooting. It's a cheep model that I think he or his dad bought at a hardware store. She's tough, and in good shape, but you know, this is a family hand me down, or as others might call an Heirloom. I don't care if it's worth anything or not, she's mine, and it's got lineage. I did work as a unit armorer for a year in the army, and so I've been thinking about getting some books on older rifles, pistols, and revolvers. Just because I don't see taking something out to someone else if I can learn how to do it myself. So.. Thanks for your videos, I think you are right on the money sir.
Well I tell you your speech and everything your character adds to these rifles Being priceless. You put hard work into them obviously
Thank you Sir for those flattering comments.!!!
My dad had one of these in 250-3000. It had a beautiful white diamond shaped inlay in the stock just behind the receiver. I assumed the inlay was bone or ivory and I asked him about it. He laughed and said “no son it’s a piece of plastic cut from a Clorox bottle”. Sixty years later and it still looks like ivory!😅
Interesting story, thanks for sharing it. And thank you for watching.
I purchased my grandfathers 99 from my dad 26 years ago and have hunted with it since that time. It remains “pure”. It looks like it just came out of the box.
You have a real treasure so hang on to it.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 it’s a permanent member of the gun family.
My old savage, 99 and 243 I've never seen another one like it. I've seen lots of 300s, 308 and so on but never 243 I love the safety on it it is by the trigger.
Sounds like a late Model F ???
I like your video my next 3 will be on my list I will keep a eye for a 99 thank you
Thanks for watching and commenting.
I've got 300 Savage made in 1936. It's perfect but very plain. You have me talked into making it pretty. I'm 65 and hunt with it in Florida. It's mine. It's not for sale. My kids don't want that plain old lever gun. I can do what I want with it. I always take a lever gun to the forest (except during archery and muzzle loading.)
Make it pretty!! You will like it more, I can guarantee you that.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I love the shine of you're mountain cruiser. Any advice on how to make it look like that would be greatly appreciated. I can fix a car, never been a wood worker.
@@johncormier646 check out my video “Restoring and Refining the Savage 99”. Then get back to me.
For squirrels I hunt with a Winchester Model 61 that has been re-blued and tapped for scope before I ever got it. I wouldn't trade it for any other. I'm trying to buy a Savage Model 99-DL .308 from a friend and am hoping to make the deal on it. With deer rifles, I find, I spend a great deal more time sitting admiring it than I do actually shooting it. It's nice to have a great looking rifle with great looking wood. Collectors have their place but they don't own all guns or control the market. I'm glad you are doing what you are doing Sir.
Thank you for watching and for logical comments.
Dennis
I'm with you on redoing old rifles, I'm more of a shotgun guy.. but I got an old steel weaver on a .17hmr, and you can see a fly land on a tree in the woods at 100 yards, its very clear..
@@joracer1 thank you for watching and for commenting.
My firearms are for shooting. Not for collecting!
Both my 1954 Savage and my 1956 Winchester have had their stocks refinished,
This was done a long time ago but it was done to make the guns look better.
No regrets.
I put a Weaver 2.5 to 7 power scope on mine.
I used swivel scope mounts on it. These mounts allow me to drop the scope off to the side and use open sights for close brush shots .I have been surprised at how well the scope stays zeroed with this mounting system.
If you are using the Pachmayr Low Swing mounts you are using some good ones. It is a shame they are no longer available. I did a lot of testing with them. I would shoot a five shot group as normal. Then I would fire a group and swing the scope to the side between shots. Then fire another group and completely remove and reinstall the scope between shots. Guess what? There was never a difference in the group sizes. Incredible.
That you for watching and for your comments.
Dennis
Not sure who made the mounts but I did like you did and the scope was always right on. after it was locked back in.@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882I did have to use the open sights one tome though. I dropped the rifle on a snowy hillside and the scope was moved and couldn't be used. I was grateful that I had the swivel scope mount on that trip.
I know what you mean. I redid 3 of them so far. The finish that came on some them was like a barn stain. The nice thing was is there was nice wood under that stuff. They do give enough extra wood to make them pretty. The one l made for my daughter in-law it was extra pretty. Had to put purple accents on it.
I would like to see that purple one. I bet it is a looker.
Thanks for commenting.
That is so cool. I love it.
Just saw your comment. Thank you.
Model 99E, finest hunting weapon I ever owned
Hard to beat the 99 for a fact.
Thank you for watching.
This is a great gun i have 2 of them 300 and 308 👍👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏👏
Yes Sir they are truly great rifles.
Very cool rifles, the 99 was ahead of it’s time, very good deer and pig rifle.
It surely is a good deer rifle, and no doubt a good pig rifle as well. But we have no pigs around here. They say pigs are a problem all over the country but when I try to find a place to hunt them they want to charge me . If they are a problem then why charge someone to help you rid yourself of a problem.?
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I agree ☝️ there are lots of wild pigs in TX, but lots of ranches set up pay 💰 to play and that’s fine for people who want that. There are opportunities for people who seek out permission from land owners or public land also.
Nothing as nice to handle in the woods as a 99. I have my Father's 1955 f, with a Lyman. 4 x.
he carried it for 60 years it show some wood miles, but looks perfect to me.
Thank You for the memories.
Just a thought, but Skinner sight makes a peep for the rear of Lever actions in the scope mounts.
I'm sure you are good enough to adjust one to a 99.
Looks like we have similar rifles!!! That is a good thing.,
Actually I have some Skinner sights. They are pretty good.
Thank you for your thoughtful comments.
Dennis
Awe I miss my 99-great video!!!
Just saw your comment. We all do things we regret !!
I just sold a Savage 99, 300sav last year and Savage 99..30-30 w.,The 30-30 had peep sind,,V sind,,and the 300sav had a 4 power scope,,Both for 600 each.
Oh my. That hurts! Especially the 30-30!
❤very informative and well said i had a 99 stolen at my father's house in a break in he lost o lot also i want another one maybe 308 mine was 243 i think a little anemic for whitetails i bought a weaver wideveiw and it is clear in bright sunlight but early morning or a hour befor dark you cant see smoke is there a company that rebuilds them i like the old stuff and i like the way you brought the ol lever back to life the butt plate you made looks better than the add on one's they sell that is a nice deer stalker hope you enjoy all the hard work you put into it many thanks ❤
I have had many guns stolen, and lost many in a house fire.
Not fun.
As for your scope, I really don’t know who works on them these days. Sorry, but I just don’t.
I have had many 99’s. I made a living working on them for several years. By far the most accurate caliber is hands down the .300 Savage. I have never had a Savage caliber, no matter which one, that gave me any trouble as far as getting them to shoot accurately. Every .308 or .243 that I have ever seen has been a pain in the rear when it came to developing an accurate load.
It is a shame that ammo, all ammo, is so hard to find these days. And those like the .300 Savage are even harder to find right now. But you can make .300 Savage brass out of .308 very easily.
Most younger guys go for the .308, but the .300
Savage is easily the most accurate. And when loaded to the same pressure as the .308 it is ballistically equal.
I will always choose the .300 Savage over
the .308. But then again I am 80
years old.
Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 thanks for your reply and inspiring thoughts im not a reloading guy that is why I want a 308 to replace the 243 I have a couple 30-06 auto rem n bar takes up sum recoil I noticed a couple of the 99s kicked like a government mule in your videos but you took it on the chin like you expected it to do that so just for availability on ammo the 308 or 30-06 will be the model 99 that I find going to a gun show tomorrow so keep me in your thoughts and prayers many thanks again for the knowledge and folklore for these old ruger drop block and savages 99 because I don't need a ar15 to bring down a white tail most every deer iv got was one shot in the head on does and engine room on bucks one shot not a 30 round mag lol hahaha 😆 that just me and what is good for one guy may not work for another keep them groups tight Dennis im watching you uncle
I Think you did right. I’ve got my Grandpas old Savage 99 in the safe looking a little rough but I haven’t had a chance to take it out and shoot it yet.
Shoot it!!!!
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful Dennis, while I don't own a 99 my brother did years ago before he passed. I would love to get a hold of a nice one like the one you have there. She sure is Sweet! Thanks for sharing and happy hunting this fall.
And thank you for watching and for commenting. And good luck with your search for a 99.
My dad was a savage 99 in 300 savage man he met Gary Cooper one time out in Colorado Cooper asked him what he was shooting my dad told him and he went and bought one
Sounds like your Dad and Cooper had it together, both knew a good rifle when they saw it!!
The 99 in 22 high power is my favorite
That was quite a rifle -cartridge combo in its day, and it is still just as awesome as it ever was.
You are the John Wayne of gun talk LOL
Just saw your comment. And what a nice comment it was. Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
I’ve never had a model 99. If you ever want to refurbish and sell one more, I would be interested in adding one of your works to my hunting guns.
Make a deal with you. You find one that you like, bring it to me and I will refine it for you. How’s that?
Sounds great to me
Beautiful rifle there Dennis you did a super job on it. I'm sure it will take a deer for you this year. Seasons getting close but just wondering if your heading out west Elk hunting again, I enjoyed those videos but good luck hunting whatever whenever you can. Be Blessed 🙏.
I am not going elk hunting this year. Not sure I will ever go again. The hunting situation all over the west is getting a bit ridiculous. Gone are the good old days. Never thought I would see the day when the overall hunting would be better in the east than it is in the West. But we have arrived. All the states around me have elk hunting IF you can draw a tag. And that ain’t easy, but neither is it easy out west these days.
And good luck to you Sir this coming season. I plan to mix a lot of fishing in with my hunting this fall.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 good luck to you also, will be watching.
Love the 99. I'd like to have two older ones; one in 300 Savage and one in 22HP. Not as a collector but a shooter. Tang peep sights would be nice.
Two great calibers for certain. Good luck in your search.
Gotta agree, madero be used, hard to find here in Australia.
Hello Australia!
Good to hear from you.
I highly agree with you my passion is the old 30-40 krag Jorgensen. Do what is needed to make it safe and fully functional. I am a shooter collector not a Barby doll collector. The more I learn about the savage 99 the more I wish I new sooner, great rifles. The only reason I can see to buy collectable only rifles is to turn it immediately to afford the others I want. Don't know if I could trust myself with a non fired collectable, they are intended to be used.
I have never seen a rifle that I would not shoot! If it wasn’t made to shoot then why is it chambered for a particular cartridge? Oh well.
Thanks for commenting.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 one of my brothers belongs to a shooting club with members who are big collectors one of which drove a couple of states away to purchase some kind of pistol he wanted to help complete his collection turned out to have been never fired the friend who accompanied him on the trip almost talked him into shooting it. He had been looking for this version for his collection for many years upon updating himself about its current value He found he had gotten an excellent price for the pistol even in used condition and if he had fired it still would have been a good price however unfired it was worth close to $3000 dollars more . I could never be this kind of a collector besides I have never made enough money to worrent spending 900 - 1000 dollars on something that wasn't for putting meat on the table.
Beautiful rifle
A hopeless rifle turned into a swan.
I am not a collector. I don’t buy a tool unless I intend to do some kind of work with it. I DO take good care of my tools.
Sounds like good adviser to me.
Thank you sir. I sure do love my 99’s and I think you do ‘Em credit. My 358 win model 99 is just about perfect when I’m out in the woods at our ranch in the Idaho mountains.
@@barntapes3414 99 ‘s and Idaho, how great is that? I love Idaho.
If you buy it you can do whatever you want to it
I've yet to find a general purpose hunting rifle that i like better than my 1963 99f in 308.
Sounds about right.!!
Steve I just purchased what may be my last deer rifle. Late 1950s 99F with a Leupold 3x9 from the 1960s. The walnut stocks are likely custom as the figuring in the walnut is stunning. With scope, mine weights 8.55 pounds or so. I'm curious what your rifle weights. I understand a factory 99F will weigh about one pound lighter than other models. Love Dennis's channel by the way.
@@wayneminor5559 Mine is right at 8lbs with weaver rings and bases, hybrid nylon/leather sling , and a 2x7 burris compact scope.
Nice job! I've noticed in your other videos with 1899's, you always keep the bolts in the white. I have an old 1899 from about 1920 chambered in Savage 22 High power & am planning on refurbishing. The bolt has been blued & worn out on the top, but I am trying to decide which way to go with it.
To me the bolts should be polished, in the white. I just think they look better that way. Never entered my mind to do anything to them except polish. I do like them jeweled also.
I dont have many guns if im not using it i get rid of. Except 2 heirloom shotguns. That is a beautiful gun you got there
I don’t have enough either!!
I have quite a few of them I have every caliber but 284 I hunt with all of them mostly 308,250,and 300 303 sav
Nothing like the 99.
Thank you for watching.
My dad collected rifles and handguns. Buy them at the pawnshop traded them for upgraded another. He bought back in the ‘60s factory new low serial number weapons. Some he never fired some fired once and others used regularly! 50 yrs later the brand new low serial number never fired were not worth much more than he bought them for! What was the use in investment other than I have this I have that never fired!
Any firearm is only worth the value one puts on them. And their resale value is what someone is willing to pay for them. As for me, I use the.
I am blessed with a 250-3000 1921 featherweight takedown that shoots amazing! May I ask for suggestions how to clean the wood, and what wood 'oil' to properly finish the wood please. It was a gift from a dear old friend that has passed. I only use it in fair weather, love it that much. Has the Lyman rear sight flip up tang sight also. Thank you for a wonderful video! I guess it is the deluxe model? 234788
I use several coats of Tung oil. It is very waterproof. You can put as many coats as you want to achieve the look that you want. Nice rifle you have there!!
thank you!
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882
Dennis, I recently won a Savage 99F and received it today. I looked up some videos to learn about it and found your video. Thanks for the informative video. If you have any advice on disassembly, I'm all ears. She needs a good cleaning
First off congratulations on your great win.,I should be so lucky.
I would recommend the Savage Take Down booklet from Radocy. The little 8 page booklet. That is all you should need.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Thanks Dennis! I found out someone chopped the stock down on this rifle just like yours.
I have a 99f in 243. It has the hand cut checkering and the tang safety. It's a great rifle but has an abhorrent trigger pull. Hopefully, one day, i can find someone who can do a trigger job, but people that know these guns are few and far between.
Your rifle has the newer trigger system and most of them have pretty nice triggers. Crisp with hardly any slack. The pull weight can be adjusted but you do need someone who knows what he is doing.
Most come from the factory with about a five pound pull which is fine for a hunting rifle.
Yeah, it has a 10+ pound trigger. I just need to find a smith that can do these triggers
Dennis, why do you prefer 170 grain bullets over 150 grain?
I always used 150 grain for Mule Deer here in Utah.
Also, how many times do you reload the same cases before you quit using them?
I have what is called a red-green deficiency, meaning I have a hard time seeing blood. So it makes trailing an animal very difficult. So I slowly became a fan of the heavy bullets per caliber, simply because they will more consistently pass completely through the animal. The large exit wound leaves a much better blood trail for me to follow. But as a rule, I try to break the animal down where he stands so I, hopefully, won’t need to trail him. Breaking him down generally means breaking bone. Again heavier bullets are more likely to accomplish that. And lastly, because the heavier bullets usually penetrate deeper it gives me the option of taking shots that are less than the perfect broad side shot. As a young man I grew up in the heavy bullet per caliber days. Virtually everyone used heavy bullets back then. And along came Roy Weatherby. Roy made light per caliber bullets, moving at higher velocities quite popular. I joined that crowd. Some kills were spectacular to say the least. Critters dropped in their tracks rather often. Light bullets placed perfectly are spectacular performers usually. But all too often the critter did not drop in its tracks. And all to often the entrance hole would be blocked with skin or flesh leaving very little blood for me to follow. So I have returned to my roots. Heavy bullets serve me better. As simple as that.
I have no set number of times that I reload a case. I always anneal the brass between firings. And I set the shoulder back only two thousandths of an inch. So consequently I get long case life.
I hope this answers your questions.
Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
Thanks for your great answers. @@dennispritchardoutdoors7882
great video sir
Just saw your comment.
Thank you.
My dad got 5 deer.with the 30-30,in 1961,All 5 in the neck,😅😅😊
Good shot placement.
I have two model 99 savages 300 and a 30/30 they both ave the snowball for grip
Just saw your comment. Enjoy those fine rifles.
What does the gold trigger signify? Only one of my 3 model 99s, the .243, which is a newer than my other 99s, it the model with thin barrel and schnoebel fore-end, and it is my only model 99 having the gold trigger, though it has stamped checkering and the thumb slide safety and a Steel rotary not brass, has lighter wood and the gold trigger. Which model would you say it is? And, what is the background of the gold trigger.
I have been trying my best to figure out which model you have there. It doesn’t match any model
that I know of. My best guess is it is a later Model F but someone has put a different fore end on it. Only thing that makes sense to me.
The gold trigger came along when Savage changed to the sliding tang safety and improved trigger mechanism.
A collector wants to pay dirt price. That's why they don't want you to fix them up as nice as you do And I'm the same way you are. A gun is meant to be used not to look at They start charging taxes on these collectors They won't be collecting too many then.
Too many good guns wind up hidden away in some “collection “ somewhere.
Ok so I buy a brand new pair of leather boots that fit no problem. I go home filled full of hot water let ‘em sit over night. Next morning pour the water out put them on. Go to work and walk them dry! The fit like a glove from then on on! Was I wrong! Old cowboy told me that trick!
I don’t think
I would soak them in hot water. I do
like to get them wet while walking in grass and weeds that are drenched with a heavy dew, if fem rain. Then wear them till dry. But don’t over do it. I break my Kenetreks in this way for the first 50 of so miles.
Dennis, what do you charge for 99 services? I'd love to have you take a look at my 99F and see what you could do with it. It's a bit of a family heirloom. I haven't shot it yet, but it had plenty of copper in the barrel I cleaned out and the action is a bit stiff. I'd love to see it prettier and well functioning if either is possible!
I am sorry but I quit working on the 99’s several years ago. To many ridiculous regulations primarily. I would be glad to help walk you through whatever it is that you might want to do to your rifle. I have done that for several people.
Thank you for watching and for your comments.
Dennis
No deer rifle quite like the 99 in my opinion! I hunt my 99F up in the “cold, wet, rainy woods” of Maine. Can’t see myself changing guns any time soon. I see things the same way you do. I’ve never understood the point of collecting guns as showpieces. The vast majority of them were built as tools, not toys. Why not use them?
Thank you for watching and for your very interesting comments. Good luck with your hunting.
Dennis
Dennis what caliber is this gun ?
Its a beauty.
Dennis is it possible to rebarrel one in .338 Federal ?
The caliber in this one is the ..300 Savage. And since the .300 Sav and the .338 Federal are based on the 7x57 Mauser case it should be a simple job to re barrel. And probably it would cycle ok.
If I own it , I shoot it. There’s nothing wrong with giving new life to an old firearm.
You sound like me.
I have to laugh. Are there lookin’ rifles and shootin’ rifles? Not for me anyway. Make it useful. Do what you want to your rifle.
Someday I would like to find me one in 250 Savage. Only in blued steel and walnut. Both good looking and useful.
I have a friend who owns “Good” rifles and “Using” rifles. He carry’s some pitiful guns afield that often don’t even work properly, while his good rifles stay safe at home. That is crazy if you ask me.
What kind of scope Mountain you get on your rifle
An old Weaver K4
Savage 99 303 made 1924. I need rounds. Who sells them
There are no currently manufactured rounds being produced (Last production run that I know of was in the early 2000's). You can sometimes find a few vintage rounds at gun shows or online marketplaces but be prepared to pay crazy money for them as they are becoming very collectible.
Reloading/handloading is going to be your best bet for a continuous supply. PPU does make new brass for .303 Savage and 30 cal. bullets are common. I don't know what country you're in but here in Canada, Budget Shooter's Supply is where I get mine from. Handloading is not cheap to get into so do your research on both avenues before you decide.
@@A.C._Taylor I contacted them. They are producing the 303 in Serbia. Out of Mississippi I guess. Got 100 empty cases and 20 complete cartridges for about $110
@@UFOhuntersWorldwide Well I looked online for you and I guess I'm eating a bit of crow. I definitely cannot get the manufactured ammo in Canada, it appears that Bannerman does produce .303 Savage ammo.
Google Graf and Sons , then on the website's search bar, type in .303 Savage and you will see both the manufactured rounds and the PPU brass as well. It says there is stock on both items. Hope it helps!
Taylor's right, but reloading isn't expensive to get into. I use a Lee's hand press and hand primer, they work great considering how inexpensive they are 👍
I've got a 99 in 308 that can't use anymore cause it has a tendency to separate the casing, shooting factory loads. any suggestion
If you are having case separation with factory fodder I would suggest you have a smith check it out.
Sounds like too much headspace which can be compensated for by hand loading.
Dear Sir, what kind of cowboy hat do you have on?
It is an Atwood palm leaf straw Gus.
Thank you, enjoy your videos.
@@davidposey6733 thank you for watching.
Laws are getting so bad about gun, right A lot of people are even afraid to go out and hunt with a gun because of the stupid laws.
Well said.
Schnabel for grip
39:22
My 300 savage load 4064 and 165 interlock bullet .75 groups at 100yards kills mule deer like lightning
The 165 Interlock is a great bullet. I have taken a ton of game with it. If I can ever find any 4064 I will give it a try. Thank you.
If the guns beat to hell and looks like it. Even collector value is less then a shooter .
If it belongs to you do with it whatever you want is the way I see it.
I want one in 35 whelen
The Whelen is too long for the 99.
39:24