Firearm research (Full Version)

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TheHeretic -> Firearm research (7/13/2013 6:16:30 PM)

I recently had an old Savage .303 rifle make its way to me, and I'm trying to figure out exactly what I have. Does anyone know of good online resources for researching such things, and possibly getting a copy of the manual for it?

Google has turned up a bit (including that I don't want to use the .303 British ammo that was included in the package) but I'd like to figure out just how old it is, and which particular model.

Thanks!



OsideGirl -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 6:18:25 PM)

I would suggest hitting up the forums at CalGuns. There's a wealth of information there and they are happy to help. (They even have a Collectibles & Replica forum that is great for old guns)



MasterCaneman -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 6:30:37 PM)

Chances are it's a Savage Model 99, four-shot magazine. I believe Norma still offers a loads, but you'll probably have to reload. Midway has the dies and other crap you'd need, here's one source for loaded ammo, and here's another.Here's the Wikipedia article on it, and the best I can do for finding a manual is to have you go to Numrich Arms to search out a manual. You may also want to hit GunBroker, there are some sellers there who specialize in old manuals.



TheHeretic -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:12:12 PM)

Thanks to both of you for the links (and I'll take the wiki as it being the thought that counts [8|])



DomKen -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:24:57 PM)

I've always liked lever action rifles. The Savage is most likely the model 99. The 99 is the first lever action without a hammer so if it has a hammer it is one of the earlier models. Although I don't think those were chambered for .303.

You can buy .303 Savage ammo. there is no need to hand load (although the boxes are pricey so you might want to)
http://www.sgammo.com/product/hornady/20-rd-box-303-savage-hornady-150-grain-sp-ammo

If it's an older rifle you would be well served to take it to a gunsmith for a once over to make sure it is mechanically sound.




MasterCaneman -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:35:17 PM)

Understood about the Wiki. Oh, and I'm insanely jealous of you. I haven't had one of those in my hands since I was a teen. My buddy had one he got from his grandfather. Gorgeous old rifle, light-years ahead of its time. And by all means, take it to a smith, if anything for the appreciative looks you'll get.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:44:37 PM)

I got to shoot one when I was 13. What a sweet firearm.
Ever heard of the 25-06?



DomKen -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:46:40 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

I got to shoot one when I was 13. What a sweet firearm.
Ever heard of the 25-06?

Isn't that a wildcat ammo based on the .30-06? I'm guessing from the name the cartridge is necked down to accept a .25 bullet.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 8:52:49 PM)

It started out as a wildcat load (I think in the 30's).
It never got really popular. Most folks that want a rifle in that caliber range use a .243



BamaD -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 9:01:11 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

It started out as a wildcat load (I think in the 30's).
It never got really popular. Most folks that want a rifle in that caliber range use a .243

Yep my sons first rifle was a new England arms .243 top break like a shotgun.



Hillwilliam -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:03:47 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: BamaD


quote:

ORIGINAL: Hillwilliam

It started out as a wildcat load (I think in the 30's).
It never got really popular. Most folks that want a rifle in that caliber range use a .243

Yep my sons first rifle was a new England arms .243 top break like a shotgun.

I still have the Sako .243 I got for my 13th Bday.



jlf1961 -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:19:28 PM)

I just came into possession of a British .303 rifle WWII model.

Good luck with your discovery



FrostedFlake -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:39:11 PM)

I had a 99C in .308. It ROCKED.

One way of determining the year a Model 99 was made is the "Lever Boss Code"

Savage would stamp an inspector's number and a letter in a poorly stamped oval on the lever boss starting in 1949, until 1971. The letters "O" and "Q" were skipped due to their similarity. A=1949. B=1950. You can probably work the rest out for yourself.



TheHeretic -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:44:41 PM)

Damn. I found a website where I was able to look up the date of manufacture from the serial number. It's a model 1899, manufactured in 1900.



FrostedFlake -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:47:14 PM)

Holy shit !

I mean, "Gosh!"

If that weapon is in good condition, Wooo-hoo!



jlf1961 -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:52:04 PM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: TheHeretic

Damn. I found a website where I was able to look up the date of manufacture from the serial number. It's a model 1899, manufacted in 1900.





If you have to do any work to it, you might look at Dixie Gun works for the parts, they have them for most antique weapons from wheel locks to WWI issue weapons.



TheHeretic -> RE: Firearm research (7/13/2013 10:56:43 PM)

I wouldn't dream of tinkering with it, Jlf, but I'll certainly have somebody qualified to do so check it out, before I try putting a few rounds through it. The action seems smooth enough though, and it's been well kept.



TheHeretic -> RE: Firearm research (7/14/2013 7:24:37 AM)


quote:

ORIGINAL: OsideGirl

I would suggest hitting up the forums at CalGuns. There's a wealth of information there and they are happy to help. (They even have a Collectibles & Replica forum that is great for old guns)



Just in the interest of credit where it is due, the website I found was referenced in a thread on this site.

Thanks, OsideGirl!



Hillwilliam -> RE: Firearm research (7/14/2013 8:26:37 AM)

Excellent.

ETA. Imagine the hunting stories that rifle could tell.



SimplyMichael -> RE: Firearm research (7/14/2013 8:37:06 AM)

I love Savage 99s. It is one of the few lever actions NOT designed by god, John Moses Browning made both Winchester and Colt. The 99 has some first, it could use spitzer bullets, meaning pointy, first with a cartridge counter, a little window on the bottom left of the reciever. The .300 savage designed for that rifle was the basis for the modern .308. The 250-3000 was ontroduced for this rifle and was the first 3000 feet per second cartridge.

If its in good condition, not much need to have a gunsmith check it out. Lastly, if there is a metal stud on the forearm, its a takedown model which is really handy.



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