NRA Gun of the Week: Savage Model 99 Rifle

Published on December 26, 2015
Duration: 3:18

This video provides an expert review of the Savage Model 99 rifle, highlighting its historical significance, innovative design features like the internal rotary magazine and lack of an external hammer, and its various chamberings. Mark Keefe, Editor of American Rifleman, shares his appreciation for the rifle's legacy and mechanical ingenuity. The review touches upon its manufacturing challenges and eventual discontinuation.

Quick Summary

The Savage Model 99 rifle was a groundbreaking firearm featuring an internal rotary magazine and no external hammer, setting it apart from contemporaries. Offered in calibers like .308 Winchester and .300 Savage, it utilized a unique tilting bolt for higher pressure handling and evolved safety mechanisms from lever to tang. Its manufacturing complexity contributed to its eventual discontinuation.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction and Shooting
  2. 00:42Design History and Features
  3. 01:06Action and Safety Mechanisms
  4. 01:34Indicators and Chamberings
  5. 02:28Manufacturing and Legacy

Frequently Asked Questions

What made the Savage Model 99 rifle innovative for its time?

The Savage Model 99 was innovative due to its internal rotary magazine and the absence of an external hammer. This design distinguished it from many contemporary lever-action rifles like those from Winchester and Marlin, offering a sleeker profile and potentially improved safety.

What are some common calibers chambered in the Savage Model 99?

Throughout its production life, the Savage Model 99 was chambered in a variety of popular calibers. These included historical options like .303 Savage and .300 Savage, as well as later additions such as .22 Savage High Power and the widely adopted .308 Winchester.

What type of safety mechanisms did the Savage Model 99 utilize?

Early versions of the Savage Model 99 featured a lever safety that secured both the trigger and the lever action. Later iterations evolved to incorporate a tang safety, a more common and often preferred safety design found on the receiver's tang.

Why was the Savage Model 99 eventually discontinued?

Despite its innovative design and popularity, the Savage Model 99 was reportedly expensive to manufacture. This high production cost contributed to Savage's financial challenges in the 1980s, ultimately leading to the cessation of its production.

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