Savage Model 1899-F Saddle Gun .30-30 WCF 20" Lever Action Rifle Our Assessment: The Savage 1899/99 model rifles have quite a history. They were preceded by the Model 1895, which was the first hammerless lever-action rifle produced. A hammerless action was useful as it reduces the lock time, allows the rifle to be fired more accurately and is less likely to jam in brush or snag in clothing. The 1895 and 1899/99 models used a rotary magazine to hold the cartridges, using a spring-loaded spool with grooves. The 1899/99 models added a counter to the spool to indicate how many rounds are loaded. This design allowed the use of spitzer bullets, which could not be used in the Winchester rifles of the times because the pointed tips in the tubular magazines could cause accidental discharge. This gave Savage a lead in producing rifles that could handle high-velocity smokeless powder cartridges with bullets offering flatter trajectories than other lever-action designs. This a Model 1899 saddle ring with a smooth straight grip stock, a Schnabel tipped forend, and a 20" barrel. This a classic rifle and will be a welcome addition to a C&R or lever action rifle collection! Please see our photos and good luck!
Make: Savage
Model: 1899-F Saddle Gun
Serial Number: 41.131
Year of Manufacture: 1903
Caliber: .30-30 WCF
Action Type: Lever Action with Rotary Magazine. This rifle is a solid frame model.
Barrel Length: 20"
Sights / Optics: The front sight is an aftermarket serrated half-round blade with a white insert, it is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is a replacement flip-up "U" notch sight, it is dovetailed into the barrel. The rear sight is installed backwards. The top tang has a pair of drilled, tapped, and filled holes.
Stock Configuration & Condition: The stocks are smooth walnut with a straight grip, straight comb, schnabel tip forend, and a metal carbine buttplate. The buttstock has been refinished and the wrist has been reprofiled. The buttstock is shy to the receiver. There are a few little scratches, compressions, and light marks on the buttstock. The forend has some scattered compressions, scratches, scrapes, and dings. There are a couple small chip losses on the forend. Some of the marks have removed surface wood. The LOP is 12 3/4" from the front of the trigger to the back of the plate. The plate has finish loss, marks from abrasive cleaning, pitting, and scabbing. The stocks rate in Good condition.
Type of Finish: Blued with Case Color Lever
Finish Originality: Original
Bore Condition: The bore is dark and the rifling is worn but has remained well defined. There are scattered patches of pitting and erosion throughout. In the opinion of this writer, this bore rates 4 out of 10.
Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 35% of its metal finish. There is finish loss, pitting, and scabbing, most noticeable on the receiver. There are scattered spots of oxidation. There are some scattered nicks, scuffs, and scratches. There are some areas of patina. There are some scattered areas of moderate and heavy wear. The screwheads are tool marked with serviceable slots. The markings are mostly clear. Overall, this rifle rates in about Good condition.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this rifle. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance requirements.
Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None
CA LEGAL: C&R: YES, CA PPT: NO
RIFLE