Model 99 Service question

[Turkeyfeather]

I have to check with the experts on this one.  I listed it on the Savage Rifles and Shotguns forum as well because this may be a tough one.

I have a part that has me stumped. I have a 1951 Model 99 in 300 Savage that I am in the midst of completely refinishing. I have refinished 3 of them now and this is the forth one. On this model I needed to take the entire rifle down to parts. As I was disassembling it I noticed a small "S" clip laying on my bench. I had never seen this before on any other model 99. On this rifle I needed to take the carrier assembly out to do some clean up work but I can't figure out where this small clip belongs. It is about an 1/8"  square and it is a flat stock clip compared to a wire wound design. Both sides of the clip show polished wear which tells me it is a functioning part.

On this model rifle, I noticed it has an integrally machined rear carrier holder plate rather than the typical flat clip that fits into the receiver and holds up the carrier in the back. All of my other rifles had the removeable clip.

I sure would like to find out where this clip belongs before I put the rifle into service. None of the exploded view diagrams and illustrations have this part shown or listed. Does anyone have any thoughts for me?

[Hairtrigger]

Are you refinishing the wood or metal or both?
Some models do not hold their value when messed with

[gunnut69]

I looked in my online references but found zilch! Perhaps a shim used to remove slack in a pivoting part?? I will check further in published references but can remember any such..

[Turkeyfeather]

I found the answer!

When I disassembled the rifle I could not determine where the spring clip came from. After examining it futher, plus getting responses from forum members, I realized I did not have a conventional spring or clip for the slide safety. This small clip fit in the cutout of the slide and fits in the slide cutout in the receiver lower tang. The purpose of this small spring clip is to take up the space and provide resistance so the slide will stay where it is moved to. Very cunning little design which will greatly outlast any other design I can think of. I don't recall seeing this on my other rifles and the exploded views don't show this part.

Thanks for everyones help who looked into this.