Model 99 rifle What was the highest grade?

[coyote trapper1928]

Hi.

  Does anyone know what was the highest grade that Savage made the Model 99 rifle in?

Thanks,

[Turkeyfeather]

I have three nice old 99s in my cabinet. They are standard issue with checkered stocks. Depending on the model of 99 you have they come in 3 major forearm designs that I can recall.

In regard to fancy grades, I know of only the Deluxe version as a cataloged hi-grade model.

At a recent gun show I was told by a big Savage follower that the factory was quite accommodating on providing high grade versions that they didn't list or publicize.  He had a factory model there with a very fancy piece of checkered walnut and a beautiful engraved silver receiver.  He told me it was a customer ordered custom Deluxe model from the factory.

I know the price guides list the Deluxe model but I have seen very few over the years.  I think most people who bought the model 99 where happy with the standard issue models.

[tscott]

Deluxe? I dunno, but I got an "f" circa 1955, hand checkered, pretty fair walnut... That to me is just a real classy deer rifle, and great shooter.
It's my go to deer rifle over my Weatherbys, that remain under lock.
Certainly doesn't need any dressing up to stand out in a gun cabinet...

[Ron T.]

In his book, “The Ninety-Nine”, author Doug Murray, perhaps “THE” authority on the Savage Model 99 lever-action rifle, illustrates several “Special Fancy Grade Rifles” of the Model 1899 Savage rifle on page 5-20 ranging from the “Premier Grade” through the “Victor Grade” & “Rival Grade” to the most fancy “Monarch Grade” Model 1899 rifle.

The Monarch Grade (circa 1912), cost the then-considerable sum of $375… over a year’s wages for many hard-working cowpokes, was available only in “.25-35, .30-30, .303 (Savage), .32-40 and .38-55” calibers was the most fancy of the Model 1899 Savage Rifles.  The description is as follows:  “The Monarch Rifle has a beauty of design distinctly its own, due to the graceful ivy-leaf pattern, which is representative in the highest degree of the engraver’s and carver’s art.  The grain of the carefully selected Circassian Walnut, used in the make-up of this arm, is brought out to the best advantage by the oil finish.”

The much more modern Model 99 DE Citation Grade and PE Presentation Grade Rifles (page 3-71 in Murray’s book) were introduced in 1965 and discontinued in 1970 and were offered in .243, 284 and .308 Winchester calibers.

The best… the PE “Presentation Grade”… offered the “Finest figured American walnut” and had “classic lines that lend themselves naturally to custom treatment.  Master engravers and stockmakers have combined their talents to produce, in the 99-PE Presentation Grade, a rifle that takes its place among the finest.  Very select, richly figured American walnut is fashioned into a graceful Monte Carlo stock.  Generous hand checkering adorns the fore-end and pistol grip.  All four surfaces of the receiver, the tang and the lever are richly engraved.  The steel is left unblued with a permanently protective finish.  The 22 inch barrel is provided with a gold bead ramp front sight and folding leaf rear sight: drilled and taped for top-mounted scope.  Weight about 7 pounds.”  Cost in 1970:  DE Grade: $285.00    PE Grade: $360.00

On the PE Grade, all surfaces of the receiver, the tang and lever are engraved.  Engraved on the right side of the receiver is a mountain lion, on the left side is an elk.  The receiver is unblued, with a protective finish.  The trigger, thumb safety and cocking linicator are gold plated.

These were truly very beautiful and very unique Model 99 rifles.

If you’re a Savage Model 99 enthusiast, I recommend you consider getting your own personally autographed copy of the book, “The Ninety-Nine”, a book with lots of information from "THE" leading authority on the Savage Model 99,  Doug Murray, by sending your check or money order for $30 (includes the book’s postage from Murray to you) to:

Doug Murray
20 Polo Lane
Westbury, N.Y. 11590

Doug generally sends his book to you within 10 business days or less… and if you ask him to “personalize" (autograph) his book for you, he’ll do it.


Strength & Honor…

Ron T.