The Savage model 99 is an interesting rifle.  Some really like its looks and  other thing it is one funkly looking rifle.  Either way it was very innovative .   I refined version of the earlier M95 and M92, it was originally  developed to be a possible US service rifle.

It has some pretty trick features for something most modern shooters would consider old and antique.   The internal rotary magazine for instance.   This let the gun use spitzer type bullets. Something that normal lever actions can not do.   The fear being the recoil will cause the bullet to set off the primer of the round in front.   Something I am not aware of actually ever happening or even made to happen in testing… But considered important anyways.

Another thing with that magazine is that is has a counter.  You can see the counter  as it sets at 0 being it is empty.

At the lever is also where the safety  is located, something most lever action of the time lacked.  The savage Model99 has a very smooth action in my opinion and it is a real classic.

The massive receiver of the M99 was made strong enough for modern smokeless rounds.  This strength and ability with  the modern rounds using spitzer bullets  gave  near bolt action like performance .  The strength and stability allowed for some solid mounting for optics.  The one pictured is a Weaver K4 with the “tip off” rings. That allowed the scope to be pivoted to the side so you can use your iron sights.

This model99 is chambered in 300 savage, A round that was modified and helped  to make the 7.62mm NATO round. 300 savage was meant to give a shorter cartridge that could work well in a lever action that gave the same performance of the .30,06 service round.  It doesn’t  but it does come within about 100 fps of it.

These guns are real classics.  I have wanted one for my own safe for many years, particularly one in .250 savage.  But opportunity and money never seem to line up for me.    If you run across one in  any chambering in a deal you can live with I encourage you to buy it.