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Deer Gun

cbxjeffcbxjeff Member Posts: 17,597 ✭✭✭✭
edited January 2002 in Ask the Experts
Guys, You helped me this fall and I'm back! I have a friend in NE that has an old Savage chambered in 303 savage. I asked for help from you all this fall because that ammo is discontinued. I found some reloads and a box of N.O.S. Thanks. She now tells me that she has had this Savage for 50 years and she thinks it's about 108 years old. I about Sh*t when I heard that. She was hunting with it this fall. I told her to give me all the numbers (I'll be posting soon). I want her to clean it and put it away along with the N.O.S. ammo. I want to buy her a new piece. Not being a hunter myself, and knowing what size gun she is use to, what caliber do you guys think would be good?Thanks,Jeff
cbxjeffIt's too late for me, save yourself.
It's too late for me, save yourself.
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Comments

  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    Take a look at www.savage99.com for sorting out the date on the 99 from the serial number. There may be no real reason not to use this rifle, but for peace of mind she could have a gunsmith check it out for safety. If it has been used in hunting for most or all of that time it is likely not a collector peice, and would only have shooter value, i.e. somewhere around $250-$350 depending upon condition.If she really plans on replacing it my choice would be .257 roberts. [This message has been edited by He Dog (edited 01-28-2002).]
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  • hunter280manhunter280man Member Posts: 705 ✭
    edited November -1
    thats a very good question. What kind of hunting does she do? I prefer a .280 imagin that hey. If recoil is a factor try a 25-06, .243, or a 257roberts, are good choices. If she handles recoilfairly well try30.06, .280, .270 these are all fairly light kickers and will dispatch most game in NA.
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  • JustCJustC Member Posts: 16,056 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I would have to think that a 270 or 7mm-08 would be close to the recoil level you are looking for.
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  • 218Beekeep218Beekeep Member Posts: 3,033
    edited November -1
    Jeff,108 years is almost possible,but not quite..I think she is looking at patent dates that go back to Feb. of 1893..I have two 99s manufactured in 1902 with that date on them,and I have later ones with same pat. dates.You can go right to the back pages of the "Blue Book" and pinpoint year of manufacture by serial #.By the way,all of mine shoot very well..even the oldest ones..218
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  • Richie RichRichie Rich Member Posts: 439 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    just pick her up the same thing but in 300 sav. that ammo is still available and will down any white tail in reasonable distance.
    Remember,"your woman may not find you handsome, But atleast she'll find ya handy". I love that show..............
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  • dakotashooter2dakotashooter2 Member Posts: 6,186
    edited November -1
    It would be a shame to retire a reliable old gun that still is safe to shoot. My father also has a 99 that he retired several years back because ammo was nearly impossible to find. I recently found a set of dies and am acquiring brass so this old friend can be used again. Guns are made to shoot until they are no longer capable of doing so. Then they can be hung on the wall.
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  • XracerXracer Member Posts: 1,990 ✭
    edited November -1
    Don't know if "NE" stands for North East or New England, conditions can vary....BUT...if she likes a lever action, with about the same recoil and stopping power of the .303 Savage, two choices come to mind:Winchester '94 in .30-30Marlin 336 in .35 RemingtonBoth are fine for the short-to-medium ranges found in the Northeast.
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  • 110110 Member Posts: 125 ✭✭
    edited November -1
    If you mean New England what state? I live in NH (New Hampshire). The majority of shots that my hunting party have taken over the years in the area we hunt in NH has never been more than 80yrds, give or take a few. The calibers most used in NH or at least in my opinion are 30-30, .308, 30-06, 35 Rem, 444 Marlin, 45-70, 7x57 mauser, and to a lesser extent the .243. Most of the guns used are lever guns and carry a larger than normal bullet weight, along with the myth of bigger bullets run through thick brush better. Again, in my own opinion, a good moderate cartridge like the .308, or 7x57 mauser should suit any hunter well in the NE (New England) area. Bullet weight and if you like to reload will make these rounds, or at least the 7x57 exceed factory specs. I have seen anything from whitetail to moose shot with both these rounds and have done a good job, but if want to hunt Moose, a larger lever gun anything from .35 Rem to .458 will be more suited for a one shot kill, again in my own opinion.
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  • He DogHe Dog Member Posts: 51,593 ✭✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    I figured NE was NEbraska...
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  • bullhaulerbullhauler Member Posts: 118 ✭✭✭
    edited November -1
    get her a 7mm-08 or a .308. they are available in the browning blr if she prefers a lever gun or get her a remington model 7 bolt action. I have used the 7mm-08 to kill numerous whitetails with no problems.
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