Make: Savage Arms Co.

Model: 99RS

Serial Number: 364677

Year of Manufacture: 1937 / ATF Classification: C&R

Caliber/Gauge: .300 Savage

Action Type: Lever action, rotary magazine

Barrel Length: 24"

Sights/Optics: The front sight is a beaded blade dovetailed into a serrated base fixed to the barrel. The rear sight is an adjustable elevation v-notch dovetailed into the barrel. The receiver is drilled, tapped, and filled for an aperture sight, though none is present.

Grip/Stock Configuration & Condition: The stock is two piece wood with a checkered semi-pistol grip, checkered forend with the "RS" bands, factory sling mounting points, and a serrated metal savage buttplate. There is moderate wear present with scattered pressure dings, scuffs, and scratches. There is wear around the front sling point. The semi-pistol grip cap shows moderate wear. There is a crack running from the upper rear of the receiver. This furniture rates in Very Good condition.

Type of Finish: Blued

Finish Originality: Original

Bore Condition: The bore is mostly bright and the rifling is sharp with some stubborn fouling. There is light erosion in the bore. In this writer's opinion, the bore rates 8.5/10.

Overall Condition: This rifle retains about 85% of its metal finish. There is some thinning on the receiver with scattered scratches, freckling, and handling marks throughout the rest of the finish. The markings are clear and complete. The screw heads range from lightly tooled to unmarred and retain turnable slots. Overall, this rifle rates in about Very Good condition.

Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this firearm. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.

Box, Paperwork & Accessories: None

Our Assessment: This rifle presents as a well preserved pre war example of Savage's iconic lever action, retaining approximately 85% of its original finish. The metal surfaces show honest wear with the overall appearance reflecting careful use over time. The straight grip stock and 24" barrel give the rifle a classic sporting profile consistent with the RS configuration, emphasizing balance and deliberate handling.

Mechanically, the rifle is solid. The bore rates 8.5 out of 10 with good brightness and clearly defined rifling, indicating moderate use with strong remaining accuracy potential. The lever action functions correctly with smooth cycling and positive lockup, and the rotary magazine system operates as intended, allowing safe use of spitzer bullets in the .300 Savage chambering.

Historically, the Model 99RS represents the mature form of Savage's revolutionary lever action design during the late 1930s. Chambered in .300 Savage, it offered near .30 06 performance in a lighter, faster handling rifle and became a favorite among hunters seeking modern ballistics in a lever action platform. A 1937 production example like this stands squarely in the pre war golden age of the Model 99, making it both a practical sporting rifle and a desirable collectible.