Can't decide.

[Hecter]

I have a chance to buy a savage 99 in .358 or a Marlin lever in .444. This gun will be used for deer and black bear. I can't decide on which gun to buy. Any sugestions?

[Rimfire McNutjob]

I'd go Savage in 358 ... mostly because I like the cartridge and I think you run into few of the 99's so chambered. Obviously, there are quite a few Marlins in 444 around. The 358 should get the job done on black bear. Of course, I'm willing to handload to get to what I need. If you don't load, you might find more variety in factory 444. I'm not sure what's still being produced in factory 358 ammo these days.

[JB]

Either rifle would do the job. From a collecting standpoint I agree with McNutjob, but from a hunting standpoint I'd go with the 444. The 444 would make a fine combination woods deer and bear rifle.

[AJMD429]

Either rifle would do the job. From a collecting standpoint I agree with McNutjob, but from a hunting standpoint I'd go with the 444. The 444 would make a fine combination woods deer and bear rifle.

Same here.

[Hobie]

It is harder to find a 99 in .358, get it, NOW.

[2ndovc]

What Hobie and RM said!

jb

[Buck Elliott]

99/.358 -- NOW

[86er]

If you tell me where the 99 in 358 is for sale then you can buy the 444 Marlin (and regret it later).

[Rimfire McNutjob]

If the 99 looks like this one, grab it and hang on tight. This was clearly some kind of accident that went down at the Savage factory ... or some kind of stock finisher's inside joke.

The 99 in 358 still has the "cool" factor going for it. No one is going to ask why you chose the 444 Marlin, but you'll get to talk a lot about the virtues of the 358 to many people who've never heard of it. And of course, we forum posters like to talk about it.

[rangerider7]

Always get the one you they don't make anymore if your deciding between two. 99 for sure.

[Kansas Ed]

Savage 99

Ed

[cshold]

+1 .358 cal.

[CEMENTHEAD]

I'm a pretty much die hard Marlin fan.....and I say get the Savage 99 in .358 especially if you plan on hunting with a scope or longer reaches 200+ yds. Great cartridge. Better selection of bullets and will treat your shoulder with MaMa's gentle touch. Thanks, Tom

[iceman]

I would go for the savage too. If you decide to pass, tell us where it is and I'm sure it won't be there long. Show us a picture when you decide.

[76/444]

Either rifle would do the job. From a collecting standpoint I agree with McNutjob, but from a hunting standpoint I'd go with the 444. The 444 would make a fine combination woods deer and bear rifle.

Yup!

[rjohns94]

get the 99. hands down.

[Lastmohecken]

You can find a 444, with little effort, about anytime. NOW! RUN, don't walk, and get that .358, right now, if you can.

[Goat]

There would be NO hesitation for me...get the Savage now. I have a BLR-81 358 and I know what it does to deer. You can get the 444 later and you may not find another 99/358. You will be well pleased I am sure.
Goat

[Sixgun]

I think you boys are missing something. Hecter never mentioned the price of either gun. If the 99 is 2G's and the Marlin is $300, I'd go with the Marlin as 99% of us here are working folk, but................if the prices are similar..... ------------------Sixgun

[Doc Hudson]

Get the Savage!!

Marlin is making M-444's everyday. You don't run across a M-99 in ,358 Win every day!!

[348WCF]

Absolutely, positively the Savage in .358. A truly great cartridge,very underated. My first centerfire was a .358, and I would not trade it for anything.
Jim