I got this question at work today . . .

[BlueStateSaint]

A co-worker and I were bantering about the Guide Gun, and the strength of its action. He asked a very good question: Which action is stronger--the Marlin 1895 or the Savage 99?

I figured that this is as good a place as any to get an answer for that.

[1886]

Hi, The "later" Savages are chambered for rounds like the .308. .358, etc. So..., Best Wishes, 1886.

[Mike D.]

No comparison there. The Marlin 1895(really a 336)can't handle nearly the pressure of the 99.

[AJMD429]

I think the Guide Gun's "strength" comes from the fact that it enables a very LARGE bullet to be thrown out at reasonable velocity. From what I've read, if you get down to the wall-thicknesses, bolt-angles, and so forth, it isn't that strong by MODERN standards. Keep in mind that at the time it was designed, the STEEL wasn't strong enough that any better geometry or thickness would have made that much difference. With stong modern steels, the upper limits were raised and Savage engineered accordingly.

[buckeyeshooter]

The savage 99 came in cartridges that are rated at a much higher working pressure than the Marlin. Therefore, the Savage 99 is a 'stronger' gun.

[Pete44ru]

The Marlin's Achilles heel is it's small/thin (relatively) barrel shank/thread area's thickness.

.

[BlueStateSaint]

Gang, thank you for your input. Said co-worker and I will be taking about this in a day or two.

The points you make bring up another question . . . with modern manufacturing methods, surely Savage can make the 99 cheaper today without sacrificing (much) quality. Why don't they bring it back? They could get WSM or RSAUM chamberings in it, couldn't they?

[Swampman]

My understanding is that there is one part in a 99 that must be hand fitted and Savage doesn't want to fool with it. They aren't very attractive, and I can't see them selling very well.