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Being primarily a Winchester guy, I have never owned or shot a Savage Model 99. Some older 99's have caught my eye at gun shows over the years, but I just did not have enough interest to buy one.
I recently had the opportunity to acquire a very nice 1952 vintage 99 EG in 300 Savage caliber, probably 90% condition, complete with a Redfield tang sight. I liked the gun, especially the checkering and pistol grip. The tang sight was a real bonus. The rifle felt very good when I shouldered it. But then while I was getting the feel of it I realized something; I am left-handed, and while shouldering the rifle, there was no comfortable way for me to activate or release the little sliding safety catch located down low on the right side of the finger lever! It was too awkward to reach under the lever with my left hand, and the only other recourse was to drop the rifle from my shoulder and turn the right side up to get to the safety catch left-handed. That just would not do for me!
I know Savage 99's later switched to a tang safety, which is better suited for ambidextrous use, but for me, those later models lack the slim grace of the earlier schnabel forend versions. I think I will stick to my old Winchesters. The Winchester's exposed hammer and half-cock safety is very left-hander friendly!
SHASTA
California Rifle & Pistol Association LIFE Member
National Rifle Association BENEFACTOR LIFE Member
My hunting partner is a lefty and uses a 99 by rotating the gun about a 1/8 turn to the left and uses his thumb works fine. There is a after market tang safety that works along with the lever safety Ive seen pics of it thats a consideration to. danny
Shasta,
Don't know what to tell you. I'm a lefty also. I inherited my Sav. 99 from my Father. It was manufactured in 1941. Been shooting it pretty much all my life. It's a .250 Sav. Dad had very mild cast loads for that allowed him to use that rifle to begin my shooting/gun handling education very early instead of a .22.
In well over 50 yrs years...I have never considered the position of the safety to be an issue.
btw: I also have Dad's Win 71 as well....each has their own charm don't they...???
Another lefty here. And not only the Savage 99 but most guns are made for right handed shooters. Never has been an issue with me as the brain somehow adapts. Keep it....its a short learning curve.------------6
1st. Gen. Colt SAA’s, 1878 D.A.45 and a 38-55 Marlin TD
Shasta i found the same problem with my '52EG 250. But love the cartridge so much it aint going nowhere soon. Rather sell my '92 25WCF or 45/70 1st.
30/30 Winchester: Not accurate enough fer varmints, barely adequate for small deer; BUT In a 10" to 14" barrelled pistol; is good for moose/elk to 200 yards; ground squirrels to 300 metres
250 Savage... its what the 223 wishes it could be...!
