Excellent choices and excellent rifles. If I were to be blessed with any three rifles one would be a Savage 99 in .300 Savage, and one each Winchester '94 in .32 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester. I actually had a chance back in 2019 to purchase a very nice, not perfect but very nice all the same, 99 in .300 Savage for just over $400.00 but The Lovely Bride and I were in the middle, actually only three days, of moving back home to our beloved South Carolina and I felt we might need that $400.00+ in the course of the move....And we did. By the way, my "back story" on why I did not purchase a Savage of any caliber as my first hunting rifle, or a 336 Marlin for that matter, was that I could only afford a '94 as the other two were too expensive for my rather thin farm boy wallet! Excellent video! Keep 'em comin'!!!
Very interesting comments. Thanks for sharing. Your three choices are excellent ones. I have a few 99’s in .300 Savage, and the 94 in 30-30. And I have an awesome 38-55 in a Marlin 336 Cowboy. Great rifles.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882I do own and hunt with a very nice old '99 in .250-3000 and much newer one in .308 Winchester. I really like both rifles but due to the length of time the '99 has been out of production I tend to be very, very careful about the conditions and locations I hunt with them. I figure that if something breaks getting parts and having it professionally installed would be pretty hard on the budget. Take care and I'm hoping that you have a great hunting season!
I absolutely love your videos. I like the storytelling that goes along with the guns and the hunts. Good luck deer hunting with your model 94. My 30-30 is a marlin 336. I’ve taken several deer with it. It was scoped when I bought it but I took it off. I do like the open sights better on this particular rifle.
The Marlin is a better rifle than the Win 94. But the 94 got most of the fame. The Marlin has a much smoother action. I gave my 336 to a good friend who was in need at the time. It was in .35 Rem. Deer season is just around the corner.
So happy to see you talking about these rifles. I own one of each. My Savage 99 is from 1954 and was my Grandfathers. My Winchester 94 is from 1956 and was my Fathers. These days, I shoot mine at targets only. Trail Boss is a great powder for my purposes.
Hey Dennis, My 250-3000 just landed and now the 3 day wait period until I pick it up from FFL. Gun is pristine, bluing 100 percent wood flawless and 1950 mfg date. I am pumped and the cost of bullets is now not a big issue…. Very pleased and feel like a kid a Christmas. Never gonna sell her either. Love my 99’s.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 No, I am living in Vermont which is a small state sort of a taxation incubator for their social programs. Like they are bent to out do CA in the socialism stuff. I am reminded in one of your recent videos to be content in whatever state I find myself in. Have thought of migrating south to western VA which has VA has 4 distinct seasons. VT has 2 and a half seasons Winter, Spring and half of a Fall season 😎. Our Governor signed legislation limiting magazine capacity a few years back, then later he signed legislation calling for a 3-day wait after the ATF checks are cleared. The Savage 250-3000 just grabbed my attention and it was so clean, with only very little wear--decided to get it, not that it was on sale or anything. I Love them 99s and have 308, 243, 300 savage and nor the 250-3000. 😎
@@michaeldickerson873 we’ll pack up and come on down to the Bristol, Va area. It is a very nice area indeed. You have your choice of living on the Tennessee or Virginia side. I would recommend the Tennessee side. Northern Virginia is too damed liberal and they have too much sway in the political realm. Those counties bordering Washington DC suck.
That is a beautiful Savage 99. You did a good job on it. I have one in a 250-3000 that was made in1949. Bought it 18 years ago and still have not shot it.
Dennis, I think this video is awesome! Congratulations to you and your beautiful bride on taking two fine elk. I am a huge aficionado of the Savage 99 and the .300 Savage cartridge in particular. Back in the '60's when I was going to school, I thought the Savage was ugly, just as you did but, one came my way in 1977, a G model, and I became a convert forever. I can't wait to see these 2 fine rifles making meat this fall so keep us posted. Tomorrow morning looks like a fine day to take my EG to the range!👍👍
I have both and they have harvested a nice buck each while in my possession. Like you, I purchase basket cases and bring them back to life. Currently working on a Win 73 and 95. Then there are Win 92, 94, 97s, waiting for me. Well, I would love to help you with your Turkey problem :). Wonderful view...thanks!
There is something very special about giving new life to truly fine , but old , rifles. Lots of satisfaction in that sort of thing. The danged turkeys are persistent. Have ran them out of the plot many times.
Both great big game choices. One of my sons shoots his Grandpa’s 30-30 in a 94, with peep sights. I haven’t handled a 300 Savage in almost 30 years. I did load rounds for a friend with a Savage 99 in 303 Savage (different cartridge) years back. It took me a little bit way back then to get a recipe but I used nice spitzer bullets with that rotary magazine.
Best of luck hunting with those 2 classic rifles. I'm thinking of taking a deer with my 94 this year. Bad when a fellow has so many turkeys he has to scare them off to keep them from eating up the food plot.
And it is more accurate. The Savage was developed to be accurate while the .308 was designed to give .300 Savage performance out of a case with more body taper so it would function better through an automatic rifle. Rate of fire verses accuracy. I will take the .300 any day. I have had many of each caliber. Nearly every .300 was easy to find a good load for while the .308 was always a pain. The 99 in .300 is a match made in heaven. The 99 in .308 was a match made by a committee!!!
What is the peep sight you have on your Winchester 94? Do you recommend Skinner, Williams or another sight for lever guns? Must say your wife has proven herself an Elk Hunter, nice job she did. I am prior military myself…thank you for your service to our country.
The sight on Dian’s rifle is an old Lyman No 2, which is no longer made as far as I know. I have several tang sights made by Marbles. They work pretty good.
The only thing I ever seen with the 30-30 is that the peep sight should have been on top of the gun just in front of the Receiver instead of in the way of the Grip..!!! but thats just my opinion!!!!
But I don’t grip the gun at the wrist. That is not the best way to operate a lever action. I show how I operate the lever in a couple of videos. Taking a “grip” on the rifle is an exceedingly awkward way to handle a rifle. Take a look at some of the top cowboy action shooters if you want to see how to really run a lever action. Those guys can shoot!!! And tang mounted sights give you your longest sight radius and therefore are the most accurate. On some Marlins I have receiver mounted sights, but the 94 does not lend itself to those.
Sir: I am fortunate to have acquired a 1924 Savage 99, .300, pistol grip, take down. I need help finding a sight like the one one yours. Thank you sir. From Alaska
Dennis what ammo do you shoot with your 30 30 my wife has one and it hates cycling winchester ammo we use remington core lokt 180 grain bullets now and have 2 spare boxes of winchester bullets for hard times single shot use lol
I hand load using Hornady 170 grain flat points. Many people experience cycling problems with lever actions. The vast majority of the time it is because the person is not throwing the lever fast enough and with authority. Operate that lever like you are mad at it!!! That usually solves all cycling problems. The Savage 99 is the exception. Unless your loads are too hot the action works fine with a lazy motion on your part. At least most of the time that is true. But even with the 99 fast and hard is the way to go. If you are already operating that lever with authority, and your over all cartridge length is correct, I suggest a visit to the gunsmith. But first give that lever a hard time! If it works please let me know.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I can say my wife's gun is nowhere as pretty of condition as yours the barrel finish is rusty and needs some sought after attention but it cycles remingtons great everytime
Just one more question for you. How do you get the bolt so clean on your savage 99s? I have tried oil, bore cleaner, etc and mine still doesnt have that nice mirror finish as yours.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Great sounds like a good idea. Like a genius I went and tried cleaning the rust out of a 1927 Winchester 94 magazine tube, I realized in the process the seem on the tube had cracked open some. Now I am wondering if it was always like that or if its going to be an issue down the line..
What do finish the wood with? I do a little work on old rifles as well and am a big fan of boiled linseed oil. Older I get wood feels much better in the hand. Modern plastic rifles are NOT appealing to me. Save the old traditional ways folks.
Loving those blue sunglasses!
After that cataract surgery sun glasses are pretty much a necessity. And those glasses are wonderful. Dian bought them for me. She likes Rip Wheeler!!
Excellent choices and excellent rifles. If I were to be blessed with any three rifles one would be a Savage 99 in .300 Savage, and one each Winchester '94 in .32 Winchester and .38-55 Winchester. I actually had a chance back in 2019 to purchase a very nice, not perfect but very nice all the same, 99 in .300 Savage for just over $400.00 but The Lovely Bride and I were in the middle, actually only three days, of moving back home to our beloved South Carolina and I felt we might need that $400.00+ in the course of the move....And we did. By the way, my "back story" on why I did not purchase a Savage of any caliber as my first hunting rifle, or a 336 Marlin for that matter, was that I could only afford a '94 as the other two were too expensive for my rather thin farm boy wallet! Excellent video! Keep 'em comin'!!!
Very interesting comments. Thanks for sharing. Your three choices are excellent ones. I have a few 99’s in .300 Savage, and the 94 in 30-30. And I have an awesome 38-55 in a Marlin 336 Cowboy. Great rifles.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882I do own and hunt with a very nice old '99 in .250-3000 and much newer one in .308 Winchester. I really like both rifles but due to the length of time the '99 has been out of production I tend to be very, very careful about the conditions and locations I hunt with them. I figure that if something breaks getting parts and having it professionally installed would be pretty hard on the budget. Take care and I'm hoping that you have a great hunting season!
I absolutely love your videos. I like the storytelling that goes along with the guns and the hunts. Good luck deer hunting with your model 94. My 30-30 is a marlin 336. I’ve taken several deer with it. It was scoped when I bought it but I took it off. I do like the open sights better on this particular rifle.
The Marlin is a better rifle than the Win 94. But the 94 got most of the fame. The Marlin has a much smoother action. I gave my 336 to a good friend who was in need at the time. It was in .35 Rem.
Deer season is just around the corner.
So happy to see you talking about these rifles. I own one of each. My Savage 99 is from 1954 and was my Grandfathers.
My Winchester 94 is from 1956 and was my Fathers.
These days, I shoot mine at targets only. Trail Boss is a great powder for my purposes.
You have two wonderful heirlooms.
Hey Dennis, My 250-3000 just landed and now the 3 day wait period until I pick it up from FFL. Gun is pristine, bluing 100 percent wood flawless and 1950 mfg date. I am pumped and the cost of bullets is now not a big issue…. Very pleased and feel like a kid a Christmas. Never gonna sell her either. Love my 99’s.
Three day wait period ? Where do you live, California?
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882
No, I am living in Vermont which is a small state sort of a taxation incubator for their social programs. Like they are bent to out do CA in the socialism stuff. I am reminded in one of your recent videos to be content in whatever state I find myself in. Have thought of migrating south to western VA which has VA has 4 distinct seasons. VT has 2 and a half seasons Winter, Spring and half of a Fall season 😎. Our Governor signed legislation limiting magazine capacity a few years back, then later he signed legislation calling for a 3-day wait after the ATF checks are cleared. The Savage 250-3000 just grabbed my attention and it was so clean, with only very little wear--decided to get it, not that it was on sale or anything. I Love them 99s and have 308, 243, 300 savage and nor the 250-3000. 😎
@@michaeldickerson873 we’ll pack up and come on down to the Bristol, Va area. It is a very nice area indeed. You have your choice of living on the Tennessee or Virginia side. I would recommend the Tennessee side. Northern Virginia is too damed liberal and they have too much sway in the political realm. Those counties bordering Washington DC suck.
That is a beautiful Savage 99. You did a good job on it. I have one in a 250-3000 that was made in1949. Bought it 18 years ago and still have not shot it.
Shoot that thing!!! Awesome rifle.
Beautiful lever action rifles Dennis
Thank you for watching.
Two beautiful guns-very nice..
Thank you Sir.
Dennis
that's great, i hope you do well. I was 13 years old when i shot an 8 point with my 30-30. of all the guns i have it is my favorite gun period
That is a great story. Thanks for sharing.
Dennis
Dennis, I think this video is awesome! Congratulations to you and your beautiful bride on taking two fine elk. I am a huge aficionado of the Savage 99 and the .300 Savage cartridge in particular. Back in the '60's when I was going to school, I thought the Savage was ugly, just as you did but, one came my way in 1977, a G model, and I became a convert forever. I can't wait to see these 2 fine rifles making meat this fall so keep us posted. Tomorrow morning looks like a fine day to take my EG to the range!👍👍
We definitely have similar backgrounds. Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
I have both and they have harvested a nice buck each while in my possession. Like you, I purchase basket cases and bring them back to life. Currently working on a Win 73 and 95. Then there are Win 92, 94, 97s, waiting for me. Well, I would love to help you with your Turkey problem :). Wonderful view...thanks!
There is something very special about giving new life to truly fine , but old , rifles. Lots of satisfaction in that sort of thing.
The danged turkeys are persistent. Have ran them out of the plot many times.
Both great big game choices. One of my sons shoots his Grandpa’s 30-30 in a 94, with peep sights. I haven’t handled a 300 Savage in almost 30 years. I did load rounds for a friend with a Savage 99 in 303 Savage (different cartridge) years back. It took me a little bit way back then to get a recipe but I used nice spitzer bullets with that rotary magazine.
Yes Sir , great guns. And good luck to your son. Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
Thanks. And good with taking that deer with your fine rifle.
GREAT VIDEO K IN MT
Thanks Montana.
Best of luck hunting with those 2 classic rifles. I'm thinking of taking a deer with my 94 this year. Bad when a fellow has so many turkeys he has to scare them off to keep them from eating up the food plot.
Good luck taking that deer with your 94!!
Congratulations to her
Thanks
Have one in 250 Savage my go to deer rifle.
And a good one at that.! The .250 is a great little cartridge for a fact.
Both classic, Arthur Savage was a genius, and invented the 1st radial tire 🛞
The man was quite the inventor indeed.
The 300 savage will shoot a 150 GR bullet the same speed as a 308 . it's a good deer gun.
And it is more accurate. The Savage was developed to be accurate while the .308 was designed to give .300 Savage performance out of a case with more body taper so it would function better through an automatic rifle. Rate of fire verses accuracy. I will take the .300 any day. I have had many of each caliber. Nearly every .300 was easy to find a good load for while the .308 was always a pain. The 99 in .300
is a match made in heaven. The 99 in .308 was a match made by a committee!!!
What is the peep sight you have on your Winchester 94? Do you recommend Skinner, Williams or another sight for lever guns? Must say your wife has proven herself an Elk Hunter, nice job she did. I am prior military myself…thank you for your service to our country.
The sight on Dian’s rifle is an old Lyman No 2, which is no longer made as far as I know. I have several tang sights made by Marbles. They work pretty good.
The only thing I ever seen with the 30-30 is that the peep sight should have been on top of the gun just in front of the Receiver instead of in the way of the Grip..!!! but thats just my opinion!!!!
But I don’t grip the gun at the wrist. That is not the best way to operate a lever action. I show how I operate the lever in a couple of videos. Taking a “grip” on the rifle is an exceedingly awkward way to handle a rifle. Take a look at some of the top cowboy action shooters if you want to see how to really run a lever action. Those guys can shoot!!!
And tang mounted sights give you your longest sight radius and therefore are the most accurate. On some Marlins I have receiver mounted sights, but the 94 does not lend itself to those.
Sir: I am fortunate to have acquired a 1924 Savage 99, .300, pistol grip, take down. I need help finding a sight like the one one yours. Thank you sir. From Alaska
The sight is made by Marbles and can be ordered from such places as Brownells and Mid Way USA.
Thank you for watching and for commenting.
Dennis
Three day wait period ? Where do you live, California?
Dennis what ammo do you shoot with your 30 30 my wife has one and it hates cycling winchester ammo we use remington core lokt 180 grain bullets now and have 2 spare boxes of winchester bullets for hard times single shot use lol
I hand load using Hornady 170 grain flat points. Many people experience cycling problems with lever actions. The vast majority of the time it is because the person is not throwing the lever fast enough and with authority. Operate that lever like you are mad at it!!! That usually solves all cycling problems.
The Savage 99 is the exception. Unless your loads are too hot the action works fine with a lazy motion on your part. At least most of the time that is true. But even with the 99 fast and hard is the way to go. If you are already operating that lever with authority, and your over all cartridge length is correct, I suggest a visit to the gunsmith. But first give that lever a hard time! If it works please let me know.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I can say my wife's gun is nowhere as pretty of condition as yours the barrel finish is rusty and needs some sought after attention but it cycles remingtons great everytime
@@bryansaltsman6947 good old Remington Core Lokts!
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 I'll have to check the tolerances on the bullets
Just one more question for you. How do you get the bolt so clean on your savage 99s? I have tried oil, bore cleaner, etc and mine still doesnt have that nice mirror finish as yours.
I start with steel wool. Then I polish them with a Jewlers compound called Semi Chrome. Just a bit on a cotton cloth. Lots of rubbing.
@@dennispritchardoutdoors7882 Great sounds like a good idea. Like a genius I went and tried cleaning the rust out of a 1927 Winchester 94 magazine tube, I realized in the process the seem on the tube had cracked open some. Now I am wondering if it was always like that or if its going to be an issue down the line..
You my just need to shoot it some if it's been a long time since it's been shoot.
Good advise!! Thanks.
What do finish the wood with? I do a little work on old rifles as well and am a big fan of boiled linseed oil. Older I get wood feels much better in the hand. Modern plastic rifles are NOT appealing to me. Save the old traditional ways folks.
I used Formbys Tung Oil finish but you can’t get it any longer.