Book Review: A Collector’s Guide To The Savage 99 Rifle And Its Predecessors, The Model 1895 And 1899

During the past 120 years, Savage Arms has produced some memorable and classic guns. The Model 99 is a favorite of many, and this book explores the various models and changes made to a unique lever-action rifle that can boast of having been produced in numbers of more than 1 million units.

It has been 40 years since someone has written a book about the Savage 99 rifle, and David Royal starts by shining some light on the extraordinary life of Arthur Savage, who founded the company in 1894. A remarkable individual, Savage was a force of nature whose biography would be considered a blueprint for the fawning adventure yarns of derring-do that comprised the daydreams of many a youngster during the turn of the past century.

Chief among Savage’s designs and contributions to the product line of his company was the introduction of this unique lever-action rifle, the Model 99. Every nuance and variation of the Model 99 is covered in this well-organized and brightly illustrated book. Tables and clear, well-reproduced photographs walk the reader through the many changes and modifications to the original design that kept the Model 99 evolving and conforming to the desires of the shooters who used them in the field during its 108-year production run.

The collectors circle of these rifles will undoubtedly expand greatly as this must-have reference guide will now give the collector the information needed to make an informed purchase. Price: $60. Contact: Schiffer Publishing; (610) 593-1777; schifferbooks.com.

—Philip Schreier, Senior Curator, NRA Museums