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

by
posted on March 20, 2017
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
savagebook.jpg

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

Latest

Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web
Gotw Rra Lar 22 Tactical Carbine Web

Gun Of The Week: Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine

This week, we're on the range with the Rock River Arms LAR-22 Tactical Carbine, a rimfire variant of the AR-15 that's designed for reliability and gives enthusiasts a way to shoot affordably.

The Armed Citizen® July 11, 2025

Read today's "The Armed Citizen" entry for real stories of law-abiding citizens, past and present, who used their firearms to save lives.

Japanese Last-Ditch Small Arms Of World War II

The crude assortment of fighting tools used by the Japanese during World War II give clues of an unprepared and unmatched last-ditch fight that ultimately lead to Allied victory.

Federal Ammunition Awards 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships

Federal Ammunition recently awarded the 2025 Tom Knapp Memorial Scholarships to two 4-H shooting sports teen ambassadors.

2025 Optic Of The Year: Burris Eliminator 6

Even as new generation after new generation of Burris Eliminator continued to add more advanced technology and functionality, it remained odd-looking—until the launch of this year’s sixth-generation product, which is the first in the line that can mount atop a rifle using standard 34 mm scope rings.

I Have This Old Gun: Star Model B

Of the many Spanish-made firearms to emerge throughout the 19th and 20th century, one of the most recognizable is the Star Model B, largely due to its similarity to the Colt Model 1911.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.