Originally Posted by
brickboy240
I have a 1964 made Savage 99F in 243, that I have shot quite a bit over the years. It wears a Bushnell 3x9x40 on Leupold rings.
This rifle, with factory Winchester soft points, will give me 1.25" groups at 100yds all day long. Hot or cold barrel. The rifle DOES have pretty low recoil, due to the 243 caliber and the fact that it is an old school all steel and wood rifle and the trigger is fairly good. The lever is short and fast and can be cycled easily by smaller children or women shooters. If you ask me, the lever is easier than the Marlin 336 and Winchester 94's levers. For a lever action rifle, I am surprised at how accurate the Savage 99 really is.
I have used this rifle to drop several coyotes and wild pigs, but not for white tail deer. (I have a 30-06 for that). for dropping coyotes and smaller pigs (100-150lbs) it works very well.
If you can find one, I highly suggest a Savage 99 in 243. Mine is very accurate and a pretty well made rifle. The later made Savages showed more rough finishes but those made in the early 60s or earlier were very nice guns.
Good luck in your search....the 243 Savage 99 has long been a favorite of mine.
- Brickboy240