How tight should the Savage 99 lock up be ?

[BenT]

I have a savage 99 in 308 that I purchased about 4 years ago . It's in mint shape and looks like it spent most of it's time in a closet. Well I'm getting it ready to hunt with it this year as my back up gun. This is a first time I shot it , I know pretty sad. Anyway the last 1/4 inch of the lever lock up is snug . I think it's just because the gun isn't really broke in or is this a characteristic of 99's ?

[86er]

I've had two .308's in the Model 99 and the only time either was noticably tight in closing was when the handloads had pushed the shoulder back a hair or it was time to trim the brass. If you work the gun empty does it feel the same as you describe?

[Buffboy]

My wife's 300 from 1924 is the same way. A thorough cleaning with fresh lube lessened it but it's still there so it seems to be a trait.

[BenT]

86er , your right I tried some factory ammo and it doesn't give the resistance at that last 1/4 inch . I'll have to set the shoulder back on my reloads.

Buffboy , sounds like they really don't get slicker with time then. I wanted to start using it to see if I like the rifle. Because if savage makes the 99 again in 250 savage I would want one. I'll see how it performs during deer hunting. A slicker action would be nice.

[86er]

Ben - you might be pushing the shoulder back and expanding it slightly already. First back off on the die to see if it works. If not, then bring it down a little at a time. Good Luck!

[1886]

I am NO 99 expert but all of the "tight", in good shooting order, 99s I have cycled while empty have showed this trait. 1886.

[airedaleman]

There should be some slight - but noticeable - resistance in the final travel of the lever, due to the bolt camming into the locking surface in the receiver.

[Old Savage]

It is also depressing the spring for the firing pin when you close it; try working the bolt and depressing the trigger as it hits resistance to see if the spring contributes to the pressure. 99s distort cases when they are fired at high pressure. I back my loads off a bit to save on the cases.