Curious about Savage 99 in 7mm-08

[JeffG]

My brother-in-law, who is my shooting guru (...but scoffs at leverguns, so how much can I trust him) says the only lever gun he ever considered was a Savage 99 in 7mm-08 made just before they stopped them. Is that so, has anyone seen one. I might consider it as a gift for him...shutting him up about trashing leverguns would be priceless.

[TNBigBore]

Be prepared to pay big bucks if you can even find one. They are one of the most sought after of "modern" Savage 99s. If you are willing to wait a year or so you might be able to buy a brand new one though. It is widely rumored that Savage is bringing back the 99 next year. I would willing to bet 7mm-08 will be one of the chamberings they offer.

[Sarge]

My brother-in-law, who is my shooting guru (...but scoffs at leverguns, so how much can I trust him) says the only lever gun he ever considered was a Savage 99 in 7mm-08 made just before they stopped them. Is that so, has anyone seen one. I might consider it as a gift for him...shutting him up about trashing leverguns would be priceless.

First, you need to adopt me as your honorary brother in law. I am happily married and promise not to bother your sister; in fact she'll probably never see me. I also pledge not to show up for holidays, family reunions, etc. Y'all can put a pic of me on the wall and in the family album, if you like.

Now with the formalities properly disposed, we can get on to your question. I understand the 7-08 to be essentially the shortened equivalent of the 7x57, a legendary game cartridge itself. I have owned a couple of the latter, an ancient Rolling Block being my favorite among them. It kills all out of proportion to its size or paper ballistics. If the 7-08 will match or shade it in modern guns, it is a dammed fine cartridge.

The most dedicated and knowledgeable group of 99 addicts on the web is quite probably located athttp://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbth ... /40/page/1

There you will find references and photos of these fine rifles, galore. Now I will close with my favorite desktop photo- the one that keeps me sane at work on days when I'd like to toss my 'puter out the third-floor window and head for this spot:

[Old Savage]

I have this one in 7-08, 20" barrel. It has almost a thousand through it of a very wide variety of loads. Great cartridge for a handloader. Factory offerings are limited and not widely available.