Eye catching Savage 99 in obsolete 32/40 calibre.

This is a pretty little Savage Model 99 rifle in obsolete 32/40 calibre fitted with an tang sight and a scarce rifle in the UK and even scarcer in this outstanding condition.
The Model 99 was preceded by the Model 1895, which was the first hammerless lever-action rifle produced. The hammerless design was a useful improvement as it reduces the lock time. This allows the rifle to be fired more accurately, because the rifleman's muscular tremors have less time to move the rifle off-aim. A hammerless design is also less likely to jam in brush or clothing.
The later Model 1899 and early Model 99 used a rotary magazine to hold the cartridges. The rotating magazine uses a spring-loaded spool with grooves to hold the cartridges. The Savage 1899 took advantage of the spool to include a counter to indicate how many shots are left. The Model 99 continued using this system for many years, until its replacement with a detachable magazine. This rotating magazine design originates from the earlier Greene patent which evolved into the Krag rifle magazine.
The rotating magazine design allowed the rifle to be one of the first lever-action rifles to use Spitzer bullets. Previous lever-action rifles used tubular magazines, which placed cartridges of ammunition end to end. The pointed tips of a Spitzer bullet would touch the primer of the cartridge in front of it, possibly causing an accidental discharge. Another novel safety feature was that upon cocking the rifle, a small pin would protrude above the top receiver to indicate the rifle was cocked and ready to fire.
This particular rifleis chambered in 32/40 calibre . Originally developed by Ballard, from 1886 on, the .32-40 was available primarily for Winchester and Marlin lever action rifles. It primarily saw use for hunting medium-sized game like deer, as well as smaller varmints like wolves and coyotes, at ranges of up to 300 yards or 270 m. It also saw use as a match-grade cartridge for target shooters.
For a rifle at least 80 years old, this rifle is in wonderful condition and grades near excellent. It still exhibits some original case colouring. Although no longer produced it remains highly revered, as it was the foundation from which Arthur Savage built one of America's great gun companies. These rifles are extremely accurate and this one is mechanically flawless with good extraction and the cocking pin extant. The rifle will be supplied with an inert cartridge for display. This rifle can be owned without a license under Section 58(2) of the Firearms Act 1968 as amended. A great investment and always a ready market in the USA.

Code: 50708