Rebarrel a Savage model 99.

Before I get started...

This rifle was passed down from my great grandfather to my father to me. It has ZERO monetary value to me. I don't care that this will reduce the monetary value.

I've been tinkering with the idea of rebarreling my 99. It's a 250-3000 savage currently. Factory ammo is getting increasingly impossible to find (basically only online), custom ammo is expensive, and that's assuming you can even find brass, and I don't intend to start reloading.

I've done some research, and the issue with rebarreling them is the bolt and the internal magazine. It requires custom parts to be swapped. I THINK I could bypass all of those issues if I rebarreles to a 22-250. Same case, so all the dimensions would be the same. If I did that, it should be as simple as getting a .22 blank. Having it chambered to 22-250, and have it installed by a good gunsmith who can do whatever machining is required to get it to fit.

I don't think anybody makes aftermarket barrels for the old 99s, but if that would work, I would have my same favorite rifle, in a versatile caliber, with plenty of factory ammo available. Instead of passing down an old, obselete gun, it would remain a usable family heirloom for a long time.

Gunsmiths... Would that work? I know it'll be expensive, but could be worth it.

mcgowen can make you a 99 barrel and itll be a shooter.

http://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php/forums/40/1/Savage_Collectors

these fellas over here might be a good resource

A .250 savage? I wouldn't change a thing. Take the money you would spend on a barrel and buy a single stage press, dies, and components.

Agree but if you have no interest in reloading, take half the money for a new barrel and smith work and buy ammo, then when that is finally gone years from now take the brass and use the remaining money to pay to have it reloaded several more times.

if its a t/d most gunsmiths won't touch it, if its sold frame, get your gunsmith to order the barrel and he will turn the threads to match the receiver. its been done. I would have to ask, what condition is the 99? depending on condition and model you could be losing a lot of money, I know you said the value means nothing to you, BUT, condition and model it could be worth some bucks. if that's the case sell it buy a shooter donor. sent you a pm. by the way, savage made a later model in 22-250

you are over your limit in your mail box.

It's in good condition. But I refinished the stocks a couple years ago. It functions great, and I'd say the bluing is mostly intact. The gun will NEVER be sold, so it's value is in usability, not monetary value. I'm not rebarreling it because I want a 22-250 (although I do) I want to rebarrel it so I can continue to shoot it for another 70 years.

I understand that's blasphemous to some folks, I simply value things differently than other people do.

totally understand, sounds like a plan, the 99's have been in a few cals, so one the other day in 219 zipper

Own a few guns personally that have been handed down and I have played around with ideas of modifying them, in the end I have always left them as is.

I'd go one of 2 routes. Use the money now and buy up some ammo, probably should be able to get an easy 400-600 rds for what it will cost for even a simple re-barrel. That should last a while, save the brass to either resell or get into hand loading.

#2 option is find a barrel in 300 Savage and swap. Shouldn't have to mess with mag or bolt and that ammo is a little more readily available.

I'm with you. If it's never going to be sold then I think that is an awesome idea. Plus, it's not like you have throw the old barrel away. If at a later time you change your mind, you can put the old barrel back on.
BTW, for years I lusted after those 99's. Beautiful guns.

I can fix you up with 99's

Yea, the problem is that is one of many I've lusted after. My safe is already too full!