M1-A vs Savage model 99

[Roamin_Wade]

I have an M1-A in 308 all decked out to shoot 600+ yards. It has the stainless steel National Match barrel. I also have a very clean Savage model 99 lever action in 308. I’m thinking about selling the M1-A to do some other things but I’m thinking that Savage won’t be a 600 yd rifle no matter what. As far as the bolt on a model 99, it locks up really tight and it has a 24” barrel so the potential is there. It’s just that I don’t see folks on the the long range shooting lever guns and there must be a reason. Thoughts?

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

With the right scope, mount and load, I dont see any reason a M99 cant hit 600yd.

Heres my .308 99c, wearing a one-peice Burris bridge mount and a Weatherby 10X Imperial. The longest Ive ever shot with it is 200yd and I was getting 4-6 inch groups with cheap 150gr. Federal factory loads. A better optic and handloads could improve that, Im sure.

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

That said, I also had the M1A Loaded stainless/synthetic. It wasnt perfect, but I do regret selling it.....

 

[25-20 WCF]

There has been a LOT of development work on accurizing the M-1A for NM shooting but almost nothing done on the M99 for long range shooting, so you are pretty much on your own. Factors influencing accuracy on the M99:

- forend bedding; no practical way to free float it but work can be done to limit contact with the barrel.
- buttstock bedding; glass bedding the butt to the frame with minimal stress can help a little.
- trigger is....not a precision instrument and it can only be improved a little bit due to its design.
- perhaps the biggest shortcoming is the barrel; some are better than others but don’t expect what you have in your M1A match barrel.
- optics and load quality will of course have an effect.

I guess it depends on what you expect. Terminal velocity will be fine - similar to your M1A - but what kind of accuracy are you expecting? Will this be a target gun or a hunting gun? If you expect the M99 to come close to the M1A in accuracy, you will probably be disappointed. If you are shooting at a gong at 600 yards then you might be satisfied. It really depends on what will make you happy.


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[earplug]

It’s a rare 99 that has as nice a trigger as a M1A.