I have a chance to buy a model 99 in 300 savage that is not tapped for scope mounts. I would need a scope for my 75 year old eyes. What do you guys think about tapping for scope mounts and is that possible?

can it be done ,yes. should it be done, up to you. check out the savage forum, the people there say N O . hurts re-sale value. i like mine, it is taped befor i got it so not my call.

May well reduce the value of the gun, however if you really want to use this gun, it might be worth it to you.

It will cost you big bucks, but a Stith no drill mount for a Lyman Alaskan or K series Weaver will avoid the drilling. Worth while if you rifle is mint or a rare model.

1899B in 303, Alaskan in Stith mount.

Artshaw....
That is a sweet setup. Thanks for sharing.
I have such a mount on an old Rem. 760. For anyone concerned..it shoots VERY well. Been in my family since the early 1950's with a Lyman scope on it and remains "Woods-ready" as I write.

I did buy the rifle, and the safety is on the lever, but I don't think it is a rare model. I have ordered the scope mounts and I need to find a gunsmith that can do the drill and tap correctly.

Mike, before I would put any holes in a 99, I would be very sure of what I have. Savage made so many variations that a rifle that looks ordinary may be very special.

Suggest you register on this blog and have pictures and serial number available for the experts there.

http://www.savageshooters.com/forum.php

The rifle has a Western Field recoil pad on it. However it doesn't have Wester Field on anything else. The serial number indicates that it was manufactured in 1949. Maybe it was sold my Montgomery Wards and had the recoil pad added at the factory or it was added later.

There are a million or so of those old 99EGs in 300 Savage floating around so collector value in that particular version isn't all that much, although you see them priced out of sight on the internet, but thats mostly someone looking for a sucker..$600 is the going price for a nice one..

What I'm saying is go ahead and Drill and tap it, won't hurt the value that much if at all Or get a pair of glasses and shoot the irons.

there is a no drill/tap mount made by a guy name Lightfoot on the 24 hour campfire. It's like a Redfield JR mount extended to fit the existing tang screws holes and the rear sight dovetail.