Our gun guy appraises your vintage firearms… and discovers some surprising values

COLLECTOR’S CORNER

The .250 Savage cartridge, also known as the .250-3000 Savage, remains popular among collectors and old-time hunters. Both of the rifles pictured here are chambered in .250 Savage. At the top is the Ruger 77 model with a tang safety, made in 1974. Ruger used a 1:10 barrel twist rate for the .250 chambering, making it capable of stabilizing bullet weights of up to 120 grains. Valued as practical hunting rifles, early Ruger 77s are also becoming collectible. This example in 98 per cent of its original condition would likely bring $600 to $700 at auction.

The second rifle is a Savage 99R, which was purchased new around 1946. The rifle appears unfired since leaving the factory, although there are a couple of small marks in the wood from a gun safe. Otherwise, the wood in the walnut butt stock is outstanding for a factory rifle. It would probably rate 98 per cent of its original condition. Savage 99 values have fluctuated considerably in the last decade or so, with the current demand once again strong. This rifle would probably fetch $1,500 to $1,800 at a Canadian firearms auction.