The long search is finally over. I have wanted, looked for, dreamed about, lusted over a Savage 99 in .375 Win. for over 20 years. I had never seen one in the flesh, anywhere, nor do I personally know anybody else who had ever laid eyes on one. I've passed up Marlins, Winchesters, T/Cs and Ruger #3's in .375 many times because the 99 was the one I was holding out for. Don't know why it has been such a passion to find one but it has been. You guys certainly understand. I've seen 99's in all the other chamberings (with the exception of 7mm-08) but never a .375. I have combed every gun show I've ever attended to no avail. The few I called about in Gun List were always gone. I don't have to tell you 99 freaks what prices .375's have been bringing in recent years and had decided there was no point in me even trying to bid on one on any of the auction sites. Until 2 weeks ago. There was a minty .375 Brush Gun on Gun Broker with a starting bid of $999 and one bid. Past auctions had shown that recent ones had sold for $1395 to as much as $2500 so I knew this one would go for big bucks. With less than 2 hours to go, the bid was only up to $1008 so a bid of $1100 was placed. I REALLY could not afford this right now but I figured it was a safe bet that it would go for well over $1100. My bid took it to $1033 and somehow the planets aligned and nobody else bid! It arrived a couple days ago. It is absolutely cherry with outstanding feather crotch in the butt. There isn't a scratch on it, just a few very tiny "handling marks". The blue is pristine. I doubt it was ever hunted with. I wish I could post pictures to show off my prize but I'm a technological moron and don't even own a digital camera. Perhaps I'll seek help from a buddy. It took over 2 decades but it was worth it. I figured one day I'd find a used, abused one for too much money somewhere but this one is beyond my hopes and expectations. I can assure you this one will be used for its intended purpose, putting meat in the freezer! A safe queen this one will no longer be! Life is good...