A typically "American thing" that was done to formerly classic rifles the 1950's thru (say) early 1980's ......the Euro and Brit rifles were relatively cheap, specific ammo was only sporadically available, if at all, and "taste" (I use this term advisedly) was certainly of the Weatherby/Texas Oil Money persuasion......
From our hindsight perspective this was a total travesty.

.300 Savage....nice enough calibre....in a Savage 99.....
- Mike