If there is no crack in the buttstock at the tang, barrel has to be good. It cracks on the majority of them. And a 300 Savage is not that hard on a barrel. Also, since not a bench/target gun, if the underbelly of the receiver is not well worn silver (vs bluing left), it ain't been carried in the woods much either. If the belly IS well worn, then probably/def a hunting gun - again prob not shot a lot. I have never seen a 99 in 300 Savage shot out. Others may have. My prob with the one I traded into, was that it was TOO nice to hunt! My truck 99 gun, in 284 Win, otoh - I was rode hard and put up wet, but not shot a lot. It is ugly, but man it shoots beautiful!