For some a firearm represents a prized possession to hold and pamper but for others it's a tool of the trade called upon to perform in the field. In between there are guys like us that cherish our 99's no matter which side of the fence we are on.
It would be interesting to be able go back in the day and talk with the craftsmen who engineered and built these rifles to see how they felt. Probably just like us.
Steve
