If you put a 94 Winchester with a 20-inch barrel and a 99 Savage with a 20-inch barrel side by site the Savage is the longer package of the two. That, coupled with the cock on closing action just makes the "Trapper" 99 a little more awkward. My old man was a mechanic (starting on bombers in the 8th Air Force and progressing through International Trucks and John Deere tractors) who taught me the subtle yet major differences in tool design. There's a reason why Snap On and Mac are the "go to" mechanics tools. Their designs are simply refined better for getting things done that say Craftsman tools (which, if they are still in business, are a hell of a deal for the garage mechanic). Same thing with Marshalltown for masons. Try using a crappy ill-balanced trowel all day long and then telling me it isn't a wrist breaker. I like the 99 but I don't find it the top choice for a compact lever action carbine - which isn't saying it (obviously) can't be done.
S99VG,
Total overall length may wind up being a major deciding factor for me. My trapper is right at 34". I have attached a magazine tube clamp style sling swivel ~2.5" from the barrel which puts the muzzle right at ear height or thereabouts when standing. I was initially concerned with safety of having the muzzle that close to my head but I am VERY strict about never carrying the gun with the sling when loaded. By carrying in this manner I can navigate the mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets without having the barrel snag on every limb and twig. I;m often on hands and knees when getting hear a bear and this capability is the biggest advantage about the trapper length rifle for my purposes. I'm willing to give up a little on the balance scale for overall length. Since I started carrying it I have had several offers to buy.
Several folks expressed a concern about balance. While a 99F might be the lightest option for me I am thinking one of the other models with the less tapered barrel may provide a better balance without giving up too much in weight. As described above its the overall length and profile while carrying over the shoulder that really is key. On the topics of shotguns: given the minimum barrel length of 18.5" and the slightly ( maybe perceived) longer receiver length of most shotguns I think the overall length would create problems.
