I like blued/walnut as much as anybody but I also like the modern forearms. What I don't like is when they take a classic like the model 77 and thread the barrel on all the models, do away with integrals scope mounts so they all wear picatinney rails, and discard offerings like the 270 and 30-06 which are my favorites. I'm a model 77 fan but they no longer make a 77 that excites me.
If you’re talking about the Hunter, the dovetails remain. They drilled the receiver for a rail, and provide one, which is fine. Options are good. Same setup came with my Mini-14 Ranch. Not crazy about the threaded bulge, but wouldn’t stop me from buying. Haven’t seen other wood-sticked ones with threads or rails.
