I think the post-mil factory 99E is the most unattractive and clubby handling 99 made. I had a 1968 .308W E. After replacing the factory wood with 1957 F walnut (with the desired cheek pads) and the fore arm with a splinter-ish 1940s EG fore arm, the improvements in aesthetics as well as the ergos are noticeable. The birch factory furniture is weighty compare to the lighter walnut replacements. The F butt stock has less drop and a narrower wrist which contribute to the improved ergos.
I wrote above that I had a 1968 .308W E because it has since been JESercised to a 3-groove, 14T .358 Win. As noted in a previous post on this thread, the post-mil E has the 20" barrel, perfect for quick handling. But when the short barrel is lighten with a larger bore, it is even more 'perfect'.
