I've got samples from all three generations. There are pros and cons to each-----for me anyway. In no particular order, I prefer the MkII and newer barrels, the tang-safety blued bolt handles and red recoil pad, and the Hawkeye stock profile and trigger. The matte vs. shiny metal is a toss-up.

So for me, the features and availability point to the Hawkeye being the winner of the three versions.

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--Winston Churchill