Do you hunt with a 99? If so, what model and caliber? I just got a 99C in .308 (NIB) to join the veteran 99F in .300. About 8 years ago I went with my dad to PA for a deer hunt. I took my 99F as I knew the shots could be close. When we got together with some other hunters in the family deer camp, this crusty old guy kinda ignored the youngin (I was 32 at the time and from CA to boot) until I whipped out my 99. Then he started talking like he knew me, I never met him before, he was a friend of my uncle. He was also hunting with a 99 and because I had one that made me "one of the boys." There was a special feeling toting that old rifle around. Yes I did take a deer with it. I was very impressed what it did with open sights.