I have to admit I like it. For the simple reason of: it's unique. If you look at a lot of bolt actions they all look so similar this will set winchester apart. Until now the Browning Eclipse looked very unique but winchester has just taken it a step farther. It looks to me a very exciting design. For that purpose I have to respect winchester for it. As for shot placement and practicality..... if it shoots well then they may have found a new consumer nitch to sell in. If it catches the eye of younger hunters looking for a flamboyant "cool" looking gun that shoots well then all the more power to winchester for it. Would I buy one....hmmmmm...perhaps if the price point isn't tooooo high. Just to have it in my case sure. Would I buy it as my clean sweep go to rifle for all hunt's no. But I feel sure winchester thought all of this out before putting it out there. Just the same thought process for the '06 edition of the 30-06. With a cost of over $2000would I buy one of them.....hmmmmmm...perhaps if I could get out of paying a house payment for a month. And then it would have to do everything short of taking a s**t for me to justify it. It's all a trade off in my opinion. Ranchand99 if you like it then kick a@@ man, go for it and enjoy your excentric self.