NNY243,
I guess it ain't that quick and easy a poll. In answer to you I would say it simply but the fog in the air needs to lift.
Hunters,
We have been down this road on many occasions, what starts out as a thread asking of your favorite gets cluttered with opinions of why they wouldn't use the other hunters preferrence rather than stick to an honest opinion of their personal favorite. I get downright sick and tired of seeing the biased opinions of inexperience trying to portray an air of superiority of their action of choice by talk that is obviosly coming out of their behind because that's where their head is at. Sorry to name names BUT there's a LOT of that type in the bolt crowd. I am not going to point a finger at the soul of anyone here but just the mouth that runs rampant without the brain engaged. Unless one is in a situation of extreme long range as the norm, there isn't enough difference in ANY action choice. AND AGAIN it is not limited to one action type for that long range application either. If you married a brunnette does that make all others sluts? Gimme a break! I have as many bolt actions as any other type combined in my arsenal but would get rid of them all just to be away from the biased views of some of those in that crowd.
With that said, there is good and bad, or should I say advantages and disadvantages in ANY action type. My personal pick, yeah I know the elitists don't even want to hear it, is picked for many reasons. Would I pick this action type over again if my model did not exist? NO! So it just doesn't boil down as easily as it may seem. It was picked for the lock time it has comparable to any bolt, the LACK of an exposed hammer, the fit, feel and pointability it has, the nostalgic warmth of using something others who have gone before me have felt, the advantages of a second follow up shot, the weight to carry IN HAND ALL DAY, and the fact that contrary to what 'others will say' it IS as accurate as any other type I have ever shot, proof being in the targets I have shot 1" bullseyes out of ALL DAY LONG with crude handloads and finally the quietness in that nothing clicks, rattles or sounds an unnatural tone like hollow plastic while quietly stalking prey in the woods.
The unique Model 99
An OVER 100 year old design copied but never surpassed, offered but declined to the military, there is only one other I would remotely consider and that would be the model 88. It is a little known fact that 99's can still be had but if I were to get a new one, it would be from the custom shop only.
I went from lever to pump to bolt and am glad to say I am returned to my roots. It's peaceful here away from the 'Kennel Ration' crowd of 'My gun's better than your gun'. What needs to be learned is, it is a matter of choice NOT superiority. Don't forget, my 99 is my sweetheart, say something bad about her and you've stepped over the line. I have not belittled your's please respect mine.