Mike, the Rattlers I've seen all look really well made and shoot up a storm. There are a few things about them that I'm not real crazy about, but there are a couple of things I'd change on the Kodiaks too if I could....matter of fact, Stan and I have done just that on mine.

   I don't like the idea of a seperate recoil lug on the Rattler or the weird crosshatch finish on the bottom of the action. I understand newer Rattlers don't have this finish(?), but why would any flat bottom action designed to be a bolt in ever have such a finish in the first place? Those crosshatch ridges will guarantee that the action won't return to the same spot in the bedding. I mean...it's fine for a glue in like the Vipers, but even then..not everyone wants a glued in Viper. Maybe some of the 'smiths are taking a light cut on the bottom of the Rattlers to get rid of this, but why have to do it at all?

     As far as an ejection port goes, I haven't had any experience with any at all, but I would personally shy away from one in a Hunter gun.

   The Rattlers I've handled all seem really smooth and slick and are worth serious consideration for a HBR gun. 

   Just my thoughts on it...hopefully Mike Bigelow will chime in as he's had one for a couple of season and could give some more insight into them.   -Al