When I was a kid, I used to avidly read Jack O'Conner and always wanted a Model 70. My dad wasn't ready to spend that kind of money, until one day in 1964 he surprised me with a new Model 70, the 1964 version. I think he paid $117 for it. Of course, I didn't know the difference. I've hunted with that same gun ever since and killed a ton of deer and one black bear. As Browningguy noted, it is one heck of a tool, almost an extension of my arm.
That being said, one of my sons picked up a new 70 Featherweight tonight. I'm definitely jealous. Nice finish, that Mauser bolt, and a really sweet trigger. Can't wait to see how it shoots for him.
Laphroaig