20 in. Barrel Length 37.25 in. Length NORINCO MODEL 99 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN, $389 ● Gun Tests Recommendation: buy it ● This low-priced shotgun was safe and solid for many different purposes. The external hammers make it appropriate for Cowboy shooters. 13.75/14.5 in. Length of Pull SPECIFICATIONS STOCK FINISH/MATERIAL ..................... Matte Walnut METAL FINISH (ACTION) ...................................... Blued WEIGHT (UNLOADED) ..................................... 7.25 lbs. CAPACITY ................................................................ 2 ACTIONTYPE .................. Boxlock, External Hammers CHAMBER SIZE .................................................... 3 IN. EXTRACTORS ........................................................ Yes Ejectors ............................................................ No TRIGGER PULL .............................................. 8/12 lbs. DROP @ COMB ............................................... 1.5 in. DROP @ HEEL .................................................... 2 in. CHOKE TUBES ........................................................ NO WARRANTY ..................................................... 1 Year Contact .............. Interstate Arms, (800) 243-3006 ..................................... www.interstatearms.com Above: The firing pin safety is a block located forward of the hammers; the external portions of the block are two buttons. When a button (arrow) pro- trudes from the left side of the action as shown, the gun fires. When we opened the action on the 99, it fell completely open — exactly what we wanted it to do. Also, most of the time, spent shells fell out of the chambers, a performance edge for competition shooters, we think. Above: The Norinco lacked the Baikal’s grip checkering. The wood grain showed some swirls and knots, but the matte finish was adequate. The wood-to-metal fit wasn’t clean and flat on the sides of the receiver, but the metal-to- metal fit was adequate overall. Above right: The Norinco’s forend (left) had a generous amount of wood to grip. We liked the beefier feel of the Chinese gun’s front.