I'm brand new to this forum but I have owned several hundred 99's since the mid 80's. I recently picked up a 99F in 284 caliber that is quite a bit different than most of my F's. To start with it shows no indication of ever having a front site. The rear dove tail looks like it was filled in at the factory and can barely be seen. Does not have the boss barrel. The receiver is stamped "99F" on the left side instead of the barrel carrying the "99F" designation. It does have the Damascus breach. The wood is non-checkered. The forearm is carrying the last 4 digits of the serial number. It has a Monte Carlos stock with white line pad. Everything looks to be factory. The barrel is stamped, "Westfield, Massachusetts, USA".
Does anyone have any ideas? Could this have been a special order?