The article talks about how during fire side conversations no one criticises it.

A school friend of mine, had one of the long barreled M96's. Later when managing a Flinders Ranges sheep station, the properties owner's son, decided it was crap and worth ridiculing. Obvious some 'fancy' Rem 700 was the bees knees ... Unfortunately he did sell his.

One of those long barrelled rifles in original condition would make a cool wall hanger.