17 years isn't really all that long ago in terms of firearms technology and trends.
We're pretty much using the same kind of stuff as we were then.
Now, if we go back a bit further, say 25 years, things start to get more impressive.
The popularity of the wonder nines, polymer frames, new calibers, the rise of the ARs and Aks, inline muzzle loaders, progressive presses.
Probably the biggest changes in the last 17 years have been the proliferation of the low cost bolt action rifles with excellent accuracy.
Just about every major manufacturer has discovered how to make $400 guns that rival the best of just a few years earlier.
Now, that's amazing.
And buying over the internet and these forums.
That's a big, big Wow, right there.
Just about unimaginable 17 years ago.