Hey John........I used to own the very first one made (or so I was told). I shot it back in the early 90's for sporting clays and loved it. From my recollection, the first ones had a more pronounced curve in the pistol grip and just fit my hand better than the newer ones. Nothing against the newer ones at all.....in fact, I may just be remembering it incorrectly.
I have known Jack West since I was a kid. He's absolutely a first class guy who is equally as talented in gunsmithing, checkering and anything to do with a gun to be honest. I'm sure the new ones are just as good and probably better than the old ones. I just know I had a killer combonation way back then and wanted to try and build a similar gun for my son to shoot.
Keep your head on the stock,
Shane