I love my HW40 and '45, Mike, as I know you also do.
The '40 for its funky looks, grips, super trigger, amazing accuracy and sheer value for money.
The '45 for its character, chunkiness and trigger.
Although I did try a '75 briefly many years ago, I couldn't remember too much about it. Wow; lovely!
You can see where the extra money has gone comparing it to the '40. Much more robust and the compression tube area is in a different league. And the '45 "top end". I also wanted to see if you were aware of any hammer movement upon firing and the answer was a resounding "no". Seemingly no muzzle flip compared to the '40, too.
Although that doesn't seem to bother the '40 one bit when it comes to accuracy.
Thanks again.
Hope your friend's little 99 checks out okay.