[alyeska338]

The Winchester 1895 in the '06 or 270 flavor can be rebored for the 35 Whelen or the Whelen Improved or Hawk.  All it would take is a competent gunsmith with the right tools.  The '95 has the added luxury of using spitzer bullets.  Although, scopes seem a little out of place on this rifle, a good peep sight can make good use of the flatter trajectory.

 

[alyeska338]

Hey folks,
There are just so many choices out there aren't there?  Great fun.  Weave, I can understand your preferences.  I too, would like to see Marlin come out with that class of cartridge.  Lots of interested 35 shooters out there, but there may be a long wait.  I'm sure folks are necking down the 450 Marlin in all sorts of ways right now.  It would be real interesting to hear the results.

If you are having a hard time finding a '95 Winchester and really want one, check some the auction houses on the internet, I found a NIB '95 in 270 for $500!!!  That included shipping to the lower 48.  I think my cost to have it shipped to Alaska was a $25 additional.  Mine came with some really nice wood.  I think I found mine on Gun Broker.  The '71's are pretty rare seems to me and the ones out there are commanding some pretty high prices, they are probably worth it in collector or resale value though.  Seems a few forum members have been finding readily available 348's lately though.  Just keep an eye out for them.

Good luck.

Decisions, decisions, decisions.

 

[alyeska338]

I just bought one off of GunBroker, I have no complaints with service or delivery.  Mine has some incredible wood on the forearm.  These rifles don't seem quite as heavy as they are.  I think it's because the weight of the gun falls center through the center.  Or at least it seems to me that the weight of the gun is equally supported by each hand, not barrel heavy, not butt heavy.  That's kind of a strange sensation to me, I'm used to the No. 1's and they are just a tad bit on the barrel heavy side.  I think I prefer that, helps to track better, but it may be because I've gotten so used to it.  I'm having my '95 rebarreled with a shorter barrel, but I don't think the balance will change.  These rifles are such a treat.  It's going to take a while to get mine worked on, but I'll post some results when I do.  It leaves home tomorrow.

I don't know think mine weighs nine pounds.  I don't have a scale with which to weigh it, but doesn't seem any heavier than any other rifle I have other than the shortbarreled No. 1 RSI.  I would not hesistate to buy this rifle based on weight.  If it is 9 lbs, it feels more like 7 1/2.  It might not be the perfect mountain rifle, but I doubt it's weight would bother you.  It is very well balanced.



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[alyeska338]

They are a little different, no doubt about it.  I just hefted mine to my shoulder and while picking it up, it did seem a tad bit on the heavy side, however when bringing it to your shoulder or sighting, or cycling the lever, it is pure grace in fluid motion.  I don't care for the sights too much, but have never liked buckhorn sights.  If you get your hands on one, bring it to shoulder before discounting it.  It comes up and tracks very nice, much more so than some other levers I've handled.  Besides, you can shoot the pointed bullets and take advantage of that.  The 35 Whelen out to be a hoss in one of these rifles.

Getting back to the 444 wildcats, the JDJ cartridges seem interesting, but I'd check the overall length to make sure they would function in the Marlin and still get the performance you desire.  Let us know what the outcome is.