gldprimr: .35 Whelen can be handloaded to deer-rifle recoil levels, and with cast bullets, it should be a fun round. Remington standardized the cartridge a couple of decades ago, and barrel stock would be the same for both .35 Rem and .35 Whelen, so they might listen to a plea for two chamberings associated with green ammo boxes. I'd want a Whelen -- it shouldn't be too hard to neck up some of the .30-'06 brass I have at my bench for mild loads, and order a small supply of Remmy Whelen brass for when I feel like seeing how much kick I can stand . . . oh yeah, I forgot I have shot 12-gauge slugs from Pardners. Might explain the mental lapses . . .
A .35 Whelen Handi with a 24" barrel, straight comb, and a nice quarter-ramp to mount a rear sight, with a banded front sight ramp, would be a mighty handsome rifle. Since we aren't talking elephant rifles here, an aluminum rear quarter-ramp that attaches to the scope mount holes and extends forward as far as a factory rear sight would be a nice touch, balanced with an aluminum banded front ramp. Those parts shouldn't be too complicated or expensive to manufacture. Would add a bit of conservative style to the piece.
