It would be nice to know what caliber they were using.  Probably 30/06 as the .35 Whelen is kind of rare.  I am so glad that I bought mine back in 88-89. In Alaska it has seen some use and abuse and will diffenetly see some more.  It is a gun to use and hunt with, not to look at in the rack. 
I would almost like to chamber one to something bigger.  But what would be better than a .35 Whelen in the 7600 on a 30/06 sized case?