Am I Just Dreaming?

[ColColt]

I've been thinking about asking this for a week now and decided to go ahead with it. It may sound silly to some and I understand that but, I'd like opinions.

Most of my rifles are hunting rifles from the 243 Winchester, a couple of 270's, an upcoming 7x57, 22-250,38-55, and one I consider more a target rifle than anything else, the .222 Remington. I also have a Browning BPCR in 45-70 and a few more.

Having said that, do you think if foolish for me to buy yet another hunting rifle at this point in time as I'm 68 years old and probably wont/can't hunt anymore due to vascular problems. Not that I wouldn't love to hunt Elk especially since they let a couple thousand inhabit East TN here a few years back but know I'd never win a draw and if I did don't know how I could trek the hill over dale walking it would probably require. I don't know of anything that would please me more than to be able to go on that hunt. I doubt my leg could take the climbing and walking uphill.

Having said that, I'm considering looking for a 35 Whelen, as I got turned onto that one recently here, and that's when it hit me about what good would it be other than paper punching at the range. It would never bag deer, Elk or moose as I don't live in an area where most of those are abundant like some here who live in CO, Montana or Idaho. Deer is abundant but that's about the only big game other than black bear.

I enjoy all the rifles I have but may have to just be content to be an armchair hunter and dream of taking greater Kudu or Caribou only in my head. I've love shooting ever since Uncle Sam put an M14 in my arms in early '66 and the love grew.

I so enjoy this forum as folks don't talk down to each other or try to make you look small or inexperienced. Other forums for the most part are quite the opposite. So, I guess the bottom line is should I just fore go the Whelen(or any other hunting rifle) since it's primary intent is a hunting rifle and just stick to target rifles like the .222 or 6BR? I'm trying to be realistic but it saddens me to not be able to do what I'd like to do. Reading Jack O'Connor's exploits on all four continents sort of makes you feel...well, for lack of a better word, inadequate seeing that he was no spring chicken in the 60's and 70's yet he continued to hunt. Sorry for the mini novel I wrote.

 

[Guy Miner]

I'd say that you've earned the right to any doggone rifle you want and can afford.

If you want to buy a .35 Whelen, load for it, test it at the range and dream of hunting elk with it, then go right ahead!

Also - it makes a dandy deer & black bear rifle... If you don't think you'll be going for elk.

Perhaps buy it, mess with it, and send it on someday? I bought and sold a lot of rifles for a few years when I was seeking knowledge of different cartridges... Learned a lot too. Fotis has likely bought and sold more rifles than I've ever seen... Well, maybe not... :mrgreen: But he's been through a bunch of them, and it doesn't seem to have done him any lasting harm.

If it makes you happy to own and load for a .35 Whelen, then go for it!

Regards, Guy

 

[Guy Miner]

BTW - take my input with a grain of salt.

I'm a mule deer hunter who for some reason (who knows why?) owns not one, but TWO .375 H&H rifles.

I have utterly no need for either of them, let alone a pair of them. I like them. I load them. I shoot them. And I've hunted with one of them.

Still dreaming of a dangerous game hunt with one in my hands, but.. It may be just dreaming.

Guy

 

[DrMike]

When an individual stops dreaming, he begins dying. I'm 67 and still planning for my next grizzly hunt. I've recently been diagnosed with severe osteoarthritis and patella degeneration (and a torn medial meniscus) which definitely is going to restrict mobility somewhat. I'll borrow a quad and find a good spot to glass on my next grizzly hunt. I can walk down hill reasonably well so long as I use a staff to support myself. After shooting a bear, I can make it back up the mountainside, though I will plan for a longer time than in years past. I can always get some others to give me a hand skinning and bringing out the pelt. I'm not surrendering on my love of firearms. I have a 358 Norma in the works, which I should have in my hands for load development within a couple of weeks. I have an 8X68S on order which I'll push the boys to work on a little faster (Hey, fellers, at my age a man could die momentarily! Let's quit dragging your heels!). When I am no longer able to move about, I'll personally distribute my firearms to people who will appreciate fine rifles and have the joy of seeing others use them. Buy the Whelen and enjoy the dream. You never know but that something could happen to permit you a hunt of a lifetime, and that would be the rifle to have.

 

[Oldtrader3]

DrMike, I also have a Patellar Meniscus repair on my right knee that will be done in late July from a accident in 1976. I also have a double hernia repair scheduled for two weeks from now. This in addition to my MRSA pneumonia and immune deficiency diseases.

I surely would like to kill a O.V. Ochurousus (Northwest WT) to add to my WT Slam registration of four subspecies to date at 70 years old. I have killed deer all over the US, including Washington, but never a Northwestern WT. Maybe by the time I am 75?

 

[ColColt]

A lot hinges on the outcome of this operation Tuesday. My femoral artery seems to want to stop up too often, usually plaque, and prevents me from doing even mundane chores around the house like changing bed sheets or racking sticks in the back yard. The outer side of my calf tightens up(from lack of blood flow) and cramps and I have to stop and start a lot.

I haven't been to the range in two weeks and use to go weekly. Walking to the 100 yard target frame wasn't too bad it was the coming back. I had to stop twice due to pain and cramping in that leg. I'm hoping after Tuesday that all will be a thing of the past. I'm hoping they won't strip a vein out and bypass my current bypass but whatever it takes to fix it I don't care at this point. I can't sleep because lying down causing the foot to go numb so, I've been sleeping sitting up in the recliner or on the couch with my feet on the floor. It's a real pain and not comfortable.

I think when I find the right rifle I'm going ahead with it. I'm looking for a Ruger M77 but haven't found one yet. I'd like to find one at least 8-8 1/2 pounds. I think cast bullets for that caliber would be fun and I've been casting for decades so, that's a no brainer. I'd only need a mould. You're right, I should just get it and enjoy it. Life's too short not to.

 

[lefty315]

I say hunt and shoot as long as you can. My Grandfather killed his last deer at the age of 90 when he was virtually blind. I was with him when he did it and hope to hell I can still do that if I make it that far. He's turning 97 this August and wishes he could still hunt and fish.

Perhaps you could get some type of handicap card to allow you to hunt out of a vehicle or something(If they offer it where you live).

 

[Vince]

The .35 Whelen is an excellent deer caliber.
I don't hunt with one but a buddy does and it's his favorite plinking caliber.

 

[ColColt]

I've had a handicap placard for several years but it mostly helps with parking. I doubt I could use it for hunting but that's a great idea. I can walk fine, just not too far and not uphill. About 100 yards is max before pain sets in.

I ran across a CZ 550 in 35 Whelen but it was already sold. I think the Remington's are a bit lighter than the CZ or Ruger.

 

[Dwh7271]

I say go for it.
If your road to happiness doesn't hurt or negatively impact another then get it and dream, have fun or whatever you wish. Dr Mike gave good advice. Things have a way of changing and no one can predict the outcome.
You have me by about ten years and I could be happy with the firearms I own, but I really have an itch for a few others that intrigue me. :grin:
I too have bad wheels ( not to your extent) so I do sympathize and wish you the best with your surgery.
Doing things that make you smile and do no harm to others is a good thing, IMO .

 

[ColColt]

There doesn't seem to be an abundance of rifles in this caliber but if I find one in good condition and weight I think I'll spring for one. I suppose I should just enjoy being retired and the hobby I've so loved over the years and enjoy also whatever amount of days I have allotted. I think it would be a fun caliber in both jacketed and cast bullets and appears to be an easy caliber to load for.

 

[wisconsinteacher]

My thought is, if a 35 Whelen would make you smile, then buy it. I would never tell someone to not buy a rifle. If you get it and don't care for it, sell it.

FWIW, I put a 6mmBR together this winter on a Savage action and LOVE it. .250-.500 groups with ease. Easy to shoot and reload for. I will be looking at more "bench" rifles in the future.

 

[ColColt]

The 6BR was one I had on my list not long ago and still may get that one...probably the Savage as I'm not into turning case necks and that one doesn't require it. I think the chamber neck is something like .272" as opposed to the .268" some custom barrels have that require neck turning. Excellent choice in bench rest rifles.

 

[Anonymous]

I'd say go for it.

Unlike most other two tools, nice rifles are a pleasure in and of themselves.

If you manage a hunt or two with it....excellent. If not- no great loss.

 

[BK]

I am the last guy in the world to tell someone who can afford it to not buy a rifle. I'll likely never hunt all of my .300 magnums, or the four non-magnum .30s. I have hunted my Whelen a fair amount. I don't know how much I'll use it now since I went on a gun bender a couple of years ago. One thing I like about .35s is that you can load .358" revolver bullets, either at warp speed so little stuff blows up spectularly, or so the gun hardly recoils at all. You are already set up for casting bullets, so all you maybe need is a mould or two (God, please don't let me get into bullet casting! I can't afford another expensive hobby!). If I can find a source for bullets, I'd like to start loading cast for my Rigby.

 

[ColColt]

The initial cost for casting can add up for sure...especially a good brass mould(my favorite). I had two Lyman pots and have a Lee 20# jobbie and two Lyman bullet sizer, the 45 and 4500. One has a heater for the harder lube. Then, there's always the size die for each caliber you'll need. Wheel weights are getting like hen's teeth but you can use lead and tin or pewter even or perhaps Linotype to alloy a mix that will approximate the BHN of ww's which is around BHN12. It's like all hobbies, you can put into it a little or a lot depending on your interest. I'm thankful I got all that stuff long ago and now would only need a mould. I have hundreds of pounds of lead and Linotype but tin is expensive averaging $17/lb!!.

If you ever get interested, this is a good forum too find lead/Linotype, etc and ask lots of questions.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php

 

[pre6422hornet]

I will mirror the other gentlemen and say " go for it".

You are never to young to fulfill a dream or desire in my opinion.

 

[Osprey78]

.I so enjoy this forum as folks don't talk down to each other or try to make you look small or inexperienced. Other forums for the most part are quite the opposite.

I couldn't agree more. I find Canadian Gun Nutz is in that group. I really enjoy this forum.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[BK]

If you ever get interested, this is a good forum too find lead/Linotype, etc and ask lots of questions.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/index.php

Thanks, I've checked it out some, looking for sources/data for LBT-type heavyweight .430/.452 bullets.

 

[Oldtrader3]

Col Colt: Check with DF&G in your state, I have had a permanent Disability card because of 20% lung capacity since 2003. It permits me to shoot game from secondary roads (not across) and from my car with a rest in my 4WD window. I prefer to sit and still hunt very slowly with a cane and portable oxygen bottles. The state issued me a placard that I leave in my 4WD windshield inside the truck.