Can't decide (updated Browning BLR 358 Win)

[gerry]

For a bear stopper/camping gun. Want to keep my 35 Whelen sighted in for 200's that it shoots so well for hunting in the mountains. There are 3 options that interest me and are left hand friendly at least. In no particular order:

1) Rebarrel my Rem 700 into a 358 Norma Mag kindly ask to buy back from DrMike some RCBS dies and some 358 Norma brass I traded a few years back :lol: Uses a rifle I really like that needs a new tube but the downside is it will be probably over $700 for a new tube and the gunsmith. Good iron sights would bring the cost higher too.

2) Buy a LH Zastava 9.3x62 from Tradeex Canada for $795. Comes with iron sights already and the 9.3x62 is a classic round. Probably the least inexpensive way to get a close range bear and moose thumper and might be the best route.

3) Find a Browning BLR in 325 WSM, 358 Win or 450 Marlin. They come with good iron sights and a detachable magazine and are ambidextrous so could be used by my right and friends if necessary. A bit more expensive than the Zastava but not that much if shopping around or finding a used gun.

What would you do and why?

Thanks.

 

[5shot]

Zastava option is the cheapest for sure, and you get a good heavy caliber round.

The rebarrel gets you something you want, but with sights you are looking at over $1K, easily. I tossed this around myself, and a nice set of NECG fronts/rears are $250 before installation. My rebarrel was $800 with shipping and incidentals, for a slick barrel.

 

[Blkram]

BLR in 358

Shorter, handier, lighter, 4 round capacity with quick reloading capability with the detachable mag, quick follow up shots with lever action, QD rings available to use with iron sights as back up, or install ghost ring as back up for 1-4 or 1.5-5 scope, and still enough power for any grizzly inside your camp circle or for stopping a charge.

Mine has served in this capacity well over the past 17 years!

 

[JD338]

What about a Marlin 1895G Guide gun in 45-70.
Loaded up with a heavy hard cast, you would truly be loaded for bear.

JD338

 

[gerry]

What about a Marlin 1895G Guide gun in 45-70.
Loaded up with a heavy hard cast, you would truly be loaded for bear.

JD338

Have fired them and the Marlin stock just doesn't fit at all. Shot both a 45-70 and 450 Marlin and they are probably the most uncomfortable gun I have ever shot. I know they are great guns and others shoot them well but they just don't work for me. Browning BLR's on the other hand fit super well, go figure......

 

[Darkhorse]

Have you looked at the Henry rifles in 45-70? I'm starting to want a Golden Boy in .44 Magnum. If I get one I'll put a peep sight on the back. I think the one made for it is made by Skinner.
I've never shot a Henry so I don't really know anything about them except they look good.

 

[Guy Miner]

Dang, I'd have a tough time choosing between the BLR and the Zastava...

If it were a hunting rifle, I'd prefer the bolt action. For camping/bear defense, the lever action Browning may have some advantages. Is the Browning shorter overall? Handier perhaps? It certainly is quick to load, with those detachable magazines.

Let us know what you decide!

Guy

 

[hseII]

For a bear stopper/camping gun. Want to keep my 35 Whelen sighted in for 200's that it shoots so well for hunting in the mountains. There are 3 options that interest me and are left hand friendly at least. In no particular order:

1) Rebarrel my Rem 700 into a 358 Norma Mag kindly ask to buy back from DrMike some RCBS dies and some 358 Norma brass I traded a few years back [emoji1] Uses a rifle I really like that needs a new tube but the downside is it will be probably over $700 for a new tube and the gunsmith. Good iron sights would bring the cost higher too.

2) Buy a LH Zastava 9.3x62 from Tradeex Canada for $795. Comes with iron sights already and the 9.3x62 is a classic round. Probably the least inexpensive way to get a close range bear and moose thumper and might be the best route.

3) Find a Browning BLR in 325 WSM, 358 Win or 450 Marlin. They come with good iron sights and a detachable magazine and are ambidextrous so could be used by my right and friends if necessary. A bit more expensive than the Zastava but not that much if shopping around or finding a used gun.

What would you do and why?

Thanks.

I’m for the 700LH route, Personally.

That’s for those little Georgia Whitetails.


Since your current Whelen is set up for 200yards, why not set up a short barreled/ close range version of your Whelen?

 

[Elkman]

Marlin 1895's are relatively easy to find, and there is nothing shorter and quicker, with some Buffalo Bore Ammo your ready. I carry mine frequently on my day hikes.

 

[sask boy]

hseII, photos like yours are not allowed on this forum !! Reason being old guys like me drool over pictures like that :mrgreen:. lol
gerry I personally second Gil pick of a BLR in the 358 as I have shot one a few times and it is perfect for in the bush you can place a compact 2-6X36mm on top. They do come up used a quite often on a few sites.

Blessings,
Dan

 

[HAWKEYESATX]

Marlin 1895's are relatively easy to find, and there is nothing shorter and quicker, with some Buffalo Bore Ammo your ready. I carry mine frequently on my day hikes.

I highly suggest a Marlin 1895, as Elkman has. You can always have a limbsaver pad put on, and it's a lot less expensive than buying either a BLR or the Zastava with shortening the stock and putting the limbsaver pad on. Can't beat the Buffalo Bore .45-70 rounds for hunting and or Big Bear defense.
Just my 2 cents worth.

Sent from my LG-TP450 using Tapatalk

 

[truck driver]

hseII, photos like yours are not allowed on this forum !! Reason being old guys like me drool over pictures like that :mrgreen:. lol

Blessings,
Dan

Yeah and short circuit their key board >)

 

[SJB358]

I like the big 358's.. Might be worth putting nice sights on it as well.

 

[elkhunternm]

Re-barrel the M 700 to .358 NM.

 

[longrangehunter]

+1 to that, besides if you did have the 358 NM you wouldn't need the 35 Whelen. A one gun Man is not to be taken lightly in my book simply because it's like your hand.... you know how to use it, day in and day out!

 

[sask boy]

Cole, please don't speak like that :shock: every hunter needs a 35 Whelen :mrgreen:!!

Blessings,
Dan

 

[Guy Miner]

You guys pushing the Marlin realize that Gerry already ruled that out as a choice, 'cause the size/shape of that rifle doesn't work for him?

Guy

 

[salmonchaser]

I'd go with light and handy for a camp bear gun. To much gun and you'll end up not having it when you need it. The BLR may not be a lot faster than a bolt gun, but when hundredths of a second matter I'd go with the lever or, hell a double.


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[gerry]

Cole, please don't speak like that :shock: every hunter needs a 35 Whelen :mrgreen:!!

Blessings,
Dan

Yep the Whelen stays, it would be the one to stay if I was only able to have one

You guys pushing the Marlin realize that Gerry already ruled that out as a choice, 'cause the size/shape of that rifle doesn't work for him?

Guy

You are correct Guy it isn't the recoil that was the problem but the stock just doesn't fit my body type. Other than that the Marlin would be a fine choice.

The Henry was mentioned earlier, never thought about one of them. Will have to see if I can find one locally to take a look at.

 

[35 Whelen]

Gerry,
Abit. Lost on this one???
What is your true shift of impact from 200 gr bullets your so fond of,
And say a 250 Speer out of your gun???? Is it not ALOT simpler to just
Find out how many clicks it takes to rezero, ( isn't going to be much) and
Just use what you already have???
There is no Bear in NA walking that can stand being hit with a 35 Whelen: when
Pushed up to 2600fps with RL15 and a good 250 gr bullet????
You already have a .338 in disguise???? I have flattened dozens of Brown Bears with my
old SuperGrade . 338 and never saw one that had any interest except getting as far away from
Me as possible???? You have ditto performance right in your Whelen ???
Question: What advantage is there in shooting a 200gr bullet from the Whelen vs
Simply shooting a 200 gr bullet from the 30/06 ??? Won't both the BC/SD be better at 200 grs; with the .308 dia vs the 358 bullets, long and thin vs short and fat ???? :?
I know guys love to mess around with light bullets in the Whelen, but for me it's only
advantage is above 225grs ??? I know a fellow on here that removed a brand new barrel
from his Whelen and installed a different twist just to shoot Heavier than 250 grs???
I am pretty sure you know him too??? Calls himself Dr Something another????? :lol: