Never warmed up to it, and one of the GI's at work really wanted it, very hard for me, only the 3rd gun I've ever sold. Made him a good deal, since I know he doesn't make much money, but it frees up funds for the next cast bullet rifle, it is down to 3; 375 H&H, 35 Whelen, or 30'06.

nm

Gorgeous! I have a #1 in 45/70, it has pretty wood, and shoots good too, now that it wears some optics.

Mine is stainless, but that is really pretty!

If I buy another bolt gun it will be a Whelen. Wanted one all my life, had a 700 CDL in layawake before I changed my mind and ended up buying that 35 Remington 336 of Remington manufacture-I sure hope those Rem-lin lever guns are turning out better now! Anyhow, should have just bought that Whelen. While in my estimation the 30-06 is a dandy do-it-all rifle for what I hunt, if I had it to do all over again I'd buy ONE bolt gun and it would be a Whelen. It would do everything I need to do with a hunting rifle. However, my AR is here to stay. Time to get better optics on it and shoot it some more but the ammo crunch has me in ration mode:)

I have always wanted both, in a lot of ways, I really wish I had bought the 375 when I got to Alaska instead of the 300 Win. I look at the 375 as one of the best all around cartridges out there, legal for all African game, and yet not overkill here in North America, especially if I ever get the chance to hunt the big bears again. The Whelen wins hands down on cool points, and cost, not to mention it is a natural for cast bullets. I doubt I will ever won another AR, just not who I am, if I ever need one, I imagine there will ones laying on the ground.

For me the AR is just a great GP rifle. Where it comes to need a 30-06 or 22LR will get you an AR when or if that time comes. If THAT time comes I'd rather have the 30-06 and 22:) Africa is one place I just have no interest to hunt. It should appeal to me but it doesn't. Alaska OTOH do indeed! My bucket list hunt is an Alaskan moose hunt! I suspect that will be reserved for my Lil'Thumper...Guide Gun:)

Magically comes my way, I will hunt Africa, Greater Kudu and Cape Buffalo are the only 2 on my bucket list. I am planning to fill my cow elk tag this fall with my FA454, with a rifle as a backup due to the brevity of the season. It really is about getting to a more minimalistic place, where I can cast and shoot just a few guns, and really get to know them.

Minimizing but going slow. I never want to buy a gun a second (or third) time to replace something I already have again:) Done that too many times!

I think hoarding must be a very strong instinct in many of us.

I keep thinking I'm 'done' then turn and find yet another widget I haven't even looked at in years much less put to any good use.

On top of that, I still find myself acquiring *more* widgets all the time...

I'm just glad that once I fully realize I'm not 'connected' to something, I have no trouble getting rid of it, then I never miss it once it's gone.

Then, if I hold my tongue just right, I 'realize' that it is impossible to connect with things in the first place.

Once in a while, I get ahead of this three-steps-forward, two-steps-back mindgame and can nip it in the bud, but I have to admit it's a continuing struggle.

It's also a heck of a lot of fun.

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Large email headed your way, Dave.

And it is fun...till I let it get out of control:)

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