I like the way you think mainer. I had a 358 BLR for awhile but sold it when I had some failure to fire issues. I figured out after I sold the gun that it was actually my fault. I was pushing the shoulders back to far when I reloaded. It was an accurate rifle, and I love the way they look. My son in law has a stainless BLR in 308. I borrowed it a couple of years ago when I had to pack a moose off the side of a mountain by myself. That version seems to me a lot lighter than the blued version? I do know it was a dream to carry with a backpack full of meat. I am seriously thinking about selling some guns to finance the purchase of a takedown BLR in 358 before they stop making them. I have killed a lot of game with the 358 and it is a good one. Those little fixed power leupolds are the only scopes I buy. I've got two of them and they are perfect for any hunting I do and for your application there isn't a better choice. Wish I had access to a good smith like you do.
