For the money the current Whelen's are going for, I would build one.
My preference would be a Model 70 Pre, or classic action, or a 700.
I had a 700 Classic that was brutal to shoot. I also had a Rem 673 in 350 Rem Mag I probably should have kept, but I am not in the business of gun selling regrets. Played with a BLR in 358 Win for a while too.
I am now firmly in the 338-06 camp. But do not let that stop you (LIve2Hunt941 or anyone) from getting what you want. If you have a Whelen itch, you should scratch it. I certainly did that with 35's.
If I need something bigger than the 338-06, I have a 416 Rem Mag and a 45-70.
