Well...I went and did it...I sold my Browning 1895 in 35 Whelen and bought a brand new BLR Lightweight in 358 Winchester. The rifle weighs just 6 1/2 pounds unscoped.I have a gently used Weaver K3 from the early 70's that I plan on mounting in Conetrol mounts within the next few weeks. The rifle should then tip the scales at about 7 1/4 pounds unloaded. I don't think a 358 bullet will blow up on a black bear's shoulder this September like my 7x57's did 2 years ago.
The rifle will also not be too heavy to lug around the Catskill Mountains either. Caliber is a little big for whitetails...but I also hope not to have trail them as far either.
Dan 
