I have had the Remington pump in quite a few calibers including the 35 Whelen. These rifles function really well and are usually quite accurate as the have a free floated barrel and a rotary locking bolt. The 35 would offer no advantage over the 30-06 for deer and smaller game. However if you upsize the game to Elk Bear and Moose then the 35 Whelen with its heavier bullets may be an advantage. Its a fine caliber with lots of proof in the field over many years. I would certainly add it to my collection if I were a hunger man. I am starting to thin out my collection as the years are starting to cut into my hunting time. I have a few rifles that I will keep for my kids even though at this time they are not really into hunting. I have a long ways to go before I would reach a shortage of guns.