RE: i want a new rifle....it's driving me nuts!
Some years back I missed a big whitetail and didn't get a second shot even though I worked my bolt gun fairly fast. Then a little later I followed a wounded black bear into a thick spruce forest with a bolt gun in hand. I got the want for a quick second shot with a good heavy bullet. About that time Remington brought out the .35 whelen. I was filled with desire for a pump powered .35 whelen. My wife bought me one for Christmas. I shot a B&C whitetail with it. I often carry it when moose, elk or bear are on the menu.
Then I saw the T/C Encore 209 X 50 muzzleloader and all the wonderfull replacement barrels avalible for it. I have the smoke pole tube and hunted almost exclusivly with it last year.
If Marlin ever made a "George Forman" Comemerative gun, it would be chambered in 450 marlin.
Robin.