I don't know where you're located, but I'd be happy to let you try out my Krieghoff. I'm located in West Tennessee and the local gun club has a skeet layout and is located not far from my farm. We're about five miles from the Kentucky state line and about 100 miles west of Nashville.
There are lots of great threads on the forum about the 35Whelen. For some strange reason people think I am some sort of whelen guru. I am not I just found some loads that bring the Whelen velocities into the 21st century.
250 grainers at 2,700fps
225 grainers at up to 2,950 fps.
You can PM me if you want any information.
Bob