Hello all!! I really, really want a 35 Whelen!! I am thinking of having one built. I also happen to have a Tikka 695 stainless, chambered in 30 06'. I am willing to loose the use of the 06' to make the 35 Whelen dreams come true. Funds are slim, so I thought it might be cheaper and possibly better to just re-barrel the tikka?? Any idea's on what it would cost to re-barrel? What kind of barrel should I get? Any info and/or ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Mountain man

Talk to the guys at Corlane Sporting Goods in Dawson Creek. They started making their own rifles from start to finish a few years back. They used to have their own website. Check on the Google.



I found it: http://www.rockymountainrifles.com/

I just got my Whelen bbl today. I just ordered an Adams & Bennett from Midway for $105.00 + S&H. It will be going on a Mauser action. I wouldnt really mind just having one with open sights, which would be a simple thing with a Millsurp Mauser action, but this one is already drilled and tapped so its all good. I was reading about that great old classic in a couple manuals and one of them refered to it as "sort of a poor mans 375 H&H" since the Magnum Mauser actions were so spendy back in the 20's. Of corse its not quite up to that kind of potential, but roughly 200 fs less that a 375 H&H isnt far from it either.

Ive been dying for a Whelen for a couple years now and Im looking forward to takin her for a test drive in a week or two.

There are a couple of places that can do a servicable rebarrel for you for a reasonable cost. If I were going that route I would prolly see if Wilson could do it. There is currently another thread about them.

You might find a complete rifle on Guns America. There is a NIB Ruger M-77 Mk II there now for under $600. I had one and it was a stout rig once I had the trigger done and added an extra-strength mainspring to stop the misfires. Also, GA nearly always has custom 35 Whelens of varying degrees of usefulness. For about the same money you could get into a CZ 550 in 9.3x62.

If you rebarrel, research the twist rates. Folks knock the factory 1:16, but it has its place. There are several schools of thought on it, and all are interesting.

Hope this helps, Okie John.

I bought a 24", 35 Whelen, Adams & Bennet barrel for my Savage 110 but have yet to install it.I want to use this rifle for moose and bear so i plan to shoot heavy for caliber bullets ie: 270gr north Fork, 275gr Hawk,280gr Swift A-frame, and the 310gr Woodleigh.The twist rate is one in 14" which will probably be good up to the 280gr bullet.Using these heavy bullets puts the Whelen right at the same level as the 9.3X62, and thats not a bad thing. I would use a faster twist rate than one in 16", its easier to under-stabilize than to over-stabilize.

Personally, I would not buy a Tikka as the basis of a semi custom rifle; I think its false economy. Although they shoot great, they have quite a few plastic parts which I think is a step back.

If I were in your shoes, I would buy a CZ550 American in 9.3x62 (I have one and really like it). If you are not familar with the 9.3x62 it is a .366 calibre round with a power that falls between the .35 Whellen and the .375H&H.

The cases can be formed from .30-06 brass but are available now in the States from a couple of companies.

If you buy this and don't like it, it will be fairly easy to rebarrel to the .35 Whellen.. Somehow though after trying it, I bet you keep it!

Regards,

Pete

Mountain man,

If you really want a .35 Whelen, then there's nothing wrong with that! It's a good cartridge. But, take a look at the 9.3x62 also. I agree with what Pete said. I recently sold my Ruger M77 MkII in .35 Whelen (a recent custom run for Davidson's) and bought a CZ 550 American in 9.3x62. My 550 only came in a couple of weeks ago and it's at my gunsmtihs for a little action tuning so I haven't shot it yet.

The 9.3x62 will do everything a .35 Whelen will do plus it has the advantage of a heavier bullet with a higher sectional density. (The 9.3mm/.366" 286gr vs the .358" 250gr.) Graf's has brass for the 9.3x62 that is economical (about $33 per 100). Bullet selection for handloading is good also. Loaded (factory) ammo is also available.

Here's a couple of articles on the 9.3x62 if you're not familiar with it:

http://www.african-hunter.com/the_9_3_x_62_mauser.htm

http://www.reloadersnest.com/article_9362_oct2803.asp

Just a suggestion....
-Bob F.

Mountain_Man:

I have a couple of real problems with the 35 Whelen, which I thought you should know about. They just kill elk to darn quick, and they make the 338-06 look sic,!IMHO! LOL!

What a great round it is! I have been playing with the cartridge since the early 1970's, and it has always been a performer. Plus you now own a GREAT American Cartridge.

Take a look at this, call ER Shaw in Penna, they can barrel your action, I don't know much about Tikka, sorry no help there, fit and blue it for about $280 bucks. I had them build me one on a Remington 700 and it has been a great shooter and hunter, so much so that I took my 338-06 and turned it into a 257 Roberts AI, not a Shaw.

Shaw does not make target rifles, but in this application they are great.

Good Luck

Jerry