....I had $1,995.00 lying around. Unfortunately recent hospital bills and the completion of a modified road racer make that impossible at the moment.

Anyway, here is the link:

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976712042.htm

Just considering the cost of a stock like that, a Sako action, and a half-round/half-octagon barrel adds up to a beautifully done bargain, to me.

(I have no fiscal interest of any sort in the sale of this rifle, just think it is beautiful.)

quote:

just think it is beautiful.)

It certainly is all of that....thanks for the heads up.....someone will own it for that price I believe.

I just finished a VZ-24 and not including all the work I put into it I still got $1,300 in it and that don't include the scope.

It looks to be worth every cent asked for it.
If I lived in the USofA I would buy it, saw the brake off and go hunting.

I'd buy it if it didn't have a "intrical" muzzle brake. Gawd, those things is awful. What kind of girly-boy puts a brake on a Whelen? Otherwise it appears to be a gorgeous rifle. Nice touch with the skeletons...

"intrical" muzzle brakes are awful

Fluer-d-le (Fleur de Lis....) is pretty middling, too.

And who puts a 50 mm objective Leupold on a Whelen, anywhoo?

Anyone else with some sour grapes......? Dutch.

WEELLL now, I think it's "flash" rather than beautiful, don't like the wood tone/colour, and the checkering looks as if it needs some "stock finish" in it. Apart from that . . .

I think its a great looking gun 'BEAUTIFUL'

I agree that I don't like the muzzle brake. I have no use for those on ANY rifle except varminters where I want to be able to spot my own shots at long range, whether integral or not. But at that price, I could live with it.

As to the wood, one either likes "English" or they don't. I have a .375 H&H on a magnum Mauser action with very similar wood, and I love it. I also like the skeleton butt plate and pistol grip,, which some don't, and have them on several of my rifles.

As to the scope, I have the exact same scope on one of my custom Ruger No. 1's...because it was what I had at hand when the rifle was completed. I never thought it ideal, but have never taken it off my rifle because it has always worked just fine, even on running game up close (set at 3.5-X, of course). I always carry any variable set at its lowest setting. When you jump spmething, the low power is fine, and when you see something at longer range, you almost always have time to crank it up to higher power.

As to the .35 Whelen, properly loaded, it is quite suitable for 300 yard shots, and I think the ability to see the aiming point better at that range often equals the ability to shoot better. But then, I am quite used to shooting varmints with 40-X scopes, so perhaps that influences my thinking.


Anyway, if one does not like the scope he can always sell it, keep those nice lever detachable mounts, and use the money toward a scope he prefers.


Personally I doubt if you could get that stock built today, with that quality of English wood and the skeleton features, for less than $1,500-$2000; a barrel of that profile installed and chambered would likely run at least $800 or more depending on make and installer; the Sako action would run several hundred dollars at least; the bases and rings probably another $100; the scope at least $350; Quality bluing at least another $150; and so on....

As I see it, that's about $3,300-$3,900 or more worth of work & components (when new) for $1,995.00.

Like I said, it I had the money right now, I'd buy it. Then it and I would go out in the field and have some fun. (ALL MY RIFLES HAVE TO WORK FOR THEIR KEEP. NO CLOSET QUEENS HERE.)

HAH!

I know why I love this forum....I was lusting after this rifle all by myself last night....and I see I am not alone. The muzzle brake turned me off. I suppose one could just lop it off and shorten the barrel......

I am keen on picking up a 35 Whelen.

Aww looks like a Cadillac to me, and I am more into a "jeep" type field rifle....

If I had it, I wouldn't want anyone to touch it... guess I am too practical...

Always a complainer in the bunch isn't there?

cheers
seafire

Yeah, and on top of all that, it is wrong-handed!!!

In all seriousness, with the exception of the brake, it is a gorgous rifle, one I would be proud to own, even if I AM a southpaw...

Maybe the wood would look better out in the light. English is it? Shows how much I know. (nothing) I thought it may have been Circassian or something.
So if it's worth so much, why so cheap?
Perhaps that scratch on the butt is something awful. Definatly needs some finish in the checkering anyway.

the rifle is annotated, as of tonight, as "sale pending" - so someone took the leap!

Sure is a beautiful stock.
Good looking checkering too.
35 Whelan's don't need muzzy breaks.
Mine was a piece of cake shooting with no break, and mine was an AI.
They look terrible and make a hell of a racket when shooting.
I'd pass on the rifle due to the break. I can't stand them.
Thanks for posting the link. Love the stock tho!
Don

Its got a 24 inch barrel. Cut and recrown the barrel after the brake. You won't see any loss in useable velocity.

Muzzle break and 50mm scope notwithstanding, I find it to be a beautiful rifle in a great caliber. Since it's on a Sako action, it makes it even more appealing. Lou

Really nice rifle!!

Wonder if it shoots as well as my 1903 Springfield .35 Whelan with a Fajan stock I fit and finished 25 years ago? It has a lot of use "marks" on it.

That is a beautiful piece, and at a good price. I just took a look at it and no surprise that it is "sale pending". Thanks for sharing that link. A beautiful rifle is a piece of art and a pleasure just to look at.