Went to a local gunshow a while back I usually go to look around, talk to a couple of vendors and shoot the breeze. I almost never see anything that I can not live without. In fact I was so sure I would not find anything to buy that I didn't take any thing to trade, cash or credit card.
I had been there about 45 minutes when I dropped by a new vendors booth. He had a manlicher stocked mauser 98 in 35 whelen. It was smithed by a local gunsmith by the name of Wayne Barnett, a fellow who was pretty popular in the 70's and 80's here in the Houston Texas area. It had an absolutely beautiful piece of wood, jeweled bolt w/ spoon handle, double set trigger and a reasonable price. I couldn't resist. Pix follow.





















Even had the opportunity to take it out to play. It sure made an impression on these two critters.
GWB

That is a sweet looking rifle !!!! thanks for sharing.

quote:

Originally posted by Bill73:
That is a sweet looking rifle !!!! thanks for sharing.

+1

I love it. Wish my Manlicher looked that nice.

GWB,
Ya kill'n me, man! Congratulations!

GDub-

-Gotta love those Gun Show finds!

Pretty rifle-- portly piggie-- and brawny buck to boot.

I'm jealous. That is a great find.

Me like vely vely much! Hey that is that woolly mammoth cub or a hog?

there's just something about a full stocked rifle done well that is a turn on

Beautifull rifle GW! I like it.

Beautiful rifle.

How much cabbage would a guy have to part with for such a specimen?

A very nice rifle of course; the only odd thing, from my european point of view, is to see a full stock rifle without iron sights. I never saw that before.

Yes, in my eyes like a dog without ears.

Thanks for the kind words guys. I've enjoyed owning, shooting and fondling this rifle.
Didn't hurt that it was south of a grand (as is)for it to follow me home. I probably could have got it cheaper, however I screwed up. I was at the show, not expecting to find anything I couldn't live without. I didn't bring cash, check or credit card (I almost never go anywhere there might be rifles and not have cash). Once I caught sight of it and fondled it, lust overcame me. I told the dealer if he would hold the rifle for an hour I'd pay his asking price ($900). A couple of other dealers vouched for me and I went straightway and got some money and came back. He held it and I bought it.
GWB

PS: To the gentleman being negative on his second post in the forum, this dog may not have ears, but it will sure hunt.

Don´t mind my taste. That it will hunt can easily be seen. I´m convinced that there is no real need for iron sights but I must insist that it looks much better if installed.

Wow, that is one beautiful rifle...the 35 Whelen is one caliber I would like to own as well. Next to the 338 Ultra Mag. amd 404 Jeffery.

Looking at the metal parts, I think it must be of german origine!

I had to stop taking money with me anywhere where guns are sold. Its a sickness.

Congratulations on a nice find.

That is a beauty! The wood is spectacular! Very nice.

Wayne liked the Whelen, built several that I know of. He also built 2 or 3 auction rifles for the Houston Safari Club. He lived in Conroe, passed away a year or two ago.