Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Rifles .35 Whelen project

I've been holding a mix and match VZ24 for about eight years for a "project rifle". Finally decided on a .35 Whelen. A gifted smith friend just "happens" to have an "in the white" barrel-probably an Adams and Bennett. The barrel has a 14" twist. I'm looking to make a working rifle, not a collector's item or a show piece. I'll probably find a commercial trigger guard/floor plate and then stock it with a Boyd's JRS. (I'm partial to that design).

Anybody have experience with the Adams and Bennett?

I did a barrel swape on a Savage using a Adams & Bennett barrel in 35 whelen and am pleased with the results so far. The barrel has a very slight rough spot in one small place in the bore but it cleans up fine. I believe after some more rounds are fired thru it will smooth right up. The rifle shoots 1-1.25 inches consisently with 1.25 being the norm. In reading other threads on the A&B barrels the majority of people are well pleased with them for the price. Bottom line is I would not hesitate to buy another A&B barrel.

Thanks, ST! When this project gets done, I'll have to post results.

PC

YEA,that's one of the requirements around here,ya GOTTA post pictures!

til later

For the kinds of game one is going to point a 35 Whelen at, 1.25 or even an bit more is just fine.

I am also partial to the JRS design from Boyds. I have two of them. One is on a Pre 64 model 70 with a PAc Nor 257WBY barrel and the other is on a Model 1917 with a McGowan barrel in .340. Your working gun project should be just perfect for all around North American use on the larger fauna. Do report back please.

MARK

Safariman:
I put a JRS on a stock Howa 1500 in .338 WM. I replaced the buttpad with an aftermarket "grind to fit" Sorbothane job. That combination makes my .338 a user-friendly tool-even with stoutly loaded, 250 gr. loads. I especially like the thin wrist and the round forearm. It's a purely subjective thing.

I'll probably add a Sorbothane pad to the Whelen project, too.

PC,

A gunsmith friend has built a number of .35 Whelen's using the A&B barrels. He always finsihes them at 21". His customers have given him excellent feedback.

Personally, I would prefer a barrel with a better reputation, but If I were doing one on the cheap, I wouldn't hestitate to use an A&B. In fact, I have one in process in 6.5x55.

Grasshopper

Mark, I agree.

Both of my Whelen's will do sub MOA, all day. And I load for a guy with a Ruger in .35 Whelen, shoots as good as my Whelen's.

In fact, I wish my M77 MKII .243 shot in the same class.

For whatever reason, seems like MOA is no big deal.