Lately I have had an itch for a .35 Whelen. I know that Ruger ran a K1A configuration for Lipseys a couple of years ago. For some reason that configuration doesn't interest me a whole lot at all. Been thinking of picking up a 1S and having it rebarreled to .35 Whelen. Can't imagine a classier combo. I can imagine a 22-24" barrel in this configuration would be just right. I also got to wondering if it would be (slightly) more economical to have one rebored. Possibly pick up one of the new .30-06 1S models for just such an operation. Has anyone ever done such and had 'good' results? I hear some people have had unimpressive results reboring Ruger's barrels and didn't know if anything has changed much.

Hoping to hear from any of those that have frankenstiened factory #1s to get what they wanted.

There was a limited run of blued 1A in .35 Whelen. I have one and love it. They are still out there but hard to find. I think they were made around 2009. If you can find one I highly recommend it.

Had a 1A in 35W. A bit light and really booted me with heavy 250 gr. handloads. An alternative (which I'm having built now) is to buy an older red pad 1B in 30-06 (much better wood can be had than any current gun) and get it rebored to Whelen. Total cost will be $1000-1200. You get a 24" medium weight barrel.

Photo of stock on 06 to be rebored to 35 W. Gotta say, nicer wood and checkering than current production. It's also a textured red pad that are fairly uncommon.

I'm thinking about getting a .375 H&H and getting it rebored to .416 Rigby. Thinking about it, that is

War Eagle, I've often thought that the 1S would be the perfect model to have in 35 Whelen.

I have no experience with the Ruger but I have had JES rebore a Tikka to 35 Whelen. The result was excellent. Mine was a 3 groove 1/14 twist done for $225.00 return shipped.

Why not just buy one in .416 Rigby?
Paul B.

The .416's come with the D weight barrel, which is too heavy for my preference. I'd rather have the C weight.

Have you shot a #1 in .416 Rigby? They get a tad uncomfortable mighty quick especially with that thin piece of rubber they call a pad. Just ask me how know.
Paul B.

Actually I have a couple big calibers. The .475 Turnbull is a C weight barrel. 9 lbs 2 oz with rings & scope.

I think the No.1S in 9.3x62 may outclass a .35W by half a smidgen.

I have really been struggling with that...Euro vs Americana is all it really boils down to. I'd say flip a coin but the truth of it is that whichever has better figured wood would likely get the title.

I have wanted a Whelen off and on for a decade or so...recently just started to entertain the 9.3 option though. Something tells me that if I don't scratch the Whelen itch then I won't be happy.

I too have been giving strong consideration to buying a 270 or 30-06 1S and having it rebored to 35 Whelen. I think the 35 Whelen in a 1A may be a little too much of a good thing. Does anyone know if JES will rebore a Ruger no.1?

I'm going from memory here, but IIRC the problem with reboring a Ruger #1 has to do with there hardened pins used on the quarter rib. Depends on how big a bore you're looking at. I too want a Ruger #1S in .35 Whelen with the full 26" barrel. I have two "S" models in .300 Win. Mag. and for me the balance with a scope in 2x7 just about has perfect balance. For me at least it's perfect. I have a #1B in 30-06 that I'm considering a reburial to the Whelen and have the gunsmith rework the forearm to the Alex Henry style. Be an elk hammer for sure.
Paul B.