Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Mausers and Military Rifles Frankenrifle

The other day I saw and handled an interesting piece. Roll marked 35 WHELEN AI in block font on top of the barrel a couple of inches down the barrel from the chamber. Interarms Whitworth receiver and bottom metal with slotted screws, narrow slots. Non-matching factory bolt with last three digits of the bolt number stamped on the rear tang. "M70 style" safety in a modified M98 bolt shroud. One piece scope base and Redfield rings. Early Bell and Carlson stock missing some paint. RCBS AI dies and maybe 50 rounds of reloads. Good bore, one rust spot on top of the barrel about where the scope objective would cover, otherwise factory finish.

Questions: 1) Were Interarms Whitworth rifles magnum cartridge only? I suspect that the factory barrel was a belted cartridge, hence the mismatched bolt with a .473 bolt face for the 35 Whelen AI.

2) Has anyone seen cartridge designation in roll marked, not hand stamped, block letters on top of the barrel, and if so, any idea who made the barrel or fitted it?

3 Hazard a SWAG on value of the lot? I did not have the presence of mind to take photos. Guy took it partial trade for a snowmobile and posted a photo online asking for value,,,,receiving a wide range of amounts from internet experts. A new Zastava 30-06 in a wood stock asking price was $475 at a recent Michigan gun show.

1. No, they were not just magnums.

2. Yes, but if I had to guess I'd say that (being this is a frankenrifle) they either got lucky with the timing or they were a bubba and timed it to where the roll marks were on the top of the barrel.

3. My valuation will be as scattered as the Internet advice I'm sure. If it were me prospectively buying, I'd not value the dies or reloads at all. Knock off some money for the rust, missing paint, and the "oddball" cartridge. Believe it or not, some people do place a value on being able to buy ammo off the shelf at convenient places. Probably put you around $300, but I'd offer $250 and if they don't take it I'd walk.

Thank you

The roll marks were the most professional looking I've seen on a rebarrel job. I've never seen cartridge marks at that location. Zastava cartridge designations are next to the front ring on the left side just above the stock and prefixed with a script "cal" IIRC. Might have been from an outfit that does a lot of barrel work like Shaw, but I've not seen a Shaw job that I can recall.

I offered $300 but he wanted $500, had turned down $450. Reloads component value only at best. RCBS AI dies $$$ but little resale/flipping value. Interesting piece but not $$$cutom work. Finn Aagaard sporter on a commercial action.. And without barrel provenance somewhat of a crap shoot.

Appreciate your comments. We'll see how long he hangs on to it.

I'd walk. Better things on the horizon for you than wasting you own time on this, it's too specific a sale for him to get anywhere near asking.

I would give $300 for it too.

what would you want it for?

to hunt as is?

to fix up?

project gun? something different?

Rem has 35 whelen CDL on their website right now for $875, don't know what street (retail) value is.

https://remingtonusafirearms.com/re...24-satin-walnut-stock-blue-finish-4-rds/