decided i need a 35 whelen

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brybenn

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Now I'm stuck with the choice to rebarrel a stevens 200 (they fit me awesome) or try an HnR single shot (I love my break action 50 black powder gun). Chances are I'd only need 1 shot anyway so what would you choose.
Rebarrel a stevens or the HnR?

If anyone knows of any other affordable break action 35 whelen rifle let me know
 
If you can find an H&R in that chambering, grab it. It'll be inexpensive, it'll probably shoot very well, and if you find that you like the cartridge you're golden. If you decide after awhile that you don't need a Whelen after all, you sell the gun, take a small loss, and no harm done.

Compare that to the cost of rebarreling a Stevens. If you go that way, you still might lose interest in the cartridge after time passes, but you will have sunk more money into the conversion than the gun is worth, and it will sell for no more than a bone-stock Stevens 200 would bring. It's a lose-lose thing.

A big part of the charm of either of these guns is how well they work for such a small price. If you screw around with that factor, i.e. start spending tons of money on them, the charm goes out the window.
 
jjohnwm said:
Compare that to the cost of rebarreling a Stevens. If you go that way, you still might lose interest in the cartridge after time passes, but you will have sunk more money into the conversion than the gun is worth, and it will sell for no more than a bone-stock Stevens 200 would bring. It's a lose-lose thing.
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True words to consider.

It may be a better idea to buy a Whelen off the EE and sell your Stevens. Cheaper in the long run with the end result rifle being of higher value and quality. You would have to spend spent over $300 on the Stevens donor rifle and at least another $400-500 for the re-barrel. I'm pretty sure you could get a nicer used Whelen for less.

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The Handi's are somewhat rare in Whelen. Some say they've got reliability issues, too, with this caliber but mine seems just fine.
 
I'm pretty set on the whelen as its perfect for what I want. Moderately Heavy bullet at a decent speed that shoots flatter then my 4570 with enough thump for moose and elk. The problem I have with the HnR is so many seem to have trouble with them or that they aren't accurate.
Hnr is $300 and the stevens is $300+ 350 for the barrel and I know its accurate and fits well and a repeater. I'm not worried about resale as I'm going to beat on this rifle with my style of hunting. Thanks for the thoughts thou
 
Brybenn, maybe I misinterpreted your first post. Do you already own a Stevens 300 that you are thinking of rebarreling, or are you considering buying one for this project? If the latter, then surely you can find a used Whelen in a Rem700, Win70, Mauser, etc. for less money than a Stevens+barrel+gunsmithing, and have a much nicer gun in the end. Look around a bit before you jump.

Either way, enjoy your toy. That's a cool caliber.:)
 
I'm not really a fan of remington firearms. I do have some time to shop before my tax return comes in tho. Woodlotowner I considered the 350mag but like the whelen better as it is easier for me for brass as I have a 2506 and 3006 so a 3506 just seems right
 
I went ;) with another 'close' option in a Husqvarna. A model 1651 in 358 Norma Magnum:D.

Husqvarna1651358NM.jpg
 
Seems like a really expensive rebarreling for low end platforms. It's like building a custom Mossburg. Less expensive to buy a Rem 700 CDL, new off the shelf.
 
brybenn said:
I'm pretty set on the whelen as its perfect for what I want.

The problem I have with the HnR is so many seem to have trouble with them or that they aren't accurate.
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First... 35 Whelen is a very nice caliber... so I agree that you NEED one.

Second... as an H&R Handi fan... I can tell you that they can be very accurate. I have a Handi Ultra varmint two barrel set with .243 heavy barrel cut to 20" and braked with a Ross Schuler brake, and a .308 heavy barrel cut to 20" and braked also... both barrels shoot sub MOA... but to do that, I did some accurizing and use dedicated bedded forearms... I love that gun, and it has performed for me when it mattered most,

The best place to go for H&R info is GBO (Gray Beard Forum)... there are many FAQ's in the H&R sticky's that will get you all set-up... its is also the best place to find your .35 Whelen, there are a surprising number of Canadians on the site. :)
 
I do want a 9.3x62 but I am currently saving for my dream rifle in that caliber. A chapius arms challenger take down model. But my income tax return says a 35 whelen now. Thanks for the tip on that gray beard forum ill check it out. I don't really think the expense of rebarreling is that far out of line. The stevens action iS strong reliable and proven. 3 position safety and that ugly stock fits me perfect and the bolt throw on the 3006 action is ideal for me. So for $750 bucks I get something I know fits and having other stevens I'm used to it. I've handled the cdl's and didn't really like them. I shot a friends auto loader in the whelen but I'm not a fan of semis.
It comes down to $1000 for the stevens repeater or $600 for the hnr single. I do appreciate all the comments
 
brybenn said:
I do want a 9.3x62 but I am currently saving for my dream rifle in that caliber. A chapius arms challenger take down model. But my income tax return says a 35 whelen now. Thanks for the tip on that gray beard forum ill check it out. I don't really think the expense of rebarreling is that far out of line. The stevens action iS strong reliable and proven. 3 position safety and that ugly stock fits me perfect and the bolt throw on the 3006 action is ideal for me. So for $750 bucks I get something I know fits and having other stevens I'm used to it. I've handled the cdl's and didn't really like them. I shot a friends auto loader in the whelen but I'm not a fan of semis.
It comes down to $1000 for the stevens repeater or $600 for the hnr single. I do appreciate all the comments
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750.00 for a stevens 200 ??????

you should be able to get one brand new to your front door with taxes and shipping for under 400.00 ( i've seen used ones in 270 win go for under 300.00 .... one in 270 will work just a well as one in 30-06 )

a prefit barrel would run you around 400.00 .

then it is just a matter of screwing the new barrel on , and setting the headspace
 
The Whelen is a great chambering, for 1050.00 I will sell you a mint Ruger #1 that I bought 4 months ago, and only shot 20 times, I already have 3 other Whelens and 3 rifles in 9.3 with a total of six Ruger #1's so this one is surplus to my needs and will be going on EE soon. Also its very accurate:)
 
brybenn said:
$300 for the donor action
$350 for the rebarrelling
$50 for rings and bases
$300 for a redfield scope

Would you like a calculator?
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No calculator needed to understand that your money would be far better spent on a factory Whelen as myself and others have mentioned.

You want to polish a turd, go ahead, but I personally wouldn't dump $1K into a Stevens.


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SuperCub said:
No calculator needed to understand that your money would be far better spent on a factory Whelen as myself and others have mentioned.

You want to polish a turd, go ahead, but I personally wouldn't dump $1K into a Stevens.


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Nothing like coming on here looking for advice only to argue with what everyone is trying to tell ya....
 
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