Considering trading for .35 Whelen.

[jimmyraythomason]

I am considering trading my Churchill Highlander in 7mm Remington magnum with a Bushnell Banner Dusk to Dawn 3x9x50 for a Mauser 98 sporter in .35 Whelen without scope or mount. Ammo is about the same in price but the .35 is not nearly as available. I found most suppliers to be out of stock and I don't think the local WalMart carries it. I think this rifle with the Leupold VX-11 that is on my late F-I-L's BAR(another thread) would be an excellent large game rifle assuming I ever get to hunt the larger game like elk or moose. I know the Highlander is awesomely accurate with 150 grain bullets but I just want something a little different. I just can't decide. I know I will be happy with either rifle.

 

[unwise11]

Keep yours if you like it..

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I do like the Highlander but I'm very partial to Mauser sporters particularly the ones that I build. I have always been intrigued by the .35 Whelen. Both are more than I need for whitetail deer even the 200-300 pounders that are getting more common. Heck even my 30.06s are more than needed. I have never been one to wait until I need something if I like and want it I usually just get it and then find a use for it.

 

[dirtyjim]

jimmy,
my main rifle in a 35 whelen built on a brazilian 1908 action.
i paid $375 shipped for it off gunbroker a few years ago & i've turned down near double that a few times.
i ordered a set of square bridge mounts for it last week to get rid of the redfields that are on it now & eventually i'll add a set of necg sights to it.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Nice rifle,dirtyjim! That just fans the flame!

 

[Al Thompson]

JRT, I too like Mausers and the .30-06 class cartridges. I know two very knowledgeable folks who *really* like and use the .35 Whelan. I have a worn Parker Hale in .30-06 that will get rebarreled to .35 one of these days.

 

[MMCSRET]

I've built two 35 Whelens on 98 receivers, both worked out very well. One was an E.R. Shaw barrel and the other was a Adams & Bennett. They joined the family of 338-06, 8MM-06, 30-06, 270 Winchester. The 30-06 family will do it all. Keep your 7 Mag and let it compliment a 35 Whelen. They are all good and everyone should have at least one of everyone.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

I wouldn't mind keeping the 7mm mag but I think that is the only way my friend will part with the .35! I already have Mauser 98 sporters in 30.06,.308,.280 Rem.(unfinished K.Kale,Turk),7x57(Chinese 1935 "Chaing-Kai-Shek" receiver with a NEW 18" Latin contract barrel) and a .257 Roberts on a Gew98 action(problems with that one,it keyholes). The .35 would make a nice addition and be my "heavy" if the opportunity presents itself.

 

[critter]

I have 2 of the .35's built on 98's. I really like the round. It has been called the 'nonmagnum magnum'. Very effective round. Easily reloaded.

 

[chas08]

The only downside is;
If you ever arrive at a given location to hunt, and your ammo doesn't, you could be up a creek without a paddle. I'd love to own one in a Remington 760 or 7600 but I just recently settled on a 30/06 instead.

 

[KodiakBeer]

The .35 Whelen is an awesome Alaska rifle. Make the trade just so you'll have a reason to plan the hunt.

And you know, it's not overkill with the 200 grainers for anything else you might want to hunt down south.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Actually,I think the 200 grn pill just might be the ideal for a 400lb pig.

 

[jimmyraythomason]

As it stands at this moment. I'm keeping the 7mag. My buddy really doesn't want to part with his .35 and I can't blame him(it IS a nice rifle!). I'm going to remove the epoxy finish and dings from the stock and do a Tru-oil finish. I'll re-blue the barrel,receiver and floor plate and paint the aluminum trigger guard. I have already installed the VX-II. The more I think about it the more I like my Churchill Highlander(as long as I don't see the 35 Whelen). ALL of the above is subject to change without notice at any time!

 

[788Ham]

jimmyray,

Make sure you use that Rotten-Stone on that stock before you're finished!! If it fixed up my Rem. #33 .22 rifle, it'll sure fix up that one of yorn! Remember me?

 

[jimmyraythomason]

Hello Jim,of course I remember you. I most certainly will use rottenstone on the stock. I refinished an Interarms stock that had an epoxy finish on it with Tru-Oil and rottenstone buff. It turned out fantastic! I hope to repeat it on the Churchill Highlander.