I've been looking for a new .35 Whelen and have found two on the web I like. One is a super clean Remington 700 Classic in practically perfect condition. The other is a 1903-A3 Springfield that has been rebored in .35 and cut down to 22 inches and recrowned. The owner says it gets 1 3/4 inch groups with 250 grain speer spitzers but has some very minor pitting in the bore, other than that it is clean. Both have iron sights and cost $800. What would you get and why?
New .35 Whelen
- Thread starter Nugger
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cat_IT_guy
Member
I'd go with the Remington because it sounds like its original and in very good shape.
As cool as 03 Springfields are, secondhand custom anything makes me nervous. The pitting in the bore doesnt help its case, despite the fact that the owner claims it still shoots well enough. If you are leaning toward the Springfield for whatever reason, can you arrange a chance to shoot it before you buy it at least?
As cool as 03 Springfields are, secondhand custom anything makes me nervous. The pitting in the bore doesnt help its case, despite the fact that the owner claims it still shoots well enough. If you are leaning toward the Springfield for whatever reason, can you arrange a chance to shoot it before you buy it at least?
headoftheholler
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For that price I'd look into the CZ offerings in 9.3x62, an older twin to the Whelen
Float Pilot
Member
The sporterized 03-A3 is a $450 gun at best.
the Remington is worth about $600 unless it has a good scope.
the Remington is worth about $600 unless it has a good scope.
35Remfan
Member
sounds like an easy one to me. I would go with the remington for the simple reason is it near mint. The springfield has a pitted barrel (eveni if it is minor). The remington should be more accurate. But that is just me.
Reworked military surplus just doesnt do it for me but again that is only my personal preference. If your asking you must have an interest in the springfield. But if it were me and i didnt have a chance to run some rounds through either rifle than i would give the nod to the remington.
Depends too what your interest in the rifle will be? Is it a rifle that will see 300 yard shots or are you a hunter that never gets a chance to take a 100plus yard shot on game. For under 100 or 150 yards either rifle would work nicely for you.
Really like the 35 whelen. It is a very capable round . So goodluck with your choice
Reworked military surplus just doesnt do it for me but again that is only my personal preference. If your asking you must have an interest in the springfield. But if it were me and i didnt have a chance to run some rounds through either rifle than i would give the nod to the remington.
Depends too what your interest in the rifle will be? Is it a rifle that will see 300 yard shots or are you a hunter that never gets a chance to take a 100plus yard shot on game. For under 100 or 150 yards either rifle would work nicely for you.
Really like the 35 whelen. It is a very capable round . So goodluck with your choice
DM~
Member
Make mine the Remington, pleaseeee...
DM
DM
johnnydollar
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I'd go with the Remington as well. A well-customized '03 is nice, but that's the rub--many more of those were ruined by amateurs than were built by craftsmen.
LAGS
Member
I am a big fan of Custom Sporters, " If Done Right"
But a Re-Bored Barrel ? And Minor Pitting ?
If it was a good Replacement barrel, then it would be a different story.
Go with the Remington.
But IMO, both are priced TOO High.
You can find them in 35 Whelen for a lot cheaper.
But a Re-Bored Barrel ? And Minor Pitting ?
If it was a good Replacement barrel, then it would be a different story.
Go with the Remington.
But IMO, both are priced TOO High.
You can find them in 35 Whelen for a lot cheaper.
WestKentucky
Member
I'm just curious on why the Whelen round was picked
I chose the Whelen because I wanted something with some more umph than a 30-06 for a new out west, under 300 yards, hunting rifle. And since I prefer slow and heavey rounds to lighter faster ones and since I am no fan of magnum recoil, I chose the Whelen.
Float Pilot
Member
One thing to think about is that Remington made the 35 Whelen a legit cartridge which was no longer a wildcat. So the Remington chamber will be exactly correct for factory ammo and any new reloading dies.
Some chambers on older custom jobs might have a wee bit of variance.
I just looked at Guns America and most folks are asking a rather steep $800 for Remington 700 Classics with a lower grade scope installed. So start your dealing around $690 by waiving cash in their face and try not to go past $750.
Some chambers on older custom jobs might have a wee bit of variance.
I just looked at Guns America and most folks are asking a rather steep $800 for Remington 700 Classics with a lower grade scope installed. So start your dealing around $690 by waiving cash in their face and try not to go past $750.
LAGS
Member
@ Nugger
I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who likes a bigger bullet, but doesnt Need or really want to step up to the magnums.
The Whelen fits that bill well, as did the 8mm-06 before I discovered the Whelen.
I am glad to hear that I am not the only one who likes a bigger bullet, but doesnt Need or really want to step up to the magnums.
The Whelen fits that bill well, as did the 8mm-06 before I discovered the Whelen.
Phaedrus/69
Member
When I was a kid I was seriously obsessed with the 35 Whelen and the .375 H&H Magnum! Nothing in SD requires a round that heavy but I always wanted one.
Cocked & Locked
Member
Depending upon what bullet weight you choose, don't be surprised when the Whelen kicks your shoulder around some. My Remington 700 Classic .35 Whelen is one of the lightest rifles I own. I did not find it enjoyable to shoot until I put a Limbsaver recoil pad on it.
With 225 grain Barnes and Nosler hand loads the recoil was much more than my Remington 700 .300 Win. Mag. with 165 & 180 grain bullets. But of course the 300 magnum rifle was heavier and the bullets were lighter.
I liked the Whelen so much I sold the .300.
700 Classic .35 Whelen
700 .300 Winchester Magnum
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