Today, I could fetch my new .35 Whelen at my gunsmith.
It started out as a lightly used stainless Howa 1500 in 30-06. Boyds laminate stock, that was a bit short. Amateur bedding job, and the laminate looked a bit rough around the action screws (amateur drilling job?). The trigger was fairly nice, but should have a bit more over-travel for functional reasons.
The barrel is made from a blank by Lothar Walther, 1:14 ROT. The profile is a bit thicker than the original 30-06 barrel, to retain stiffness despite the bigger hole in the barrel. 20,5in barrel, threaded for suppressor. .375 suppressor made by a Norwegian maker, hybrid aluminium/steel light weight suppressor. The reciever threads and bolt face squared, bolt lugs lapped. Pillar and whole-action glass bedding (vacuum fit!). LOP elongated to suitable length with a thick recoil pad, and a spacer plate. Mating surfaces in the trigger/bolt polished, after-travel adjusted.
Original sling studs replaced by Recknagel flush cups, with the front cup in a much more forward placement (see photo). Removal or installment is super smooth and quick, and once the sling is removed, there are no protrusions to hurt your hand.
I’m very happy, so far. Hopefully, I’ll find time for a trip to the range during the hunting season.