Custom Rifle Build #2 35 Whelen

Just getting started by threading and chambering the Shilen 22” barrel, which will have an 11 degree crown.



Already have a fair amount loaded for it.

Found a fellow who does some neat work on the bottom metal, so since my action needed bottom metal, I’m going with a lever floor plate release and a double set trigger.

Can't wait to see the piece of wood you put with this.
I enjoy watching your builds.

I’m already excited to follow along! Forgive my ignorance but what’s the function of the second trigger ?

Gspec said:

I’m already excited to follow along! Forgive my ignorance but what’s the function of the second trigger ?

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One trigger “sets” the other trigger, which is then very very light. I suppose like a two stage, where each trigger is responsible for one stage.

Attaching the action to the barrel using the barrel vice and action wrench they have you make early in the curriculum. Once you chamber and thread, you use gauges to check headspace. On this Mauser the headspace is .109”.




Then make index marks so they’ll go back together if ever separated.

Two choices for wood. One has a finish on it, so it looks more like the finished product, but the other has some nice figure, albeit not yet exposed.

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Oh that's gunna be pretty.

That's going to be a really nice gun when you are finished. Excited already for the next update.

Im loving that lever floor plate release! Nice work so far, you deserve to be proud of that rifle

This one will get a two piece scope mount. Playing around with some different bolt hand shapes and curvatures.

Inletting is well underway. About one more day to finish that phase.

Inletting is done except for the ejector box. Next will be dressing down the stock around the top tang and shaping with a rasp. I like the Shinto task.

Slabbing the sides of the stock today. Shaping will start tomorrow.

Looking good! I can almost smell those pictures lol

Shaping.

And more shaping.

Bolt handle.

A little cleaning up of the weld and starting to polish.

Shaping done. Now sanding.

One application of alcanet root oil.

Glass bedding.

Looking great! You’re a talented fella !

Wow. I can't wait to see the finished product and how it shoots!

That oil really made the stock shine. Looks great.

CHRIS

Whelen stock is finished. When the finish is fully cured I may rub it out a little, but I like it this way too. The design intent was for a slightly tactical look with a straight comb, larger grip, and a beveled forend. The metal has all been coated with graphite Cerakote.

Damn that is one nice piece of wood.
Good job!!!

Dang. Where did you get those wood?

I'm thinking about making my own AK Stock/grip/everything

Beautiful

Kingding said:

Dang. Where did you get those wood?

I'm thinking about making my own AK Stock/grip/everything

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The school gets their blanks from Watts walnut.

ronn47 said:

Damn that is one nice piece of wood.
Good job!!!

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Thank you. It’s not quite that dark in person, but close. I prefer darker hues with some red. Some better photography skills would help.

Reassembly day!

NiceOldDouble said:

Thank you. It’s not quite that dark in person, but close. I prefer darker hues with some red. Some better photography skills would help.

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Ain't nothing wrong with your skills. That is a beautiful stock.

Now I just need to get the double set trigger working correctly.

Not able to sight it in due to a lot of limb debris all over the range, but I was able to prove it would go bang. What a fun caliber! Ended up grazing a limb.

35 Whelen going in ......



35 Whelen coming back out .....

What would a gun like that go for?

Tailhunter said:

What would a gun like that go for?

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I don't know. It is “student” work and not as uniform and precise as CNC stock inletting and such that the big guys have. I can share my costs, but I did not count hours, nor know how to value my time just yet.

Hope that puppy is accurate. 😎