I wanted a 35 Whelen to shoot and try for general big game hunting and decided to have a 30-06 bored-out. I selected a blue Tikka T3 30-06 and chose JES in Oregon for the job. Jessie recommended a 3 grove with 1-14 twist because I mainly want to shoot 225 grain bullets, but also 200 and 250 grain. I sent the Tikka on 9-29-2014 and could not believe when the rifle was returned to me on 10-6-2014! At first I thought JES could not do the job for some reason? But when I opened the box, out fell a piece of paper with "she shoots well" written on it. Indeed the barrel was stamped 35 WLN! The job done and rifle returned so quickly! I highly recommend JES!
I also chose to install some Tikka aftermarket parts including Torx style action screws, precision steel recoil lug and aluminum bolt shroud by Mountain Tactical. To curb recoil I installed a new style Limbsaver Airtech pad, which is supposed to reduce felt recoil up to 70%.
This is the first time I've had a rifle re-bored and I've learned some things. One concern I had was that the boring process would lighten an already light rifle too much. The stock Tikka 30-06 weighed 6lb 5.4 ounces on my electronic scale. The returned and bored to 35 Whelen Tikka with new recoil pad and other aftermarket parts weighed 6lb 3.2 ounces. The rifle only shed about 2 ounces! While the aftermarket parts may have added an ounce or so, the re-boring process lightened the rifle only 2 to 3 ounces. This is a good thing and much less than I expected.
I also was concerned that with the re-bore the barrel might become too thin. Well that didn't happen as there seems to be plenty of barrel meat left! The rifle still feels balanced and points well.
Next I'll torque the action screws, clean out/tap and install the 1 piece DNZ low scope mount. I'm still debating which scope to mount, but am leaning towards a silver Leupold 2.5X8 I just happen to have. I also have a Burris FFII 3-9X40 and a Bushnell Elite 3-9X40 with RainGuard.
At this point I'm into this rifle around $700. While not cheap I'm still within my budget of $1,000. I almost bought a used Remington 700 Classic in 35 Whelen for $800, but would have been inclined to also change out the trigger for a safer aftermarket one, replace the firing pin/spring for a speedlock and glass bed the action... which would have cost more.
I also chose to install some Tikka aftermarket parts including Torx style action screws, precision steel recoil lug and aluminum bolt shroud by Mountain Tactical. To curb recoil I installed a new style Limbsaver Airtech pad, which is supposed to reduce felt recoil up to 70%.
This is the first time I've had a rifle re-bored and I've learned some things. One concern I had was that the boring process would lighten an already light rifle too much. The stock Tikka 30-06 weighed 6lb 5.4 ounces on my electronic scale. The returned and bored to 35 Whelen Tikka with new recoil pad and other aftermarket parts weighed 6lb 3.2 ounces. The rifle only shed about 2 ounces! While the aftermarket parts may have added an ounce or so, the re-boring process lightened the rifle only 2 to 3 ounces. This is a good thing and much less than I expected.
I also was concerned that with the re-bore the barrel might become too thin. Well that didn't happen as there seems to be plenty of barrel meat left! The rifle still feels balanced and points well.
Next I'll torque the action screws, clean out/tap and install the 1 piece DNZ low scope mount. I'm still debating which scope to mount, but am leaning towards a silver Leupold 2.5X8 I just happen to have. I also have a Burris FFII 3-9X40 and a Bushnell Elite 3-9X40 with RainGuard.
At this point I'm into this rifle around $700. While not cheap I'm still within my budget of $1,000. I almost bought a used Remington 700 Classic in 35 Whelen for $800, but would have been inclined to also change out the trigger for a safer aftermarket one, replace the firing pin/spring for a speedlock and glass bed the action... which would have cost more.
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