M1 Garand in 35 Whelen

MFH · February 14, 2000, 10:21 PM

Has anyone tried to re-bore or re-barrel an M1 to 35 Whelen?
What problems will be encountered in doing so?
Thanks! MFH

George Stringer · February 15, 2000, 08:45 AM

MFH, I'd be interested in hearing about that as well. I've never converted one to .35 Whelen. Folks like to convert them to the .308. It would make for a very interesting project but I think you may have to feel your way on this one. George

BBBBill · February 15, 2000, 09:23 AM

There's an article in a recent issue of Gun World about conversions with a new gas system to .358. Looks like a real barn burner. I'm not sure how this will hold up long term. I'm concerned about battering loking lugs/receiver & op rod cam. Interesting concept, tho'.

James K · February 15, 2000, 01:15 PM

Just off the wall, as I have not checked, but the M1 barrel is pretty thin out toward the end, and I wonder how it would take the bigger hole. It can't be made bigger because of the gas cylinder diameter, etc.

Jim

BBBBill · February 15, 2000, 01:33 PM

Jim, it's a new barrel AND gas system. The op rod is shortened & further modified. Gas system is fabricated from scratch. The conversion does away with the front handguard also. Still, I'm concerned with the longevity of the gun with such a hot, heavy chambering. I have a hard time believing that the op rod cam slot, bolt lugs, & receiver lug shoulders will survive.

James K · February 15, 2000, 09:05 PM

Hi, BBBBill,

I have not seen those, but the initial question mentioned reboring. That .358 conversion sounds like something someone did for the fun of doing it. We shall see if there is any demand and if the price is right.

Jim

Cactus · February 15, 2000, 10:37 PM

A local Tacoma, WA gunsmith, Rick McCann, has converted M-1 Garands to shoot 35 Whelens and many other rounds, including 338 Win. Mag. There is a magazine article by Chuck Karwan regarding his conversions, but I can't remember the magazine.

E-mail me if you would like the address to contact him.

BBBBill · February 15, 2000, 10:48 PM

That's the article I'm talking about. I'm probably mistaken about the caliber of the conversion (338 vs 358). It was in the most recent Gun World issue. Thanks for correcting my misinfo. Boy, that hurts to think about!

February 14, 2000, 10:21 PM	#1
MFH Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2000 Posts: 122	Has anyone tried to re-bore or re-barrel an M1 to 35 Whelen? What problems will be encountered in doing so? Thanks! MFH

February 15, 2000, 08:45 AM	#2
George Stringer Staff Alumnus Join Date: October 12, 1998 Location: Earlington KY Posts: 2,299	MFH, I'd be interested in hearing about that as well. I've never converted one to .35 Whelen. Folks like to convert them to the .308. It would make for a very interesting project but I think you may have to feel your way on this one. George

February 15, 2000, 09:23 AM	#3
BBBBill Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Location: Alabama Posts: 197	There's an article in a recent issue of Gun World about conversions with a new gas system to .358. Looks like a real barn burner. I'm not sure how this will hold up long term. I'm concerned about battering loking lugs/receiver & op rod cam. Interesting concept, tho'.

February 15, 2000, 01:15 PM	#4
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Just off the wall, as I have not checked, but the M1 barrel is pretty thin out toward the end, and I wonder how it would take the bigger hole. It can't be made bigger because of the gas cylinder diameter, etc. Jim

February 15, 2000, 01:33 PM	#5
BBBBill Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Location: Alabama Posts: 197	Jim, it's a new barrel AND gas system. The op rod is shortened & further modified. Gas system is fabricated from scratch. The conversion does away with the front handguard also. Still, I'm concerned with the longevity of the gun with such a hot, heavy chambering. I have a hard time believing that the op rod cam slot, bolt lugs, & receiver lug shoulders will survive.

February 15, 2000, 09:05 PM	#6
James K Member In Memoriam Join Date: March 17, 1999 Posts: 24,383	Hi, BBBBill, I have not seen those, but the initial question mentioned reboring. That .358 conversion sounds like something someone did for the fun of doing it. We shall see if there is any demand and if the price is right. Jim

February 15, 2000, 10:37 PM	#7
Cactus Senior Member Join Date: October 1, 1999 Location: Spanaway, WA Posts: 482	A local Tacoma, WA gunsmith, Rick McCann, has converted M-1 Garands to shoot 35 Whelens and many other rounds, including 338 Win. Mag. There is a magazine article by Chuck Karwan regarding his conversions, but I can't remember the magazine. E-mail me if you would like the address to contact him.

February 15, 2000, 10:48 PM	#8
BBBBill Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2000 Location: Alabama Posts: 197	That's the article I'm talking about. I'm probably mistaken about the caliber of the conversion (338 vs 358). It was in the most recent Gun World issue. Thanks for correcting my misinfo. Boy, that hurts to think about!