Griffin and Howe .400 Whelen Springfield

mckinney · January 3, 2011, 11:58 AM

I have an early G&H Springfield in .400 Whelen which has an altered or replacement bolt. The bolt is swept back like a Winchester 70 rather than turned straight down like an original Mauser 98. The bolt is not numbered to the action (number in the 1,300,000's) so I am wondering if I can get a replacement bolt with the proper shape and if it would work without alteration with the .400 Whelen cartridge.

If anyone has any thoughts or advice on this I would be grateful.

Mckinney

Scorch · January 3, 2011, 02:55 PM

It may be cheaper to just have the bolt handle replaced. FWIW, I have seen several G&H rifles with swept bolt handles.

Ideal Tool · January 8, 2011, 12:37 AM

Hello, mckinney, You say you have an early Griffen & Howe in .400 Whelen with an altered bolt? Before you do anything to that very valuable rifle...is it possible that Griffen & Howe did the altering of the bolt head to a swept back shape..It seems to me that is the one thing they would change on a military type action when sporterizing it! I would have a COMPETANT gunsmith look that gun over before touching it.

January 3, 2011, 11:58 AM	#1
mckinney Junior Member Join Date: January 3, 2011 Posts: 3	Griffin and Howe .400 Whelen Springfield I have an early G&H Springfield in .400 Whelen which has an altered or replacement bolt. The bolt is swept back like a Winchester 70 rather than turned straight down like an original Mauser 98. The bolt is not numbered to the action (number in the 1,300,000's) so I am wondering if I can get a replacement bolt with the proper shape and if it would work without alteration with the .400 Whelen cartridge. If anyone has any thoughts or advice on this I would be grateful. Mckinney

January 3, 2011, 02:55 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	It may be cheaper to just have the bolt handle replaced. FWIW, I have seen several G&H rifles with swept bolt handles. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 8, 2011, 12:37 AM	#3
Ideal Tool Junior member Join Date: October 6, 2010 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,080	Hope I beat Parkenfarker to it! Hello, mckinney, You say you have an early Griffen & Howe in .400 Whelen with an altered bolt? Before you do anything to that very valuable rifle...is it possible that Griffen & Howe did the altering of the bolt head to a swept back shape..It seems to me that is the one thing they would change on a military type action when sporterizing it! I would have a COMPETANT gunsmith look that gun over before touching it.