.35 Whelen Mauser Project Part 1

Published on June 25, 2025
Duration: 6:29

This video details the initial steps of a personal project to build a .35 Whelen hunting rifle on a World War II era Mauser action. The presenter, Caleb from Brownells, outlines the process of modifying a salvaged CZ Brno Mauser, including drilling and tapping for scope mounts, installing a pre-threaded Shilen barrel, and fitting a custom stock. The project aims to create a rifle legal for whitetail hunting in Iowa, which requires straight-wall cartridges over .35 caliber.

Quick Summary

This project builds a .35 Whelen hunting rifle on a salvaged Mauser action. Modifications include drilling and tapping for scope mounts and installing a pre-threaded Shilen barrel. The .35 Whelen caliber is chosen for its legality in Iowa for whitetail hunting.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to the Project
  2. 00:24Mauser Action Overview & Salvage
  3. 01:15Action Modifications for Scope Mounts
  4. 01:41.35 Whelen Caliber Choice & Legality
  5. 01:52Shilen Short-Chambered Barrel Installation
  6. 02:34Chamber Finishing with Reamer
  7. 02:45Headspace Gauges & Verification
  8. 02:56Trigger Guard & Bolt Handle
  9. 03:19Scope Bases and Rings (Tally)
  10. 03:53Custom Stock Selection (Richards Microfit)
  11. 04:42Stock Fitting & Ergonomics
  12. 05:47Optional Iron Sights
  13. 06:02Project Summary & Next Steps

Frequently Asked Questions

What caliber is being used for this Mauser rifle build and why?

The build is chambered in .35 Whelen. This caliber is chosen because it is legal for whitetail deer hunting in Iowa, which requires straight-wall cartridges or those exceeding .35 caliber.

What modifications are made to the Mauser action for this project?

The Mauser action has its stripper clip guide removed. It is then drilled and tapped to accept scope mounts, preparing it for the installation of a rifle scope for hunting.

How is the barrel installation simplified in this .35 Whelen Mauser build?

A Shilen short-chambered barrel, specifically threaded for the Mauser action and chambered in .35 Whelen, is used. This significantly reduces the amount of custom lathe work required for installation.

What is involved in finishing the chamber of the new barrel?

Since a short-chambered barrel is used, the chamber needs to be finished. This is done by hand using a .35 Whelen reamer and a reamer holder to achieve the precise dimensions and headspace.

Related News

All News →

More Gunsmithing & DIY Videos You Might Like

More from Brownells, Inc.

View all →