My buddy came across this beaten old gun in a pawn shop in Mississippi. The synthetic stock was busted at the front bolt and the front bolt was sheared off at the receiver. I suspect that someone was using a lead sled or something that didn't allow free recoil and caused it but who knows for sure.
The rifle is dated 1919 and has a 20" 35 Whelen barrel installed. The maker is written on the underside and says "C R Pedersen & Son". The trigger is a "Bold" model. I added a Bell & Carlson aluminum bedded stock, free floated and glass bed the barrel, & adjusted the trigger to about 2 1/2-3 lbs. The scope mount pattern is not one that allowed for me to attach a picatinny or weaver rail. I tried some high Tilley mounts that fit but the bolt contacted the scope heavily. I contacted Murphy Precision and had them make me a custom stainless rail and coat it. I installed a set of Burris extra high mounts and now I can cycle it. The scope is a Vortex Crossfire II 3-9x50 with illuminated dot (V-Brite MOA Reticle).
I intend on using cast boolits in this one almost exclusively due to the fact that it is a small ring mauser. I have a MP mold that is the copy of the RCBS-35-200 with hollow points and have cast them using some 93-4-4 lead. The BHN as cast was around 11 BHN. I tried to measure the twist in the barrel and the best that I have come up with is approximately 1 in 14 twist.
Lastly, I ordered a new set of receiver bolts from Midway. The front bolt head was too wide so I put it in my drill and applied sandpaper until it fit. I kept the original rear bolt as the rear bolt was also too wide and it was easier to just re-use the old one for now.
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Currently