H&R finished testing and approval of this run of Whelens on July 17th, see the 35 Whelen Accessory Barrel poll. 
The initial run was 200 rifles, if they sell well, they'll make more, they'll likely have longer barrels. 
Tim
Tim, I know that is what happened. The problem is that the chain of communication from R&D and factory production, to the sales rep. and customer service force thru to the dealer network failed completely. Worst than no information at all it appears that the dealer network received information completely contradictory to reality. I haved worked both sides of the sales aisle for over 25 years and as a sales rep. the most valuable information you can provide to your dealer network is accurate timely information on what is happening in the distribution chain. That information in the hands of a quality store owner is golden and directly translates into consistent sustainable sales and brand loyalty. It is a win - win for both parties. If you can't do that....well then you are of very little value to your dealer network or the manufacturer. Little to no vlaue = little to no brand loyalty, no orders and a reduction in market share. I'm not picking on the sales rep. and customer service force but obviously somewhere along the line the system failed.
The most valuable piece of information that a manufacturer can receive is timely notice that there is a problem with the downstream distribution chain. If you don't know about it, you can't take steps to fix it and that is exactly what I am trying to communicate here. I own alot of firearms only 3 are not from the Remington family. I believe in and care about the brand and sincerely hope that someone from Remington picks up on the fact that they have a problem with the flow of accurate information in their distribution chain. I know what information was posted here on these forums but I think everyone would agree that Remington's dealer network should not have to tune into Graybeard Outdoors to get that information.
If someone would have kept these dealers informed in a timely manner and just told them that 172 of the first 200 was going into the Mississippi's primative weapons market as a soft roll out and market viability test then I don't think they would have been an issue. I can only assume that the other 28 rifles went to other manufacturers, VIPs, Remington staff etc. That seems about right on a new roll out. No problem there.
As far as them selling I hope they have sold them all already. Lets get on with production. My opinion. A meat and potatoes SB2 22" with the pallet wood monte carlo stock. That fits the budget minded, shorter barrel and brush hunter market. Then a 26" stainless BBL with the thumbhole green stock.
Just heard from a good source, that next year, here in Mississippi, you will be able to shoot any type rifle during the so called primitive weapon season. This is to include bolt, auto, ss and etc. There's going to be an archery season and a deer season. I don't have any positive info on this. I heard that this law was to go into effect for the up coming season, but it didn't get the ok in time. Notice that I said "I HEARD". There is absolutely nothing in concrete that I know of. Just thought I would go ahead and spread the rumor some more. I'm still waiting on my 35 whelen bbl from Remington. It makes no difference to me what they allow me to shoot. I'm gonna shoot that lovely 4570 lady friend of mine. Well maybe the 35 if I ever get one.
Jim
Jim, the hunting rules in Mississippi are still primarily controlled by the Mississippi legislature and Mississippi politicians. So any change literlally means the passage of a bill and all of the hurdles that go with it.
