.35 Whelen

[S.B.]

I've got a Springfield 03 action lined up to buy and will be putting together a .35 Whelen rifle around this action, soon, I hope. If I decide to scope this rifle, what else would have to be changed or modified other than the safety, will the bolt work as it is or does the handle need to be rebent or modified? Does or did Timney ever make a trigger for the 03's? Is the bolt from a A3 close enough to use in a 03?

[while99]

You didn't state if this was a high-number or a low-number Springfield receiver.  That is the first thing to check.  If it is a low-number, I would not put the money into a conversion; use it as a wall hanger.

Here is a URL where you can check:  http://oldguns.net/cgi-bin/f2f/f2f.pl?http://oldguns.net/q&a1_02.htm

If the receiver is a high-number and you want to spend the money to convert it, you will need to drill and tap for a scope mount, bend the bolt handle, and install a low-swing safety.
 
Timney does, or at least did, make a trigger for the Springfield.  I installed one on my Remington-manufactured 03-A3 and it was fairly easy to do.

As far as using a 03-A3 bolt in a 03 receiver, I'd check with a gunsmith on that question.  I have no idea.

[S.B.]

Of course it's a high number SA. That is the first thng I checked.

[Barstooler]

I have an 03 Springfield Mark I in .35 Whelen.

Been shooting it for 30 years.

You will need to bend the bolt handle to mount a scope.

Yes Timmney still makes triggers.  Get the ultra fetherweight for the 03 Springfield and it comes with a new safety.  When the gunsmith installs the Timmney, he can essentially remove your current 03 safety.

Sporter stocks are getting harder to come by for the 03 Springfield, but there are still a few companies that make semi-inletted walnut and/or synthetic -- your flavor.

[S.B.]

Sure would appreciate some pictures?