Author Topic: New Member- Question about rings for NEF rifle (Read 618 times)

HUNTS · « **on:** June 19, 2006, 10:26:27 AM »

Decided to buy a NEF 35 Whelen. Am looking for suggestions on rings for a scope and especially the correct ring height.

The scope I will probably use is a Weaver K4. Weaver Grand Slam rings look good but I'm open to any suggestions/advice.

I used to have an H&R Topper 30-30 Model #158 (not sure, it's been awhile) and currently own one of the youth .22/410 combo guns that my kids shoot.

My main concern is getting the correct rings so that the scope clears the cocking lever. Thanks for any help.

Great site BTW. I've been around lurking here for years. Used to sit in the the old NEF forum before it was killed off. Thanks again for your help.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #1 on:** June 19, 2006, 10:50:07 AM »

Welcome aboard!!

Congrats on the new .35 Whelen Handi!! Not having a power ring to interfere with the hammer should allow you to use medium rings with no problems if you mount it back far enough to clear the lock ring on the ocular bell. With a little hammer modification you can go to extra low rings if you desire, a good time to do a trigger job, I might add!! :wink:

Tim

HUNTS · « **Reply #2 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:07:58 PM »

tim,

Thanks for your help. Must admit that I'm a bit apprehensive about the new rifle. I'm not a big fan of hard recoiling guns. I remember reading about the older NEF 35 Whelen and it has a bit of a reputation.

I'll be handloading so will likely drop down the powder charge as needed untill I find my comfort level.

quickdtoo · « **Reply #3 on:** June 19, 2006, 04:37:33 PM »

You have other choices than reduced loads.

1. Add a good recoil pad, the Limbsaver small grind-to-fit doesn't take much fitting and is so much better than the factory pad, there's no comparison. I have one on all my heavy kickers, to include my .45-70 Handi shooting 300gr Nosler partitions at over 2400fps which is considerably more stout than whelen loads. Also have one on my .338-06 Ultra shooting 250gr SGKs at about 2500fps and .405 Winchester Target, it's the only way to go!! :wink:

2. Add a little lead in the stock bolt hole for bench work, you can pour it full of lead shot, or do as I did, fill a pipe full of lead and slide it in when you need it, take it out for hunting. The hole is 7/8" diameter, a ¾" or 7/8" pipe will add about 2lbs of weight to the stock.

3. Spend $40 on a mercury recoil reducer.

http://www.mpcsports.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWCATS&Category=245

Tim

HUNTS · « **Reply #4 on:** June 19, 2006, 05:57:46 PM »

Tim,

Great suggestions. Thanks again.

I've worked hard to get rid of a flinching problem that got to me years ago. I don't want to go back down that road again.

myarmor · « **Reply #5 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:12:45 AM »

Glad to have you here and finally posting :toast:
A Handi 35 Whelen with a Weaver K4 fixed mounted to it....I like the sounds of that package :agree:
But if I might ask if you not a fan of such heavy hitters, why choose the Whelen? Just curious thats all :grin:
-Aaron

HUNTS · « **Reply #6 on:** June 20, 2006, 01:45:36 PM »

Aaron,

Good question. Actually I seem to have some kind of rabid desire to own 35 caliber rifles. As it's hard to find a .358 Win or 35 Rem that aren't lever action I decided on the NEF.

I'm sure to download the velocity to my comfort level and use it more like a .358/35 Rem. I sure won't be stokin' 250 grains to 2700 fps tha's for sure!

myarmor · « **Reply #7 on:** June 20, 2006, 02:12:47 PM »

Actually it sounds close to the same reason it's sparked my interest as well. Another "Big Handi" is always a good thing :-D And you can always load her up to take on more..umm..dangerous situations :wink: ..
I look forward to hearing a range report.

Good Keen Man · « **Reply #8 on:** June 20, 2006, 11:02:37 PM »

whatever ring height you decide on becareful of bits (screw heads in particular) sticking out from the rings. Handi's as you no doubt know by now are quite different to bolt action rifles in that the scope sits directly on the barrel and not above the reciever.

This is one reason that they can be so accurate out of the box. BUT the point of balance for carrying a Handi in your hand means that the rings can poke into your hand. In New Zealand we generally stalk deer (walking around) rather than sitting in a tree like Americans do! This means the rifle spends most of it's time in your hand, hence the need for rings that don't poke into you.