I read an article one time where a BAR was converted to 458 Win mag. It is possible to convert an auto to other calibers but it's not easy,.. I don't believe there has ever been a 35 Whelan chambering in the BAR so a direct replacement barrel is likely out. A blank could be made but I would bet reboring would be a lot easier. Since the 35Whelan is simply a necked up 30-06 that is the caliber to start with, although something like a 270 would also work.. Altering the gas regulator is going to be interesting. The tiny shoulder of the Whelan may also give headspacing problems in the slam bang of the BARs operating sequence. Perhaps the Ackley version with it's sharper shoulder might work out a bit better, but there is a little problem in setting it up as an Ackley. The usually process is to set the barrel back a thread then rechamber to the AI version. This keeps the headspace tight.. I don't know how this practice would work out when included with a rebore??? I don't do that sort of thing. the smith who does the rebore will likely have some idea.. Good luck and keep us informed..
