I'm wondering whether the barrel stamped .35 Whelen may be a .444 Marlin barrel in disguise, even chambered for .35 Whelen.
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Check this out:
There's a service notice to dealers on the 35 Whelen FTF issue, it also includes some 35 Remingtons, the #72541 is a 35 Rem/444 Marlin combo.
I recommend anyone needing service for their H&R, 35 Whelen or otherwise, to call H&R and ask for a return shipping label so they can cover the cost of shipping to them, they don't advertise that they do this, but always do when asked, this is for any warranty service.
https://www.ellettbrothers.com/uploa...elendealer.pdf
Service Notice
9/13/10
To: H&R 1871 Dealers
Subject: 35 Whelen Handi-rifle
H&R 1871 has recently identified a small number of Handi-rifles in 35 Whelen caliber produced between
March 2010 and September 1st that could fail to fire under normal shooting conditions. This malfunction
presents no danger to the shooter, and the outcome is simply the firearm may fail to fire. The necessary
repair changes have been identified to correct this malfunction.
The affected guns are limited to the following H&R skus: 72540, 72612, 72412, 72614, 70705, 72541
If you have a customer return a H&R 35 Whelen rifle, and they have experienced a “fails to fire,” please
have the rifle returned to:
H&R 1871
Attn: Arm Service
14 Hoefler Ave
Ilion, NY 13357
We will make the necessary repair adjustments to the rifle at no charge and return to the sender as
expeditiously as possible.
Any rifles that you have received after September 15th, were produced with the corrective actions in place
and this malfunction should not be an issue on these rifles.
If you have any questions or if we can be of further service to you, please feel free to contact us at 1-866-
776-9292, prompt 4, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm EST. Please check out our website at
www.hr1871.com
Thank you,
Consumer Service Division
H&R 1871