Huvius,

I think you are correct. WR says "A new barrel was carefully designed and fitted to the original breech section. New leaf and ramp sights were made and fitted, along with mounts to receive a quick-detach 'scope."

I am not sure why they dodn't take a new barrel and cut the two lugs on the new barrel. Because this rifle is a takedown, they could have also done a second barrel in say 9.3x74R or even 9x65R (basically a 35 Whelen rimmed)