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Brevex #13 joins the family - a Fred Wells Custom 35-378 Wby - aka 350 Wells Express

Hello All,

Well, would you believe I found another Brevex Mauser. This makes "lucky 13" in my Brevex Collection.

This is my first Big Bore rifle in 35 caliber. Just like the 411 Wells Express I posted here last month, this one came from the same original owner that was an employee of Fred Wells at the time this rifle was made. He did the stock work himself while he was employed by Fred. Like the 411, this rifle was also intended to go to Africa to hunt Cape buffalo, but the political conflicts in Rhodesia at the time canceled his plans. This rifle was custom built for him / by him, and the pair were the only two Big Game rifles that he owned. The stock wood for this rifle was special ordered "Honey" color AA Fancy California Claro Black Walnut.

He ordered a custom set of RCBS dies in 35-378 Wby. (back then they cost only $21 ... the gold old days)

The caliber stamped on the rifle is 35-378 WBY. This is an early wildcat marking, whereas later rifles in this caliber were stamped 350 Wells Express.

Here are the specs:

Make = Fred Wells Custom
Action = Brevex Magnum Mauser w/ Winchester Style Swing Safety
Caliber = 35-378 WBY aka 350 Wells Exp
Weight = 11-1/4 lbs (loaded)
Barrel = 26" A&M Barrel w/ forward recoil lug and barrel mounted Sling swivel (no sights)
LOP = 15"
Stock = Custom "uncheckered" California Claro Black Walnut w/ reinforced side panels
Stock = Rosewood Forend Tip w/ checkered metal grip cap
Scope = 6x42 KAHLES Helia Super 6S2 in Wells Custom Mounts
Trigger = Mauser 2-Stage Trigger
Recoil Pad = Pachmayr Solid w/ Black Spacer

The rifle came with dies, and brass, and bullets. Dies are RCBS labeled 35-378 WBY.

Like my other Brevex Fred Wells rifle from this owner, the craftsmanship is superb. Excellent wood to metal fit and all the screws are indexed in-line. The the screw in the checkered metal grip cap is also indexed in-line, and is lightly engraved.

as always, your comments are most welcome.

(a range report will follow)

Here are the "Lucky 13 family ....

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"You never pay too much for something, you only buy it too early."