OK, suppose one day I might use it also for guiding clients on DG. But right now I need something to punch paper with – off-hand, powerful, iron sighted stuff. Bolt action for a budget boy, of course.
Cosmetics, image, appearance not important.
I need reliability, simplicity, availability of parts and ammo, easy loading ...
I need something to shoot, not work on all the time. Standard loads, standard bullets. By comparison, something like my trusty Ruger M77 in SS and synthetic (338WM) – a no-nonsense working tool ... I mean toy
Preferably a standard factory purchase, but if it has to be custom built (like 458 Sabi), so be it.
What goes through my mind is 416 Rigby, 450 Rigby, 458 Lott, or something like that.

Which gun manufacturers' sites should I visit ?
Lochi.

I'm quite happy with my CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 458 Lott. I've been thinking of another CZ 550 in 416 Rigby but I don't need it; do I have to need it?

Hi Lochi,
I had the same problem, I desparetly needed a toy. I topped and trolled over the idea for more than a year. I spoke to a lot of people and in the end decided on a custombuild 416Rigby.

I will be doing most of the work myself under the supervision of my gunsmith friend Frikkie. The project this far has cost me R12000. That is for the double square bridge action, a barrel and a grade 4 turkish walnut stock.

Brass is quite expensive at R23.00 per casing. The bullets will also cost you quite a lot.

I think you must also build a 416R, then we can start casting bullets for plinking.

Enjoy the search for your new toy, as the old saying, boys never grow up, it is only their toys that gets more expensive

If I were you I would get a synthetic stock hein. At $2700 the price is right

Check them out at www.rifleactions.com

quote:

Cosmetics, image, appearance not important.
I need reliability, simplicity, availability of parts and ammo, easy loading ...
I need something to shoot, not work on all the time. Standard loads, standard bullets.

Sounds like you're describing another Ruger. Say a .458 (Win. or Lott) for cheaply & easily available ammo.

I am sending off my deposit to Hein for a 505 Gibbs
which I need like I need another hole in my head. End of next year I'll let you know how it turned out.

Have a 77 458 Lott and love it. A little on the
heavy side but have run 120+ rds through it and am HAPPY.

I needed a "Big Bore Toy" not only to hunt with, but to make holes in paper. I have a M70 416 Rem Mag that is a bit uncomfortable from the bench. My double gets old off the bench pretty fast.

Solution? A 375 H&H CZ 550 Safari Mag with what I call the European Stock. Fit and finish was superior to the 550 American I looked at, and after a glass bedding job, 1" groups are standard. I can shoot it off the bench all day without developing bad habits, and while I reoad everything, the 375 ammo is readily available anywhere.

Did I mention I love this rifle?

The CZ 550 Safari Magnum is (as far as I know) standard issue for game rangers in much of Southern Africa because it is so cheap and reliable; well under $1000 off the shelf. I bought mine in .458 WM and had it rechambered to LOTT, but now it comes in both. Personally, for a basic inexpensive but proven DG rifle, I think it's an ideal choice. Also, you can shoot either caliber with the Lott.

S.

If I was not saving up for a double big bore I'd never make this offer, but when the double bug bites a guy he makes cetrain sacrifices.

Buy my UNFIRED $4400.00 rifle for $2900.00, 5 shot WFF HEIN www.rifleactions.com in 450 Dakota, Synthetic stocked, double square bridge with machined groves for Talley QD scope mounts and many more bells/whistles.

New from HEIN today with the same Leupold scope $4400.00 - Take mine for $2900.00 in a postal money order, you won't regret it.

You're getting a monster rifle for only 2/3 of what it should cost, again I am the first owner and I have never fired it.

Send me your e-mail and I'll send you a dozen sharp, clear pic's.

Hi Lochi,

I found my self in the same predicament some time ago, but it has been a dream of mine for 15 years to buy my self a .416 Rigby. I eventually did the deed last year in February. I got Magnum arms (Sabi Arms) to custom make it for me on a CZ action and a grade 4 Turkish walnut stock. Total cost excluding scope was in the region of R26000

It took them about 8 months to complete and it is an absolute work of art, Eugene knows what he is doing !

However, not to dampen the subject, I am still waiting for my license, two months short of two years later ……………. The only thing I can do is gently caress it in the shop

Enjoy the search !

Yes ghundwan, the licence issue is why I could not consider a generous offer like that of BigFiveJack above. Eugene can now do a 458 Sabi (necked down 500 Jeffery) with American made pre 64 M70 clone (called Daytona or some name like that)
What about a 416 Remington?

CZ, pick your caliber. I went with 416 Rigby. But Lott would've been my next choice.

quote:

Originally posted by Lochi:
What about a 416 Remington?

The reason why I decided against the 416 Rem is chamber pressure. Especially with our variing temprature, you can easily get a spike. Refer to some of Ganyana's post on sticky bolts etc on PH final exams in Zim. Temprature is like Murphy, always a spanner in the wheel.