Finding this was something of a surprise.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/sport...uction-511173058.htm

YES----it is. I hope he is ok.

Yes I got a bit of a shock too as it was VGs build of his 404 that got us corresponding and sharing info, loads and components for our 404s and other things shooting.
Yes VG is fine just rationlising that he has no likelyhood in the near future of getting to put the 404 to use on the big boys but as always he has other projects in the pipeline to work on.

I do treasure our email conversations and common interest in firearms and I'm sure we will keep corresponding in the years to come and hopefully meet one day. Although VG may not have a 404 in the future I still feel a common bond in that we have both used the 7x61 cartridge for many years of our hunting lives, so we both know quality when we see it

I never thought I would be doing it either, but rationalisation is sometimes the only way to look at things. I have had an emense enjoyment, and learned a boatload during the build, the subsequent load develpoment, working with mould design for, and casting the various use and velocity bullets, including through "meat". I have had contact with some mighty fine people through this and have sent some of the cast bullets for others to try and had good reports back from them all from not only here in NZ but into australia and argintina as well. I have come to the realisation that I have taken this rifle as far as I can go with it as I have had to except that I will not get away to where it would really come into its own.
I am currently playing with a little 6.5 hill rifle project. I drew up a reamer print to suit ( primarily with the 123gn A max and the 130gn Swift in mind) but we are still waiting for it to arrive. I have been playing with laminates to get a lighter stock and have drawn up a cast bullet design that should also work and am in discussions with a mould maker to get that made as well. Plenty to keep me awake at night still but with this one I will be able to use to its full envisaged potential.

If I could figure a way to cheaply get it imported, I'd love to have that rifle for awhile at least. Never owned a .404, always wanted to. Beautiful rifle.

There's a really nice Sterling Davenport 404 Jeffery on Gunbroker for sale right now

Von Gruff: I hope you get very good money for that lovely rifle. I am sorry you are parting with it.
Please keep us abreast of the 6.5 project.

Thanks Guys, will post something on the 6.5GM in a couple of months when I hope to burning powder.

quote:

Originally posted by mdstewart:
If I could figure a way to cheaply get it imported, I'd love to have that rifle for awhile at least. Never owned a .404, always wanted to. Beautiful rifle.

You might have a problem being an FN Action.

What is the latest on imports to the US of ex mil actions ?

At one time their seemed to be a real problem with them and even H&H's couldn't be imported on certain actions ?

Anyone any ideas ?


VG
Very nice rifle.
.

I do not know this to be true, but were not the post WWII FNs only built for the commercial market?

This is from the write-up I did on the build.

This particular rifle, ( a 98 military Mauser) started life in the F N factory in Herstal, Belgium, made for the Colombian army, and was chambered in 30-06. I bought it in Australia in 1982 and believe that it was a M24/50, an original in that caliber not one of the 24/30's re-barrelled after ww11

Gotcha V/G. I learns stuff every day here.

L/D