I'm looking at several 416 Rigby's with the German/Bavarian stocks that are essentially safe queens or wall hangers versus buying a new Laminated American stock model. Any rifle will go to AHR for one of their basic packages at a minimum.

I got to thinking about taking one of these used rifles (one has plenty of safe "rash" but, appears to have been fired very little) and having a McMillian stock fitted. I really like the McMillian stocks I have used so, I'm a little biased there. The used rifle in question will cost ~$700 so, adding the cost of the McMillian stock, I am at basically the cost of a new rifle with the laminated stock from the factory. Both would get the same mods from AHR so that comes out as a wash financially.

Being new to DGR rifles and calibers, another option that I'm a little reluctant to pursue would be a new CZ 550 Magnum action sent to AHR (or a similar well regarded gunsmith) and having it built into the rifle I think I want today.

Being new and green with DGR rifles, I'm a little reluctant to do a custom rifle for my first "learning" experience but, that is an option too.

What words of advice and wisdom does everyone have to offer in my rifle decision?

Best Regards,
Sid

Magnum Mauser actions look the best and most classic to me.
Maybe you have seen a rifle built on one you can obtain.

Sid, oftentimes, an advantage to buying a used large-caliber rifle is that they are fired infrequently if at all. The allure of a big bore seduces hunters into a purchase, even though they have no plans to use it on a hunt where such a caliber is warranted.

Decide 1st what you want, caliber-wise...a dual-purpose like a 375, or a true dedicated DGR like a 458 WM or Lott, 416 Rigby or Rem Mag, or other similar beast. The money you save in buying over new can be invested in upgrades by Wayne at AHR, who knows how to sort out the feed, function, and reliability of a DGR.

Have fun shopping!

Probably one 416/404/458 out of twenty bought in this country every gets to Africa, or anywhere else on a DG hunt. They make one or two trips to the range to impress the owners' buddies, and then to the safe to be drug out and fondled every so often. Then they get sold to another dreamer.
I would suggest calling Wayne Jacobson at AHR and asking him if perhaps he has a laminate stock in the barrel he would sell.

Rich
DRSS
Searcy .470 NE & Chapuis 9,3x74R
and five CZ bolt rifles

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Probably one 416/404/458 out of twenty bought in this country every gets to Africa, or anywhere else on a DG hunt. They make one or two trips to the range to impress the owners' buddies, and then to the safe to be drug out and fondled every so often. Then they get sold to another dreamer.

In Australia the 1 in 20 not going to Africa would apply but they are used to shoot the shit out roos, pigs and goats

I have used both 378 and 460 when spotlight shooting and 375 H&H a real lot with 220 grain Hornadys.

But a lot people certainly find out the recoil is much greater when:

1) It is now your own rifle

2) Loads have to be worked up.

3) Sighting in.

4) Shooting at paper for lots of shots as opposed to a couple of shots offhand at a big rock

quote:

Originally posted by BigFiveJack:
Magnum Mauser actions look the best and most classic to me.
Maybe you have seen a rifle built on one you can obtain.

The ones I have seen are very spendy which is why I'm thinking about the CZ-AHR connection. Last year I got to handle a couple of Wayne's CZ rifles at the Dallas Safari show and I was very impressed with his work.

Maybe I'm not a purist but, I can't see twice the value in a classic bolt action versus a new build from AHR. Add the value of the AHR CZ basic packages and the price difference is even greater. When you get up to the price point of a Dakota Arms African rifle, I would be looking at a new generation double (Merkel/Chapuis/Heym). I'm just not ready to jump into a $10K double yet, though the Chapuis keep catching my eye.

Some of what you ask seems 6 of one half dozen the other, but I will add a few ideas. I have three now. BTW, IMHO, the CZ/Brno is a classic Mauser. I also like the big fill my hand stocks in classic wood - plain or fancy - but I am sure synthetic is a practical option. If you like the McMillan- I think go for it.

CZ offers a synthetic stock 550 safari, you might look online.

Before any mods, I would be sure to run a couple boxes of ammo threw the gun, including both open sited and with a scope. I have a CZ550 with a bent barrel and this was not obvious until I mounted a scope. I also had feeding problems which I am sure you have heard about. I have one CZ heavily reworked AHR and it is very nice. I dont like all the options, so think about what "you" want before getting the whole boat load. I would consider adjusting the CZ trigger and give it a chance, it seems a fine bit of engineering. I am just saying give it a chance, they also seem to vary, out of the box.

I would think about having the barrel cut back a bit, just a little, based on your taste.

As far as dreamers, I am a unabashed dreamer. Without us 98% dreaming big bore owners the 2% of actual African safari hunters would probably not even have the option to buy a CZ550 Safari. So; a little thank you might be in order to us pig, jug and paper shooters.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
BTW, IMHO, the CZ/Brno is a classic Mauser. I also like the big fill my hand stocks in classic wood - plain or fancy - but I am sure synthetic is a practical option. If you like the McMillan- I think go for it.

I really like good wood but, after my first McMillan stock I became a convert for working rifles in the "medium" bores. Wood on a classic DGR is very tempting but, this rifle will be my first working DGR caliber and it will get used pretty hard. Pretty wood would hamper my thoughts about dragging it through brush, shoving it through barb wire fences, putting it in a soft case behind the seat of the pickup, etc.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
CZ offers a synthetic stock 550 safari, you might look online.

Their classic custom line is an option but, I want to keep the costs down until I do some "leranin"

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
Before any mods, I would be sure to run a couple boxes of ammo threw the gun, including both open sited and with a scope. I have a CZ550 with a bent barrel and this was not obvious until I mounted a scope. I also had feeding problems which I am sure you have heard about. I have one CZ heavily reworked AHR and it is very nice. I dont like all the options, so think about what "you" want before getting the whole boat load. I would consider adjusting the CZ trigger and give it a chance, it seems a fine bit of engineering. I am just saying give it a chance, they also seem to vary, out of the box.

A bent barrel ... ... that rifle must have taken some serious abuse. I will definitely shoot it "as is" some before I do any mods. I want to appreciate the mods and do them for a specific reason. I did the same thing on my dirt bike which saved me wasted on money on gimmicks and got my money spent on things that REALLY made a difference.

quote:

Originally posted by fourbore:
I would think about having the barrel cut back a bit, just a little, based on your taste.

When I get to the point of re-bluing or something similar, I would most likely cut the barrel back a little as part of recrowning and resighting it.

quote:

Any rifle will go to AHR for one of their basic packages at a minimum.

They can add their favorite synthetic stock and cut/recrown while it is there. Call them, maybe they even have a line on a Rigby.