Soooo, I was down at the calgary gun show and saw a gorgeous 404 jeffrey. It was the argentine mauser action, nice custom walnut stock, peep sites. The seller said he'd throw in the dies and lotsa brass as well as a lot of loaded shells. I forget how many of each it was but suffice it to say it's a lot. I fell in love like a 16 year old on his first date. Came home and actually dreamed of the darned gun. My wife said if you want the gun so bad why dont you just go and buy it. God what a woman!! I thought about it and being the pragmatist I am, decided I dont really need an Elephant gun for my moose hunting. I'll always have a little place in my heart where the 404 will live and maybe if I go on safari I'll buy that damned gun first.

the chef

What kind of price was he giving you on it? I have to say you have more willpower than I.

If the wife says "go" - better do it before she changes her mind. Moreover, maybe if you buy the gun, you'll have more incentive to book the safari!

You gotta get your 'cart and horse' straight!

The 404 was actually originally designed as a moose gun. That Africa thing was a mistake. The first shipment was supposed to go to British Columbia, but got on the boat to British East Africa instead.
Moose look good with a .423" diameter hole through them. All the blood leaks out and they fall over.

lawndart

If the price was right & the work is good, buy the rifle. It will only cost you more to build it yourself (usually).

there's better rounds for Moose....

Ya I know there are better rounds for moose....it was kinda tongue in cheek. The price he was asking was $3500.00 can. he said he was willing to do some serious dealing. I suspect 2500-2800 would have done it, and with all the reloading stuff it seemed a great deal. He's a gunsmith and specializes in stocks and his stocks are truly gorgeous they sell for about $2500 canadian.

Hmmm should I have bought the gun?? What are peoples opinions on the value? Damn I wish I had had the camera I could have posted a pic for all to see...sure was purty!!!Seriously if people would let me know the value I might take a second look. Seems priced in the states are a lot less than here.

the chef

Being new to Calgary from the States this was my first gun show up here and I drooled over that rifle as well. Throw in the US to Canandian exchange (yeah I am paid in US $$...) and it was really damn tempting. How about that Cogswell and Harrison 300 H&H too? Another beauty. Because I do not yet have my PAL I was only window shopping. Plan to take the test this Friday.

quote:

Originally posted by calgarychef1:
Hmmm should I have bought the gun?? What are peoples opinions on the value? Damn I wish I had had the camera I could have posted a pic for all to see...sure was purty!!!Seriously if people would let me know the value I might take a second look. Seems priced in the states are a lot less than here.

the chef

Too many variables on the value, i.e.: the peep-sight could be a 40.00 ashley outdoors or a 150.00 peep sight, was the action still "surplus"-like with a bent bolt or or had it been tricket out...bottom metal customized, etc... I think the better question is what was the guy asking for it?

Sorry I didn't realize I hadn't mentioned the price. He was asking $3500.00 can but said he was willing to deal, I suspect he would go 2500-2800 can. Like I said it includes dies and lotsa brass as well as loaded shells.

About any 404 is worth $3000 if it works and is a quality custom rifle...and below that is a steal..but without seeing the rifle I wouldn't commit myself...