OK, starting with what action and what to acquire. You have the list already put together it sounds like for actions recommended. Remember, all the military mausers are long action, not magnum length, and you don't need the magnum length for the 404. So you have two ways to go about it, take the list and start watching the sites like gunbroker OR take the list and do a post in the classifieds here saying WTB a mauser off of "list" for a project. I am sure that some people here are in possession of something that fits the bill. there is somebody on the gunsmithing forum that is about to butcher a pair of 09 argentines, maybe you could catch him before he cuts them and talk him out of it. Or go to Big 5's in your area and look for good VZ24's, check below the stockline for pitting, and get one good for the project.

I would do a barrel band sling swivel in front, with a non barrel band front site, hooded probably. get a european style rear swivel inletted into the wood. I would go with a classic design, like something with the raised side panels. Ask the gunstockers to post some pics of their patterns that they have, they have some great designs that one will catch your eye for the shape and fit for your gun.

Have you ever seen the Winchester style rear site? I know that some people might not like them, and that the pop up blades are the rage, but I think the Win style is the way I would go. (I have only shot 5 times with my rifel that has one, it is at the smiths right now so I cannot give you a picture of the site). If you have never seen one, it is a leave mounted on a guide screw that moves it forward and backward for elevation, and has a set screw to lock it in place. It is also windage adjustable by moving in the dovetail. The originals are hard to find, damn hard. BUT Jim Wisner makes replicas, that are actually better (I think the original had a two piece screw setup and his is one piece, less to break). Then if you change loads you don't have to worry about filing new blades or anything.

You will need the bolt handle done too, and you can get one with like 3 panel or 4 panel engraving, very fancy and a great touch. Might want to talk to Scrollcutter (Roger Kehr) on that part of it.

I am trying to think of any other little touches I have seen that I thought were grand. How about leather covered recoil pad, runs extra money, but looks real great.

Would you like to see a picture of that safety I mentioned? I can get one for you.

Red

Dear Dago Red

I would very much like to see a picture of the Burgess safety!

jpb

Quote:

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Would you like to see a picture of that safety I mentioned? I can get one for you.

Red

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Here is what I'd do! First, I'd find a Good FN Mauser action at a gun show. I'm not a major fan of using military mauser actions in Big Bores because the heat treatment they received back then was not very good in general and I've seen way to many set back the lugs on firing lots of heavy loads. I'd buy a custom Blackburn mag box and a three position safety and a Timney trigger.
Next I'd buy a #5 or 6 contour barrel from Pac-Nor and a Dakota quarter rib and NECG sights Front and rear. I'd send the quarter rib t and sights to Pac-Nor and have them CONTOUR the barrel for the front sight band and to exactly fit the Quarter rib. Once you have the barrel send me the measurements where you want the barrel mounted recoil lug to go and I'll make one for you that fits exactly.
Now you need a gunsmith to put it all together with the all important reamer. There are numerous versions of the 404 Jeffery so what you need is a reamer that will make a chamber for which your dies will work. Your local guy is NOT who you want to do this work and make the gun FEED and EJECT reliably. Now 404 Jeffs are not a big problem in that regard, but you still want somebody who KNOWS what he's doing and specializes in DGR's I reccomend Dennis OLSEN ( If you have a long life expectancy) or John Ricks. They can put all these parts together for you and make it work! Bead Blast the metal, wire brush and Hot Caustic Blue for that dull finish look. Now for a stock. I would send the barreled action to ED PLUMMER at AHR and have his stockmaker put a real nice walnut DGR stock on it with proper crossbolts and a leather covered F990 Pad! Have his gal cheker it to your taste. If your going to scope it, use Warne bases and Warne Premier QR rings. A Schmidt and Bender Scope would be cool.
If you follow this recipe, you will probably dish out about $2500. But that gun will be nice and function beautifully.-Rob