So, I've decided to have a .404Jeffery built. This will be the first gun that I have had built and I would like to get some guidance on what questions to ask my gunsmith and anything else that anyone can think of.

I would guess that the first decision on my part would be calibre, which is decided, so would the next be action? I'm thinking a Mauser style action in the under $1k price range. Can you also provide a hyperlink to a source for the recommended action?

I'm hoping everyone can help and hold my hand through the process. I would like to be pretty informed before going to my smith, since like anyone trying to sell a product or service, he may not always be the most reliable to get unbiased information from.

Thanks
Gene

The first thing that I would recommend is doing a search right here in the Big Bore forum for the 404, and print out some of the threads that discuss it, it is a very popular topic. Ray Atkinson has very nicely covered what he would do on one, and he is a very big fan of that cartridge.

You want to decide on certain things ahead of time, but be open to your gunsmiths suggestions, every smith has certain things they prefer, barrel, actions etc. and if you find a smith that is good and you trust then sometimes it is better to go with their preference. I say this because they might have personal reasons, might find that for them certain products are easier to work with etc.

You also need to establish a budget BEFORE hand if possible, that will have a lot to do with the final thing. Or do what I am doing, and just not think about it! :-) Seriously, if you can say ahead of time, ok, I only want to spend 1500, or 2500 etc. then that lets you know how you have to approach it. For instance, for about 2500 bucks you could have John Ricks do for you one with an Acrabond laminate stock, good barrel, everything done etc etc. (John please correct me if I am wrong, I think that those are ballpark to a price list you sent me one time though).

If you look at the posts, look at some pictures, you will get an idea of what you want final product. Reply to your post here with that list of what you want, and then the replies will roll in (for instance, if you want to scope it with a quick detach scope people will reply with base, ring and scope recommendations) Barrel recommendations are gonna be so numerous you won't believe it.

Personally I really like the 09 argentine mauser action, the 08 brazilian is the same thing but without hinged bottom metal (you might be replacing all bottom metal though depending on your wants, and then it wouldn't matter). These range in price, be ready for 125-200 bucks depending. I have one that I paid 150 for that is a very nice specimen.

I will also recommend the Burgess 2 position M70 style safety (designed and made by Thomas Burgess) if you plan on scoping the rifle. I just installed one on my 09 argentine in 7mm rem. mag and it is great. the finish on it is perfect and ready for bluing. And personally I don't need a 3rd position since I never use it.

If you come up with more of an idea of what you want finished product to be like I for one will share what I can with you from my limited knowledge and experience.

Red

Gene,

For comparison Jim Brockman has one for sale built on a Win M70 for $4,800.

http://www.gunsamerica.com/guns/976389243.htm

jim

Thanks Red, I have done quite a bit of searching and have found lot's of Ray's thoughts scattered around and as you recommended have started to build a library of things such as pictures and the such.

From one post Ray recommends a 1935 Chilean or Banner Mauser. And then a Blackburn, Wisner, or Sunny Hill box, since the "404 box is wider and corrects the stack".

Money, is not an object within reason. Of course my defenition of reason is might not be as large as anothers.

What I'm hoping to do, is piece by piece put one together with input from this forum. Probably inquire about actions and then weigh everyone's opinions and decide what to go with, next would be the barrel, stock, site's etc... and take all opinions from AR into account before making the decision on each piece to the puzzel. Then when finished post the pictures. Sort of an ongoing accurate reloading project. Heck, I may even take votes and let the majority rule(again within reason)

I'm hoping this will spark some interest and also get me the help I need.

My general want's are a .404 Jeffery based on a non-CZ Magnum Mauser action(not sure if a magnum action is required), Lothar Walther barrel with quarter rib(maybe), Bastogne walnut stock with ebony tip, barrel band, integral mounts for Talley QD rings and drop box.

A general look like the one ALF posted:

So, for now the question remains what 1) what action and 2) where to aquire one?

Thanks
Gene