I guess this post will officially be the start of my planning for a trip to Africa. Realistically I am 3-5 years away from actually setting foot on the continent but here goes. I am looking to have a rifle built for buffalo possibly in a 416 Rem or Rigby or maybe the 458 Lott. Right now I am leaning more towards the Lott.

The question is...what action would you build it on. I am aware that almost every factory action will need work done to make it reliable. Obviously the Model 70 and 98 immediatly come to mind. I have also considered the MRC 1999 but hearing some of the recent quality control issues and production setbacks I am considering looking elsewhere.

Seems easy enough but keep in mind that I am left handed which should add some degree of difficulty.

Have a look at Waffenfabrik Hein ( www.rifleactions.com ) in Washington state(?). They make lefthand actions in all the calibres you're interested in. I've heard only positive things about them, and they were extremely helpful when I contacted them both via e-mail and phone a while ago.

You should also check out Stuart Satterlee's action's;

http://satterleearms.com/

If I was to build another DGR in 416 rem mag or similar like the 458 Lott it'd be on a M-70 classic or Pre-64 action and you have enough time to go to gun shows and get one.

The Cape buffalo is a $6,000 trigger pull so one can afford to look a bit for a good action. They're out there and a classic 300 mag can be converted to run the longer shell.

Which action?

Granite Mountain Arms double square bridge magnum Mauser action ($3K)

Karl Heinz Ritterbusch action (at least $4K)

Reimer Johannsen action (more than $4K)

500grains,

I don't think Johannsen makes lefty actions (or didn't used to at least).

CZ may have one out for you in plenty of time--see this thread.

Montana Rifle Company Long action in a 404 Jeffery. A proven nostalgic African chambering.


Or, have one made by CZ.

Those with more experience can correct me but unless you were dealing with something custom from the start like a Hein or Satterlee, I'd look at whatever action you start with as just the starting point.

I'm sure it happens now and then that an action is 100% DGR reliable and ready from the get-go but I wouldn't count on it.

Therefore, any of the prefered types, CZ, Ruger, M70, M1999, M98 etc are a matter of taste and circumstance.

Any way you do it, you gotta pay to play!

Buy a Ruger MkII in 7mm Remington Magnum (you know what's coming already, right?)and have Jeffe build you a 470 M'bogo, or a 500 M'bogo (500 Tembo?)

regards,

Rich

I appreciate the input thus far. I knew there were a few customs that I had neglected to mention or just didn't know about.

So far it looks like there are two avenues I can take. The first would be to attempt to find a LH Model 70 in 300 Win Mag or something similar. I figure $550-600 for the rebarrel and rechamber another $500 for action/feeding work and maybe another $500-600 for trigger/bedding/misc. All in I would say $2500-3K including acquiring the gun.

The second avenue would be a totally custom action like a Granite or Hein and then whatever the stock would cost. I am a sucker for a piece of English Walnut but I just know that the first time I ding or scratch it in the field I am going to be sick. This route looks like it is in the $4500/5000+ ballpark.

Of all the concerns I have about a DGR rifle price comes way after functionality and reliability but does the extra money spent on a custom provide that much extra reliability and perceived value? I am deferring to individuals on this board who have "been there and done that" and any and all input is appreciated.

quote:

Originally posted by JMJ888:

The second avenue would be a totally custom action like a Granite or Hein and then whatever the stock would cost. I am a sucker for a piece of English Walnut but I just know that the first time I ding or scratch it in the field I am going to be sick. This route looks like it is in the $4500/5000+ ballpark.

Usually $10-15K.

The only way to be sure get a bolt gun 100% reliable is to have it built by a big bore specialist, and there might be 10-12 of them in the U.S. Their work is in much demand and highly prized, so they charge 10-15K, but some of them charge 20K. I have been the custom route many times. Sometimes the rifles work perfectly, and sometimes not. I think I have a 75% success rate.

Empire Rifles,
it's TOUGH to spend 7k there

and they'll make you a lefty mauser

quote:

they charge 10-15K, but some of them charge 20K

To each his own...I think 6-7K is going to be about the maximum I could ever spend on a gun...gotta leave some money left over to actually hunt with it.

quote:

Empire Rifles,
it's TOUGH to spend 7k there

Jeffe...I think you hit the nail on the head. I had seen their name around a few times and have heard good things...impressive rifles with decent price tags considering what you get.

Now which caliber? Like I said the Lott will be tough to beat but the Rigby is a viable option as well although it isn't a huge jump over my 375 which makes it a bit harder to justify.