I'm having an English blank turned for a 404 jeffery I'm building. I want a short forearm, I'm thinking 9" from the front screw. Probably going with a 24" barrel. If I've asked this before I've slept since then.

Am I on the right track or is that two short.

I measured several of my rifles, some of which have fairly short forearms. None are as short as 9" from the front guard screw (2 are about 9.75", a custom Brno and an original Oberndorf). I think 10" would be about right for the 24" barrel.

I looked at some pics I had and measured some of my rifles and 9 maybe to short. 10 maybe closer.

maybe someone will throw a pic or two out with a measure ment, I've never built a gun with a short forearm.

Billy,



I don't measure from the front screw, instead I measure from the front of the receiver. Using this measurement, I have measured a number of original British sporters from the "name" makers. The Rigbys tend to be the shortest in general, with some being down to 6" and others up to about 9". My 350 Rigby measures 7.5".



My 375 Jeffery measures 9.5", and my 333 Jeffery is shorter than that (but I don't remember the exact length). My Holland 375 Flanged on an 1892 Steyr action is a bit over 6". My Army&Navy Enfield measures 8.5". These are the ones that I can remember or get to easily, but they are representative of most original express style stocks (there are some exceptions, of course).



I don't know if all that helps any, but based on the above I decided to go with 8.5" on the CZ 416 that I am having done now (and wish I had gone with 8" instead ). I would guess that depending on the action that you are using, your 9" measurement would equate to 8 1/4" to 8 1/2" the way that I measure. This should look great on a classic express style rifle if you are using a barrel-band swivel base.



Good luck with your 404, and don't forget to post pics!!!!



Jim