What is the value of an original Jeffery rifle in 404 Jeffery. This is a take down model on a standard sized (non magnum) M98 action. The top of the barrel is marked with the Jeffery name and address in London. The barrel also has the proof marks and says X amount of cordite. Non-hinged floor plate. A Griffin & Howe side mount has been added. Has express sights. Stock looks good, but an after market Pacmeyer recoil pad has been added.

Any thoughts on price?

quote:

Originally posted by Shumba:
What is the value of an original Jeffery rifle in 404 Jeffery. This is a take down model on a standard sized (non magnum) M98 action. The top of the barrel is marked with the Jeffery name and address in London. The barrel also has the proof marks and says X amount of cordite. Non-hinged floor plate. A Griffin & Howe side mount has been added. Has express sights. Stock looks good, but an after market Pacmeyer recoil pad has been added.

Any thoughts on price?

A standard 404 would be in the $6000 range, depending on condition. Deduct for the G&H and the Pachmeyer.

Does that number ($6,000) take into consideration that it is a takedown?

Thanks.

Tim

quote:

Originally posted by Shumba:
Does that number ($6,000) take into consideration that it is a takedown?

Thanks.

Tim

Yes. The 404 is the Classic African Bolt Action. Many thousands were made. If you have a takedown it is probably a higher grade where condition would be everything.

Post some pictures if you have them.

The deduct for the scope mount (or stock cutting) can be BIG. At least 20-25%, and sometimes 50%.

Dan is exactly right. G & H sidemounts on classic bolt rifles are like the ubiquitous Cutts on a Win 42. Once they've been cut for that abortion, you're pretty much screwed. A good smith can tig up the holes in the receiver wall and refinish it, and a good stockmaker may be able to repair the hacked up wood so that it isn't too noticeable. Still, you're left with a repaired, non-original gun. On a desireable gun like a take-down Jeffery, I think a 50% discount is more than reasonable.
-----------------------------------------------
"Serious rifles have two barrels, everything else just burns gunpowder."

I agree totaly with Dan, and then what do you have?
An old, dinged up rifle, were the only desirable features are its inscription and chambering.
If in need of a wallhanger it will do fine, but if you want a huntingrifle, get an American made custom/semicustom gun.

I would be more concerned about the Pachmeyr pad than the G&H mounts. The G&H 's are high quality mounts and were quite popular on all high dollar rifles pre WWII. They are still a fine choice and are recommended by both Holland and Holland and Westley Richards.

Alf can chip in but I don't think many Jeffery's in 404 even came with recoil pads. Mine didn't. Then to top it off with a very non traditional Pachmeyer is ridiculous.

50% reduction is way too much. I would deduct more for the pad than the scope mounts. I would take the rifle in a minute if the price was reasonable.

Unfortunatley you haven't said what it is but it would be a fine rifle to hunt with and anything but a wallhanger.

Had a "buddy" who sold an original 404 Jeffrey takedown for $3500 Cdn. last year.

I'm still not happy that he didn't give me first crack at it.

I rarely disagree with you Mick, but I have to this time. I looked for a long time for a nice classic .375 bolt rifle at something less than double rifle money. Numerous times when I found one at a reasonable price, I discovered that the reason the price was so "reasonable" was a G & H sidemount. The market does discount for them significantly. The more desireable and "classic" the rifle, the deeper the discount.

Holland recommends their own proprietary mount, which is sort of a cross between a sidemount and a claw.

So you think the G & H Sidemount is a "high quality" mount, huh? Could I interest you in a "high quality" pair of steer horns for the hood of your next new car?

quote:

I interest you in a "high quality" pair of steer horns for the hood of your next new car?

If you've got 'em! I think it would be hilarious to be Boss Hogg for a day!

It is on consignment at a local gun store for $10,000. Has been a the rack for quite a while and the store will be giving it back to the guy. I believe the owner is now open to a $6k to $7K price. However, after looking over the rifle, I thought it would be hard to justify even $5,000. It is in good condition, it is just the side mount and pad that need to be considered. I'm sure you could easily add a Silvers pad and it would look better, but still not original.

Also, I would like to know if it is .419" or .423" Given that it is built on a standard M98 action, headspace could be an issue as well. I also don't know if these old takedown guns "loosen up" after being broken down and reassembled multiple times. Seems like there are a lot of potential pitfalls.

Here is a link for those who want to know:

http://www.turners.com/shop/gundetail.php?id=506

Tim

quote:

Originally posted by Shumba:
It is on consignment at a local gun store for $10,000. Has been a the rack for quite a while and the store will be giving it back to the guy. I believe the owner is now open to a $6k to $7K price. However, after looking over the rifle, I thought it would be hard to justify even $5,000. It is in good condition, it is just the side mount and pad that need to be considered. I'm sure you could easily add a Silvers pad and it would look better, but still not original.

Also, I would like to know if it is .419" or .423" Given that it is built on a standard M98 action, headspace could be an issue as well. I also don't know if these old takedown guns "loosen up" after being broken down and reassembled multiple times. Seems like there are a lot of potential pitfalls.

Here is a link for those who want to know:

http://www.turners.com/shop/gundetail.php?id=506

Tim

Shumba

Takedowns do loosen up in time from shooting and being put together and taken apart. Some of the newer ones lock the barrel to the action through the lugs and are quite strong but most British rifles are interrupeted thread with a screw that pins the action in place.

400Nitro.

I used to have a red Cadilac Coupe de Ville with 6 foot horns on the front. Looked just like Paul Newman in Hud cruising around. Or maybe it was Boss Hogg?

I have a couple of Mannlichers with the G&H mounts and like them although they are a bit heavy. I wouldn't turn down a rifle with them on but, like you and 500grains said, would discount it over one without. I would discount any scope mounts on a Jeffery 404 also. Unless they were original with the rifle.

The rifle in question is seriously overpriced at 10k and would be better at 4-5k. At that price I would give it some serious consideration, maybe have a look see.

Shumba
For that kind of money I would look hard for a 450/400 double rifle.
Scope it if necessary.
A much better hunting rifle in the long run.
IMHO