Anyone ever get a Ruger M77 Magnum conversion done by Bowen Custom Arms? I am intrigued by their 470NE No2! The price seems to be very good too.

Thanks,
Casey

I have had a couple of big bore revolvers built by Bowen but no rifle. His custom revolver work has been well respected in the sixgun circle. I am sure his rifle work is just as good.

In regards to the 470NE No2 cartridge, I think it is basically a 450 Rigby necked up to a 475 Caliber. I am not sure where did the name No 2 come from? It sounds like Bowen would use a 416 Rigby Ruger to rebore the barrel to a 475 caliber. Rail work should be minimum if any. A $495 does not seem to be a lot but the Ruger rifle would cost at least $1250 for a new one. I suppose that it could be done just as well with a 416 Rigby CZ 550 but I think it's barrel might be a little small to rebore to a 475 caliber. Have fun.

Ming,
The CZ 550 Safari Magnum in 416 Rigby has a muzzle diameter of 0.666". Too light!

The newer Ruger would be pretty light but do-able. What was that muzzle diameter? .725" IIRC. Just right for a minimum weight .475.

The older Ruger with 0.810" muzzle diameter would still be on the heavy side if rebored to .475 from .416. It would work best as a .505 or .510. Just right there, IMHO.

Ron,

Yes, the CZ barrel would be a little too thin for anything bigger than a 458 Winchester. However, the CZ balances so prefectly in my hands that I suspect they did a lot of homework in the design of the rifle so the center of gravity is just in the right place. I agree that a barrel of at least .750" diameter at the muzzle is needed for a .475 caliber. I hope the new 458 Lott Express rifle from Ruger will have a larger barrel diameter. Thanks.