So my CZ550 .458 win mag was killed last night in an accident. My Brother had it in his truck, he was going target shooting and like to showoof to his buddies, and on the way back was in an accident. The rifle riding in a back window rack of a truck, trust me I wasn't happy, was shot out of the truck and then somehow run over. So the barrel is bent, the scope crushed, the stock mangled, and the action won't open. My local smith said to hang it on the wall..as it is toast. Luckily no one was seriously injured, but I really liked that rifle.

So I am back in the market for a big bore now. I am going to look at some more cartridges, as the 404 jeff has gotten my attention now. I am leaning towards a 416 of some type or a 404 jeff. The 458 was great, no reason not to get another except if I was going for another 458 I would likely just get a Lott.
Part of me this time wants to build a rifle. A Mauser action of some type(military? commercial?), with a reasonably short barrel (no longer than 24"), a rear peep sight with a decent blade front, a QR scout scope mount. A tough finish maybe black parkerized, and a decent laminated wood stock.
Now I have a pile of various mauser military actions kicking around here but unsure of what ones would work for what chamberings. I would really like something with accessible factory ammo (doesn't have to be the cheapest) that can be fit in a standard mauser action. I like the Jeff, but know it won't fit without some work. I have also leaned towards the 9.3, as it should work with little action work needed.

I could use some help here though. My hunt will include buff, but then the only other DG will be leopard, and maybe a lion. Other than that various plains game..though a Hippo is looking like a possibility. And I plan to bring only one rifle. I have no desire to bring a second gun just to answer the question.

So ideally I would like a 24" barreled, 404jeff, in a mauser action, with a black parkerized finish, either a synthetic or laminated stock, a scout scope mount with really nice irons on it. Now how feasible is my idea? And what is this going to cost me? Any ideas for chambering (i.e. how about the 9.3?)

Sorry to ramble

NHbwana

See if your Gunsmith can install side and head airbags on your new one!!

You might want to contact CZ-USA to see if they have a repair station that could at least salvage the action for you.

George

IF the action won't open, it sounds like the action is crushed a bit or distorted, in which case it is probably toast. Check with your homeowner or renter's insurance. It will probably be covered. I was able to collect on a rifle damaged under the same conditions so time ago. Won't hurt to check.

.......That really stinks about your rifle .....A few knocks and scratches is one thing ..but getting run over by a truck ...So it sounds like you need spares ......, I found I needed spares so I got some ......Of course you need a 458 Lott ,, but every body should have a 404 also ,, I know I should.....The 416 ... there,s lots to choose from .......And a 9.3 yup 9.3x64 ......I know you don,t want to bring 2 rifles on safari,,,,,,, but a guy I know had his rifle get run over by the safari car and he wasn,t able to finish his safari....458 Lott and a 9.3x 64 ..... Jmho