You must be. I talked to my gunsmith today and he said that in the last year, he has had more folks inquiring about building 404 Jefferies than any other caliber. However, most of them back out of it when they find out that they can't rebore the standard 375 H&H and make it work. Actually, I'm the only one who has committed to go ahead with the rebarreling project.

Unfortunately, he said that it might take six months or more to finish the project. This just gives me more time to fret about my reloads and more time to think up stupid questions to ask about the caliber.

One thing I'm sure of, however. I'm going to be the only kid in my neighborhood to have one when I'm finished. Talk about your perfect whitetail caliber.....

GA,
I don't know why they can't rebore a 375 and make it work??? It certainly is a do-able project, and not much work to do so. One might have to set the barrel back a turn, but I can't see any reason it wouldn't work, at least not off hand...

------------------
Ray Atkinson

ray@atkinsonhunting.com
atkinsonhunting.com

The gunsmith, Hamilton Bowen of Bowen Classic Arms, says that at first blush, it looks like you can rebore just by setting the barrel back a little. In fact, they rebore all the time for other, bigger calibers. Then he went on to give me the technical reasons why you can't rebore the 375 to 404. Frankly, I don't remember what it was. I'm going to e-mail him and get the reason.

He assured me, however, that if it could be done, then they would do it, especially considering the amount of inquiries they are getting about the caliber.

I hate losing the classic look of the Ruger barrel, but he claims that the new barrel will have classic lines also.

GAHUNTER,

I don't know if you'd gotten my message on the gunsmithing catagory or not. I had just wanted to tell you that Champlins were at the Tulsa gun show and had 2 404 Jefferies bolt action rifles. One was a FN and I don't remember the other make. Just thought I'd tell you in case you're interested.

Thanks,

Coon

Coon,

No, I did not get that message. I will call them today. What shape was the $2,000 gun in? If it is good, I might just buy it and keep the Ruger as a 375.