quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
If you want a 458 Rigby inexpensively, ....

The cost of rebuilding an existing rifle is something that just doesn't make sense to me today unless it is something I can't get in a good factory form. Custom Remington 280AI or good factory Rem 280? Factory 35 Whelen or custom 338/06AI (which I found used!!!)?

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
I almost did a rechambered 450Rigby but then decided that 500 calibre would be nicer still. (OK, some of that was based on already having a couple of 416Rigbys and finding it hard to justify the money for a single increment upgrade. It would be just as heavy or heavier for a long day's hike, though a comfortable sling can help.)

I'm leaning to a 458B&M for the reasons you listed.

quote:

Originally posted by 416Tanzan:
So I'm having a Ruger Hawkeye Alaskan rebarreled as a 500 AccR and looking at $1500 for the finished product. That's a working-man's rifle, especially if a son goes in for half.

That's tempting but, for ~$2K I think an 18" barrel 458B&M through SSK would be my choice though I'm sure a 500 is within reach too.