Just came up with a VZ24, left handed, that I'm going to make up as a .404 Dakota. I'd like to have a drop box since the Dakota is a fat 'lil rascal and I'd like to have more than 2 down. Anyone know for sure where I can get one, maybe using the stock bottom floorplate and guard?

And while we're at it, who can supply a semi-inletted stock with the proper drop box profile and maybe even a bit of cast on, in a classic style? I'll probably plan on getting a semi-inlet and finding a smith from here to finish it. Need to keep the cost to a reasonable level.

I saw what you posted on the other forum and still do not understand exactly what you have. Did some one do a custom conversion a VZ24 and make it left handed?

Regardless, Blackburn makes the bottom metal you want, assuming you do in fact have a VZ24. Or whatever you have, they make a lot of different bottom metals and a good metal guy can fit any of them to any action. For the right money. of course.

It's a Charles Daly, standard length, standard bolt face (to be opened up).

OK, then it is not a VZ24, and it makes a lot mroe sense. Blackburn has dropped bottom metal for a 98 Mauser that is very nice. Will cost you $400+ just for the metal and you have to polish it. I only say that because you mentioned wanting to keep costs down. Different people have different ideas of "reasonable." WHat is your total budget for the project?

Thanks for the reply, Mark. I was under the impression the Daly was the VZ24...my bad.

Anyway, I would guess that the standard magazine on this action will be hard pressed to handle more than two down. I'd really like to get at least three or, preferably, four down since I'll normally be walking without one in the chamber and sometimes not have enough time to load one directly into the chamber...not an especially good idea anyway. A drop box would be an advantage, for sure. My concern is 'gilding the lily'. I figure I'll have about 750-800 in the barrelled action, maybe a bit more w/smithing, before sights. I guess I'll just have to decide if the drop box expense will be worth it; probably will be. Of course, then the stock must be done as well. I'd like to stay within 2,000-2,500 for the project if possible. Otherwise, I can just convert my extra M70 .375 into a bigger bore and utilize the action in another project.

Just curious, why would you ever carry a rifle in a situation where you could need or want to take a shot...and carry the rifle empty?

Just curious...

Rich

Here's a couple of views of one that I had machined up.

Nice looking metal work and blank. Bet the rifle turned out nicely.

backburn, sunnyhill, and if you wait a couple months, we'll probably have williams firearms.

what caliber are you planning on doing that a standard metal/action can't hold 3 down? the 404 dak WILL fit, with decent gunsmithing The standard daly action hold 3 HH based cases.

best of luck
jeffe

quote:

Originally posted by Idaho Sharpshooter:
Just curious, why would you ever carry a rifle in a situation where you could need or want to take a shot...and carry the rifle empty?

Just curious...

Rich

Many PH in Africa require clients to carry the rifle with an empty chamber.

I have no clue what they require of a client with a double!

I have no problem carrying an empty chamber.... until the fecal fan blades start spinning up, and then I am GOING to be hot... and when the moment passes, I am going to back down.

double rifles are usually carried hot, when you are in the region where you can hear the fecal fan blades.... so when the matter hits the fan, well, you get it.

from PURELY MY OWN perspective, comparing 2 double rifles, sevearl shotguns, and mauser/win 3 position says... i have to say the 3 position safety is more mechanically secure and STRONG... but, here's the but, it's easier for it to NOT been seen when it's off.

jeffe

there's another dumb thing I need to make sure of before I sign a contract and send money. Get a PH who thinks I am there to hunt and not carry an empty rifle around hoping the buffalo/zebra/kudu we deicde to go after is deaf when the PH shouts "lock and load...".

Are things that different in Africa?

Rich
DRSS

Every PH I have had in Zimbabwe has had me load up when we left the vehicle. I have never been asked to leave the chamber empty. I even got chewed out once when we stopped the vehicle to look at elephant tracks and I walked up the road a hundred yards or so on my own with out a rifle.

465H&H

Jeffe,
Thanks, you might have solved my problem. If I can verify that the factory mag will hold 3 .404 Dakotas down, I'm in biz. I just figured that putting those fat 'lil Dakotas in there would cut the capacity to two. If not, I'm pleased!