I've wanted a 404 for a long time. Several times I tried to give up the dream, convincing myself that it was not practical or cost effective. Then I reminded myself that I'm never practical when it comes to hunting...

I opted for the Parkwest SD Bushveld in OD green with quarter rib, extra-large bolt knob, and Leuopold Deltapoint in preparation for elephant next year. On Saturday morning I picked it up from my FFL and this gun is sweeeeet! Shoulders so nicely and is just a touch front heavy which is my preference. I rattled off a few rounds and really enjoyed shooting this set up. God willing, this will get a lot of good use from me and then be passed on down to my boys. Special thanks to Jason and the whole Parkwest team who helped me through the process!

Handy practical 404. What rounds are you using in it?

Very nice!

quote:

Originally posted by eagle27:
Handy practical 404. What rounds are you using in it?

I picked up a few boxes of Hornad 400 grain DGXs to get started. However, I also had some custom loads made up with 400 grain Barnes banded solids in anticipation for elephant next year.

Nice lines in the Parkwest rifles.
What does she weigh as set up but unloaded please ?

Very nice! Lovely proportions.

Nice looking rifle! I too had Parkwest make a 404 Jeffery for me (and a 338-06 as a pair). I did a wood rifle with 23” barrels, and mounted a Leupold fixed 2.5 scope. Parkwest has carried on the Dakota brand honorably, which is not a surprise, as they retained the same people in the shop as well as the shop foreman. Congrats on your beautiful rifle!

Very nice and clean looking! What’s the weight on that one?

Great looking rifle. That RMR is perfect for DG African hunts. Used a similar setup for elephant and really liked it. You will get outstanding performance from the Barnes Banded Solids. Happy Hunting !

Thanks all for the kind words!

For those who asked on weight, I got it at 8 lbs 6 ounces when I weighed it today. Originally, I was planning on having the mercury recoil reducers installed but eventually decided against it. The reducers would have added around another pound. I think this strikes a good balance. The gun handles and carries beautifully. At this weight, the recoil is an expected step up from my 375 but very manageable. I'm confident that this rifle will serve me well and I intend to put some miles on it.

Surefire...the Parkwest team certainly has not missed a beat in the transition! Everyone I dealt with was outstanding and their rifles are fine pieces of equipment. This was my first rifle built by their team but it will not be my last.

That’s really nice. Congratulations.

It doesn't look as though you can see the rear open sight through that thing. I'd memorise where the aiming mark sits and then practise shooting with the light off.

very great rifle and great caliber. great choice. any specific for that red dot?

quote:

Originally posted by medved:
very great rifle and great caliber. great choice. any specific for that red dot?

Thanks!

The red dot is the Leupold Deltapoint Pro. The mount was made in house by Parkwest. I’m still playing with some of the features but I’ve enjoyed it so far. The motion sensor is nice. Turn in on as you head into the field and after 5 minutes of inactivity it deactivates. As soon as you shoulder the gun, the dot pops back on.