I examined one of these rifles and was very impressed with the wood and engraving... and I expect it to be well-made since it is a German gun but I know little about them. Any thoughts or opinions?

Russell,

I have one in .450 NE and it is very solid. I have not used it extensively but enough to feel that it is a good value for the money. The steel for the barrels is top notch, sights are good (deep V on the rear), triggers are crisp. I had a leather recoil pad put on mine since the original pad was damn ugly. Some folks hate the beavertail forearm, I happen to prefer it. Drive into to Houston on Sunday and you are welcome to shoot it at the range.

Seems to me a recall Cabelas having one in .458 Win Mag that looked really nice for something like $14K.

Thanks Mike... was yours orginally chambered in .450NE or was it a .458WM that was rechambered? And is accuracy decent?

And thank for the offer to shoot yours but I am fishing South Padre this weekend but if I can get a raincheck.

It was originally chambered in .450 NE. Accuracy is very good if you shoot loads that are consistent with the standard velocity for the caliber, i.e., 2150 fps. The Hornady ammo for the .450 NE is substantially slower and consequentially the groups open up some. Part of the problem may be that my rifle has 24" barrels and it is not uncommon for the .450 NEs to come with 26"/28" barrels. Velocity would undoubtedly be higher in those rifles with the Hornady ammo.

Open offer.

[That would be a thought, get the .458 Win Mag and have JJ rechamber that for .450 NE, something he has done many times.]

They have a very nice Ritterbush gun a Cabelas right now for sale at an attractive price. I looked at the gun myself but went in a different way.

http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100083504


[That would be a thought, get the .458 Win Mag and have JJ rechamber that for .450 NE, something he has done many times.][/QUOTE]

True, but you must be careful, not all 458 win mags can be rechambered to a 450 NE. Some of the guns "opening arc" of the action cannot clear the 450 rim, just will not arc enough open. Might get someone to look at this before biting this chunk off.

Ed

Mike, are you out at Bayou this Sunday? If so let me know what time. Have some new loads I need to try out. Bob

Bob,

That is the plan. I usually try to get out there early before the temperature gets up too high. I generally get there around 8:30 or so. I have a .416 Rigby I am playing with and will probably bring the Ritterbusch out to try some loads that should be getting closer to the 2150 fps mark.

Mike. I'll be out Sinday am.
Bob

See you there.