(Pics down below the long read)
I've long admired the .404 Jeffery cartridge. After having had the opportunity to build a few over the years for clients, I've had a real hankering to build one for myself. I slowly collected components, but as with many pet projects, I could never find the time to invest in getting it off the ground.
Then last year Martin Rodriguez (adictosacazar) generously offered up a free Cape buffalo hunt in Mozambique on the Outfitters Offered and Discounted Hunts. I was fortunate enough to be chosen as the winner. I had the catalyst I needed to get moving on the .404 build.
I started out with a plan to build a no-frills, hardworking rifle that I wouldn't mind dragging through the muck of the Zambezi Delta. I'm not sure the exact moment I realized things went awry, but I believe it was when I received the metal back from the engraver with gold inlay and was in the process of shipping off parts to Turnbull for color case hardening.

The Action:
Well, I started with a 1909 Argentine with Wiebe bottom metal (I still have the action and bottom metal if someone is interesting in having a .404 built). I had the markings re-cut and was in the process of completing the other alterations when another action fell in my lap. I was out to lunch with a friend in Phoenix, AZ this past May, and we were discussing upcoming hunts. I mentioned my .404 project and he said he had the perfect action for it. A Fred Wells with dropbox bottom metal. The price was right and I have an affinity for the Wells family, so I thought it would be special to build this rifle on one of his actions. The only catch was that several years ago a gunsmith had started a build on the action and had ground the rear bridge off. He has since passed away and the project had remained dormant.
The first order of business was building a rear bridge. I made the bridge to match what it would have looked like coming out of the Well's shop. I attached it to the receiver with screws and then added a slight bevel where the bridge mated with the receiver and also beveled the edges of the screws. Off it went to Glenn Fewless (hst) to be laser welded. Glenn did an incredible job, seamlessly blending the bridge to the action and covering the screws. He would probably be upset if I mentioned how fast he turned it around as others might expect it every time. Let's just say it was quick!
Other than the bridge, the only other work to the action was to shape the trigger guard, make the screws, and fit the Recknagel G9 mounts.
Oh yeah, and I swapped out the bolt shroud for one made by Stuart Saterlee (Timan). The one that came on the action was a two position and I really like Stuart's. It keeps the classic Mauser look while adding the three position feature better than any I've seen.

The Barrel:
A Lothar Walther. 24" long. .625 at the muzzle and 1.200 at the shank. Light! I made the rear banded sight base with secondary recoil lug. The front sight is a Masterpiece from NECG and sling band is also from them.

The Stock:
The blank is from Roger Vardy. I had never ordered a blank from him before but had seen so many beautiful stocks of Duane's that were sourced from Roger that I figured I'd give him a try. Very impressed! Not just with the blank, but Roger was awesome to deal with.
NECG trap door grip cap. .800 thick Deccelerator pad. My cross bolts. Ebony forend Tip. Nickel Silver Inlay. 22LPI wrap around point pattern with mullered border.
And the inletted sling swivel is from Wayne at American Hunting Rifles (bitteroot). Love the swivel but what I thought was really thoughtful is Wayne ships the proper fitting screw bit along with the swivels!

Final thoughts:
The gun weighs 8.5 lbs without the scope. It shoots well. 1" at 100 yards if I let the barrel cool (it heats up quick!). I only shot off the bench to regulate the sights and to shoot a couple groups with the scope. Since then I've stuck with shooting sticks or off-hand as I figure I won't find a bench in the bush next month and need to stick with practical shooting. Under these conditions Recoil's very manageable. The action cycles like glass and I've gotten pretty quick at reloading. I'm shooting a 400grn Swift A-Frame at 2250fps. A special thanks to Lee Owens (LongDistanceOperator) for loaning me his .404 Dies.
And on that note a big thank you to Saeed and the entire group here on AR. Lord willing I'll be on my first safari next month and I wouldn't have had the opportunity if it wasn't for this fine group of hunters and gun nuts.
Video of the build: https://youtu.be/ZiYQIBacYOI

Perfect!

What a beauty!!

Outstanding
Enjoy your hunt.

Wow! Just Wow!

Good Lord! An amazing piece of artwork.

When you get the first scratch on it on your hunt, and can't abide it, pm me for a sale price...

Seriously, Good luck on your Buff hunt. You'll never be the same again. Lucky you!

p.s. Superb caliber choice for Buff!

Beautiful job Matt, love everything about it!

That is as good as it gets! Brian

That is awesome work. What a treasure.

Beautiful work and execution as always Matt, best of luck on your hunt. On one of your pics it looks like there is some cast off on your stock, or is that just the picture? Thanks for posting.

Thank you all!

Jim - Good eye. Yes, there's about 3/16" cast off.

Superb job! Who did the gorgeous case colors?

Roger

Thanks Roger! Turnbull did the beautiful case work. They also turned it around in a week!

MNR,
Very nice rifle !
Just shows what can be done in 6 months if one puts their time into it. The long waits are what keep me from having more custom rifles built. Hell I just can’t justify waiting a year anymore.
Good luck on your hunt!
4WD

Matt,
Such a nice example of fine craftsmanship, perfect in every detail.

Very nice!

Superb craftsmanship.

Did you mention the engravers name? Might have missed it if you did.

Beautiful rifle and wonderful workmanship. Congrats.

Hi Roger,
I didn't mention it. He actually doesn't want his name on a public forum.

quote:

Originally posted by Scrollcutter:
Did you mention the engravers name? Might have missed it if you did.

Thanks Mike! Watching you handle the Wiebe built .404 Jeffery in Uganda with Tim Herald was part of the inspiration to go with this caliber.

quote:

Originally posted by MJines:
Beautiful rifle and wonderful workmanship. Congrats.

A beautiful rifle. I do love Roger Vardy's wood and conversation.

Absolutely gorgeous!

Now THAT's a DGR! Flawless rifle, well executed.

This is just AMAZING!!! cant wait to start hunting!!!! epic work! see you soon.

Shut up and take my money!!!!!!!!!!

What a magnificent piece of work!

What a gorgeous bush basher! Happy hunting!

My dream rifle!

gorgeous! enjoy your hunt!

Very well done. Best of luck on your hunt.

Stunning rifle!

Very nice. Well done!!!

Beautiful rifle! Perfect lines and stunning finishes.

Best of luck on your hunt!

That's a perfect example of a beautiful 404 befitting the Jefferey name. Sounds like your whole "muck rifle" was a total failure! We'll be expecting a full report on your hunt. Good luck!

Son-of-a-gun! I love it!

Zeke

Beautiful piece of work all around!

I have used one of those LW 404 Barrels, and a 9.3x64 in the same profile, they feel great, and look great.

Fantastic build, and of course, I am jealous you managed to find one of Well's actions!

Hurry off to Africa before you sell it. That IS what gunsmiths do with their guns, right?

quote:

Originally posted by squeezenhope:
Hurry off to Africa before you sell it. That IS what gunsmiths do with their guns, right?

Hey, I asked first!

Ha! You've got me pegged. Other than a few rifles I've inherited from family members, no gun I own is too sacred not to sell. I'm sure I'll be refinishing it after the hunt in time for trade show season and will welcome any offers on it

quote:

Originally posted by squeezenhope:
Hurry off to Africa before you sell it. That IS what gunsmiths do with their guns, right?