Some of you were with me at DSC when I bought a piece of wood. With a little help from forrestb and a riflemaker named Duane Wiebe, I'm about to take delivery of my 404 Jeffery.

Hi Wink,

Love it...congrats to you and Duane.

When you have a chance give us a few details on the rifle specs.

Great to see another 404 Jeffery, fantasic chambering!

Best,

Jim

Very nice!

Jim,

The spec sheet is pretty darn basic: Mauser Argentine 1909 action, Kreiger barrel, barrel banded front sight is a post, barrel banded rear sight is a square cut (like on a pistol), claw mounts (barrel banded front claw mount since I wanted to leave the front ring crest visible) with a Leupold 1.5-5 with German N° 1 reticle scope. The grip tangs are of course a little unusual on a basic rifle. I didn't pick a super figured piece of wood, opting for a strong and dense piece since it's a 404. In other words, I chose function over form in most of my decisions. Doesn't mean it can't look good of course.

I intend to hunt in Africa with this rifle. I have never been on a dangerous game hunt, shooting everything so far with my .375 H&H. In fact, I have delayed my first buffalo hunt to be able to do it with this rifle. At least, that's the plan.

Congratulations....Beautiful rifle!

Where did you get the walnut?


Best,
Dave

Wink,

Has Duane weighed this beauty yet?

Always nice when a plan starts to come together. Funny, I delayed my last hunt a couple of years until I got my 404 done.

Of course would love to know about your plans and options as you move forward.

Hope you can make Dallas this year. I was talking with Forrest and would love to see you guys.

quote:

Originally posted by DavidC:
Congratulations....Beautiful rifle!

Where did you get the walnut?


Best,
Dave

David, the actual purchase was done at the Dallas Safari Club convention a couple of years ago. I think I had been sampling different kinds of scotch while others were talking knowingly all about stocks, and then all of sudden I owned one! Was it Luxus gunstocks? That's what I remember. I also remember that they were great to deal with. I didn't expect the fiddleback at all, since it was hardly apparent when I bought the blank.

Wow that is a beautiful and functional piece of the gunmaker's art! I like the fact you passed on the fore end tip... very classy rifle!

Very functional! The kind of rifle that a real hunter would have. Excellent, IMHO.
Peter.

quote:

Originally posted by jjs:
Wink,

Has Duane weighed this beauty yet?

Always nice when a plan starts to come together. Funny, I delayed my last hunt a couple of years until I got my 404 done.

Of course would love to know about your plans and options as you move forward.

Hope you can make Dallas this year. I was talking with Forrest and would love to see you guys.

Duane tells me it weighs 8 pounds 14 ounces without the scope. When Duane asked what type of rifle I wanted, I said "trim". Should be easy to carry and easy to point. With a near 375 H&H level of recoil, I see no downside. 14 1/4 inch length of pull IIRC. Heck, I may decide that the 404 replaces the 375 as the ideal Africa caliber, now that I own this rifle of course.

Gorgeous rifle in an excellent chambering! There is nothing about this rifle not to like! It is just a shame all that effort was wasted on a '09.... Seriously though, that is one fine rifle and I hope my two '09 projects can come out half that nice!

I haven't yet seen the rifle in person, so you are all seeing as much as I am. But as I examine the photos there are several things I really like: check out the break in the checkering on the wrist where the floorplate is screwed in, also, take a look at the junction of the receiver front ring and the barrel band front claw mount. This is pure Duane Wiebe. I can only conclude that if you pick Duane to do build your rifle, just give him the broad goals and let him make it.

Very nice, great chambering, etc !

quote:

I think I had been sampling different kinds of scotch while others were talking knowingly all about stocks, and then all of sudden I owned one! Was it Luxus gunstocks?

Thats funny...Nice looking rifle. I didnt even notice the missing forend tip until it was mentioned. A 404 on an Argie, good for you!

Enjoy!!!

Great action and a beautiful rifle. I know you and Duane are both proud of that one.

Terry

Congratulations - Thats as good as a working rifle gets and a perfect caliber for buff. (try A-Frames)

Can mine be far behind?

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
I can only conclude that if you pick Duane to do build your rifle, just give him the broad goals and let him make it.

The man appears to have superb taste. Your rifle is an absolute stunner.

Very nice looking rifle. Congratulations on a real beauty.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:

David, the actual purchase was done at the Dallas Safari Club convention a couple of years ago. I think I had been sampling different kinds of scotch while others were talking knowingly all about stocks, and then all of sudden I owned one! Was it Luxus gunstocks? That's what I remember. I also remember that they were great to deal with. I didn't expect the fiddleback at all, since it was hardly apparent when I bought the blank.

It was definitely Luxus. I guess I didn't have enough Scotch as I remember the day well. Adam and Clay had Adam's truck loaded down with blanks and (along with a couple of other AR guys) we spent at least an hour going through them. This blank was the sleeper of the bunch...and it looks even better than we imagined at the time. I remember thinking this blank was worth a lot more than the asking price and now I think it was easily worth twice the asking price. It's a beauty.

Wink,

Congratulations on your rifle it looks like a real "tool"......very classy. I was also there on the wood hunt and I remember thinking at the time - if you don't buy that blank then I was.

That is exactly what I picture when I think of a fine big bore stock! Knowing those who helped with the selection, I am not surprized at all. Great stick, great craftsmanship, just a fine gun in all aspects. Arthur Olds

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:

David, the actual purchase was done at the Dallas Safari Club convention a couple of years ago. I think I had been sampling different kinds of scotch while others were talking knowingly all about stocks, and then all of sudden I owned one! Was it Luxus gunstocks? That's what I remember. I also remember that they were great to deal with. I didn't expect the fiddleback at all, since it was hardly apparent when I bought the blank.

It was definitely Luxus. I guess I didn't have enough Scotch as I remember the day well. Adam and Clay had Adam's truck loaded down with blanks and (along with a couple of other AR guys) we spent at least an hour going through them. This blank was the sleeper of the bunch...and it looks even better than we imagined at the time. I remember thinking this blank was worth a lot more than the asking price and now I think it was easily worth twice the asking price. It's a beauty.

There's even more to the story. The blank was a very big piece of wood, big enough for two stocks and two stocks had been outlined into the blank. One half looked interesting, the other half just ho-hum. This is the ho-hum half of the blank. Since the gentlemen from Luxus (and they are very good guys) were selling it to me for what was less than most of the other single stock blanks I figured I would take the plunge. Haven't figured what to build around the other half yet. Any ideas out there, before Duane decides to expropriate the remaining half?

first off congrats to all involved, what a beautiful rifle. How about a 7x57 built up to be a slightly scaled down version of the 404, now that would be a great, classic pair!

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
...Haven't figured what to build around the other half yet. Any ideas out there...

Wink, you must have really had a lot of Scotch if you're forgetting you agreed that the "other half" was to be my consulting fee.

I wish I could see your 404 next to mine. They are very similar but there are some definite differences. This rifle is the perfect balance between artistic design and "all-business" attitude...I can't wait to read your hunt report next.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
...Haven't figured what to build around the other half yet. Any ideas out there...

Wink, you must have really had a lot of Scotch if you're forgetting you agreed that the "other half" was to be my consulting fee.

I wish I could see your 404 next to mine. They are very similar but there are some definite differences. This rifle is the perfect balance between artistic design and "all-business" attitude...I can't wait to read your hunt report next.

This could get delicate, first Duane asked me for the other half, now you. And this whole thing wouldn't have happened without your help, so I'm going to have to learn live with a really heavy moral dilemma. Fortunately, this forum has helped me a lot in learning to live with moral dilemmas. My wife still doesn't know I did this.

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:
...Haven't figured what to build around the other half yet. Any ideas out there...

Wink, you must have really had a lot of Scotch if you're forgetting you agreed that the "other half" was to be my consulting fee.

I wish I could see your 404 next to mine. They are very similar but there are some definite differences. This rifle is the perfect balance between artistic design and "all-business" attitude...I can't wait to read your hunt report next.

This could get delicate, first Duane asked me for the other half, now you. And this whole thing wouldn't have happened without your help, so I'm going to have to learn live with a really heavy moral dilemma. Fortunately, this forum has helped me a lot in learning to live with moral dilemmas. My wife still doesn't know I did this.

Wink, you have my complete and full support.

Sounds like the blank is yours since no written agreement has been produced and Forrest is just attempting to take advantage of you while you were under the influence...not sure what Duane's motives are but...

You may want to open a US bank account keep certain transactions "confidential". Have Duane and Forrest executed non-disclosure agreements...no need for loose lips stuff...

I had a situation come up where I ("unfortunately" and "unknowingly") filled out two custom gun orders at once..at least that's my story.

If there is any way I can be of help, please let me know.

Wink,

Nice rifle! You have to watch out for them Texans. Forrest just needs another pair of 270 rifles, by Duane.

You will really like the 404.

HBH

ok well why not...
Wink, you should recall that it was me who sold you the blank and as per our agreement you were to send the unused portion back to me!

That makes three of us who are speaking up....just how many others have you made deals with while under the influence?
Sounds like a Bill Clinton situation transpiring here!



Seriously though, nice rifle you got there.

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:

quote:

Originally posted by Wink:

David, the actual purchase was done at the Dallas Safari Club convention a couple of years ago. I think I had been sampling different kinds of scotch while others were talking knowingly all about stocks, and then all of sudden I owned one! Was it Luxus gunstocks? That's what I remember. I also remember that they were great to deal with. I didn't expect the fiddleback at all, since it was hardly apparent when I bought the blank.

It was definitely Luxus. I guess I didn't have enough Scotch as I remember the day well. Adam and Clay had Adam's truck loaded down with blanks and (along with a couple of other AR guys) we spent at least an hour going through them. This blank was the sleeper of the bunch...and it looks even better than we imagined at the time. I remember thinking this blank was worth a lot more than the asking price and now I think it was easily worth twice the asking price. It's a beauty.

Forrest-----I think I was one of the ones who went outside that day to go through the blanks with you in Adams truck. If I remember it was COLD!

Hi Wink,
Nice rifle you got yourself.
But one detail would drive any gunsmith, this side of the pond, completely nuts, the slot of the screw on the triggerguard in not in line. Not meant as a critic, but can it still be corrected ?

quote:

Originally posted by bobby van der Putten:
Hi Wink,
Nice rifle you got yourself.
But one detail would drive any gunsmith, this side of the pond, completely nuts, the slot of the screw on the triggerguard in not in line. Not meant as a critic, but can it still be corrected ?

Holy crap, this comes up again? Duane purposely leaves the screws like that so that as they are tightened over time they do not go past 12 o'clock. H&H, Purdey, WR, etc. do it the same way.

Wink / Duane,

Great rifle! Very well done on all fronts.

Duane, are you planning on "accuracy testing" this rifle on Friday?

quote:

But one detail would drive any gunsmith, this side of the pond, completely nuts, the slot of the screw on the triggerguard in not in line. Not meant as a critic, but can it still be corrected ?

I think Duane just forgot this time...lmao

quote:

Originally posted by srtrax:

quote:

But one detail would drive any gunsmith, this side of the pond, completely nuts, the slot of the screw on the triggerguard in not in line. Not meant as a critic, but can it still be corrected ?

I think Duane just forgot this time...lmao

You will see that the screw in question is timed just short of true and I know my GS did this on both of my 98 builds as he said that as the action 'settles in' to the stock after 20-30 rounds the timing will come right. If Duane has not done the test firing yet then the timing may noit be finalised at the time the pic was taken.

Von Gruff.

Gorgeous, heart stopping, stomach churning.....

I want one just like that!

Thanks for sharing and good luck with all the hunts that rifle i going to give you.

Now that is very nice but a warning to all, Scotch is a demon drink and this is entirely the result of imbibing too much. Just enjoying a nice Glenfiddich myself right now as I drool over your photos. Well done Wink, nice Mauser in a grand old cartridge.

Hey Wink, You've certainly sorted a beautiful Buff rifle.
Where are you chasing the Buff?

Can youm please post lots & lots of photos of this rifle. I just want to archive it in my own database for future reference when i start my 404 jeffery project (after I finish my 9.5X57 mannlicher schoenauer restock.)

I really like those classic lines.

Wink, if you were building the same rifle and intended that a scope would never be mounted, what would you do differently?

If you told Duane that your rifle was to be iron sights only and offered no input beyond that statement, what do you guess that he would do?

and yes I'm trying to go to school on your most excellent rifle.