I started out attempting to have a classic style 404 Jeffery built few years back...that just ended up in dissappointment. Looked hard over the last couple of years to find one already built but that just never worked out either. I did bump into a really nice Hoffman Arms 375 H&H along the way and that puppy found a new home.

I finally got to the point where I just wanted to be done with my wish to own a 404 Jeffery and with that I sold off all my dies, brass, bullets, etc that were purchased in anticpation of owning a 404 Jeffery one day. I attempted to sell off all my stock blanks, unforunately I was stuck with one nice stick of Turkish.

Being unsucessful at selling that one stick of Turkish, I went back and forth on what to do and finally decided to move forward one more time on attempting to have another custom 404 Jeffery rifle built. This time I think the odds are on my side, at least I hope so.....

I placed an order for the rifle today ... This is the plan...as it currently exists, always open to suggestions.
1) English style, target weight 8.5 to 8 3/4 lbs w/out scope.
2) Granite Mountain Arms standard double square bridge action...I agonized over what action, finally deciding that the Double Square Bridged feature was important to me....
3) Possibly a ribbed barrel with quarter rib, barrel band swivel...24" Krieger.
4) Rust Blue and/or color case?
5) Scope mounting choices are Talley CZ style, Pivot or Claw...leaning toward Talley CZ style.
6) Quarter Rib with one standing, possibly 1 folding?
7) Cross bolts with some engraving or color csee?
8) Steel grip cap
9) 3 position safety.
10) hopefully four down
11) Oberndorf style bolt handle
12) Flat top or point checkering?, LPI?
13) Scope, not sure just yet
14) And least but not last my nice stick of Turkish Walnut, nicely aged at this point

Always open to suggestions, opinons, etc... what I am missing?

Best,

jjs

Who is the lucky gunsmith?
Butch

Ralph Martini is going to build the rifle. I think I spoke to him every day over the last week or so talking about what to do, etc. Ralph is a pleasure to deal with and looking at some of his work posted on AR and their website.

http://www.martiniandhagngunmakers.com

I really like his style.

I think I may be the luckly one...

None finer, congratulations and look forward to the updates on your new custom rifle!

Congratulation's it is going to be special. Ralf is a good person and a excellent gunsmith - your project is in good hands. Look forward to seeing some pictures!!!

Looks like he produces some classic works of art in firearms. Even on a lesser grade of custom built rifle, always enjoyed the planning and "dreaming" as much as the actual receipt of the rifle when done!! Definitely a class act.

if you are not happy with that gun when it is delivered i suggest you pick up another hobby. you will have no where else to go.

ralph is among the best there has ever been.
he simply slaughters the english (current) rifle makers in quality and style.

Sounds nice Jim. I would get the full integral low profile rib with it rising at the back like a quarter rib would. Would probably go with a 1/2 round 1/2 octagon barrel too. I personally would get one fixed and two flip up sights. For the optics I would go with the claws and a nice S&B low power scope. Maybe a flash-dot.

Terry

Thanks, I really appreciate all your input and any encouragement I can get from all you guys...

I have some time to settle on a few things and decide on a theme for this rifle...classic English or more Germanic/ European?

I am leaning toward Pivot Mounts for flexibility but have no experience with them, your thoughts?

Thanks,

jjs

I am sure your rifle will turn out good! I spoke to Ralph yesterday about going with another action instead of the CZ that I originally planned.The start of my project is awaiting an integral barrel on order.At first I thought about GMA but they come in to big, bulky and unattractive(pipe-like) of an action for my Lott.He mentioned he thought the GMA would make a good 404 because it is not to big in the standard size.I asked him about a Hartmann and Weiss and he said it would cost around 9K aside from the work cost and a long wait.He suggested we use a particular action someone sold him at the SCI.He asked me if I wanted him to send it to me and I told him to send a pic instead.It is a really nice classic style action that will not waste all the good work and nice wood that will be put in the rifle.I told him to build the rifle the way he thought right with a couple of suggestions or points that I brought up concerning recoil,drop of the stock comb?? barrel diameter and barrel lentgh.I did a search and saw some pics of a similar action and it is a beauty.I can't wait to see it on my Lott.