I want to build a .404 and am in the initial planning stages. I'm looking for action and barrel suggestions. I have a few Winchester magnum actions (300 Weatherby, 300 RUM, pre-64 300 H&H, and a classic 375 H&H). I also have a 1909 Argentine and know where I can pick up a Browning Safari with the long extractor for around $900. I also see Whitworths in 375 available regularly for reasonable prices. I know the RUM would be the easiest, but my action is stainless and I want a blued rifle. Sooo, what do the experts recommend for an action? I want to build a light rifle (smallest practical contour) with a barrel band and possibly a quarter rib. What barrel should I look for?

okay.. not putting you off your goal --your specs may not flow together.. light and quarter rib and barrel band aren't really going to combine. and a barrel with intregal band is spendy ...

decide which action you want it on, and then call the 3 gunsmiths you want to do the work .. and ask them what they prefer to work on ..

you can blue stainless .. several ways around it, btw

light rifle/smallest barrel .. thats going to be a custom job .. most barrel makers now want .125 or more per side, at the muzzle.. thick and heavy

I'm doing one almost just like you. A classic quick pointing gun. I am using a Model 70 7mmstw action. My smith ordered a uncontoured CM Krieger and will be contouring it very similar to the original Mauser contours of these 404 rifles. Very light and well balanced. I have the print of the original contour if you would like to see it. I am also doing same rifle in 375 Weatherby with a Brux CM barrel that they were kind enough to contour to Mauser specs.

I'm having my 404J done on an Argentine action with a Krieger barrel. Only a front post and peep on the rear, with a claw mount small scope like a Leupold 1.5-5. Duane Weibe has great bottom metal for this, holds 4 down but keeps the lines slim and trim. Should be trim. If Duane does it for you, you don't necessarily need 3 gunsmiths.

mrfudd, I'll ask you the same "first" question I'd ask anyone contemplating a custom rifle, "What's your budget?"

The answer to that question provides the guardrails for all the information you wish to receive. Expensewise, there's a world of difference between rebarreling a M70 RUM and building a full-custom 404 Jeffery on a standard Mauser action.

The same project is taking shape in my mind....in NZ$ - this would give me a basic solid rifle. I could upgrade with a Lothar Walther quarter rib barrel for another $500 or so. I would have do the stock work myself if I used a Turkish blank. I would rust blue it myself.


HUNTERBID TURKISH WALNUT BLANK OPTION NZ$
Mauser 98 action $350.00
Walnut blank $300.00
Inletting & cross bolts $150.00
Recoil pad $45.00
NEGC Foresight Masterpiece with silver & night beads $180.00
NEGC rear 2 leaf island & sight $230.00
MAB Barrel - 404 Jeffery $400.00
Barrel chambering & threading, fitting etc. $250.00
Metal work on magazine, bolt face & bolt handle $200.00
Ghost ring sight - XS $90.00
Sling Studs, barrel band etc $50.00
Timney Trigger $75.00
Dies Hornady $150.00
Cases X 50 $200.00
$2,670.00

GREAT AMERICAN STOCK COMPANY OPTION NZ$
Mauser 98 action $350.00
Walnut Stock - SN: 08262A with cross bolts $450.00
Recoil pad $45.00
NEGC Foresight Masterpiece with silver & night beads $180.00
NEGC rear 2 leaf island & sight $230.00
MAB Barrel - 404 Jeffery $400.00
Barrel chambering & threading, fitting etc. $250.00
Metal work on magazine, bolt face & bolt handle $200.00
Ghost ring sight - XS $90.00
Sling Studs, barrel band etc $50.00
Timney Trigger $75.00
Dies Hornady $150.00
Cases X 50 $200.00
$2,670.00
EXTRAS
Double set trigger
Grip cap with trap door $285.00
Magazine & follower Bkackburn $625.00
Less gunsmith work on mag etc. -$100.00
TOTAL WITH EXTRAS $3,480.00

quote:

Originally posted by ForrestB:
mrfudd, I'll ask you the same "first" question I'd ask anyone contemplating a custom rifle, "What's your budget?"

The answer to that question provides the guardrails for all the information you wish to receive. Expensewise, there's a world of difference between rebarreling a M70 RUM and building a full-custom 404 Jeffery on a standard Mauser action.

My budget is closer to the Model 70 rebarrel- I can't afford the full custom route. I don't need the quarter rib or integral lug/sight. I would be happy with a soldered barrel band and good basic sights. My main requirements are perfect feeding, good balance, and preferably light weight. I would prefer a Mauser action, but realize that the Model 70 would be cheaper (no need to replace trigger or safety).