I was just informed by a gunsmith that a M98 action is not long enough for a .404 Jeffery. Instead he wanted to use a Whitworth Mk-X style D or Montana Long Mag. Is this true??

cengel---

You might consider changing "gunsmiths".

The Mk-X is EXACTLY the same lenght as a standard M-98, except the magazine opening has been extended to the front......which can be hazardous.

The M-99 Montana would be a good choice. They're 375 lenghth with plenty of metal left. You'll probably be limited to three cartridges in the magazine, though.

No matter WHAT you use, it'll take a LOT of work and expense.

[ 05-19-2003, 20:18: Message edited by: JBelk ]

Jack is correct...

If you want a 1999 I will sell you one for $450. I also have a 404 for sale sorta...

I could not find a drop box for a 1999 action that was specific for the 404 Jefferys, they are available in the M-98 Mauser.

Thanks... I thought he was off the mark.... I've not heard much good about the Montana actions. Are they appropriate or am I better off with an m98?

Correction: I haven't heard anything bad about the Montanas-just the problem Ray mentioned...

[ 05-19-2003, 22:57: Message edited by: cengel ]

cengel---

I'm working on a couple M-98s now on the milling machine. Carefully (I desperately hope) taking away metal that can't be replaced so a larger cartridge will feed "Mauser style", slicker than wet grass at a hundred miles an hour.

Half century ago FN started carving on their commercial action in such a way they could fit altered military magazine boxes to. It was cheaper that way.

FN milled away the front of a military box and spot welded in a sheet metal arch that extended the magazine from 3.5 to 3.8 inches. That's plenty long enough for the 375 or 404 BUT........

All the metal removed for the extension came from the feed ramp...which is also the abuttment for the bottom (right) locking lug. There isn't enough left to keep the action as solid and strong as it should be. Mark X did the exact same thing on the Whitworth.

Any action you're likely to find will have to have special bottom metal to reliably feed the 404. Blackburn makes them, so does (or will) Jim Wisner.

The Montana is a great action and I love them. They're handicapped right now by the lack of custom boxes, but I'll bet that's about to change.