Advice – Buying vs Building a .404 Jeffery Rifle

[rohroh]

I'm looking to add a .404 Jeffery to the collection and I'm weighing my options between buying a factory rifle (if I can find one) or commissioning a custom build. I’d appreciate input from those with firsthand experience in either route.

Primarily intended for African PG and DG hunting, but I also value heritage, function, and aesthetics (this will be a working rifle, not a wall-hanger).

Budget is flexible but realistic. This will be my first rifle build. I’m after proper craftsmanship, not boutique bling.

Is anyone aware of current production rifles chambered in .404 Jeffery that are worth considering?

If I go the build route, I'd appreciate recommendations on:

Who do I need to speak to. Gunsmiths or custom builders with proven experience in large-bore dangerous game rifles. Preferably someone who has done this conversion or with understanding of feeding, extraction, and recoil management in DG rifles.

Is there a preferred donor rifle that's commonly converted to .404 Jeffery without major headaches? or is it more cost-effective and reliable to start with a new, purpose-built action?

Keen to hear about any builds, lessons learned, or any specific pitfalls to avoid.

I found a few articles on other forums, but they’re all from the states, where things are done alittle differently.

TIA

R

 

[Radstorm]

Hope this works - interesting video and maybe someone to let you know the costs - there is also Rigby -

You going to the game fair this weekend ? Just start asking the questions and I’m sure you will be pointed in the right direction.

 

[Heym SR20]

Boddington’s Safari Rifles is an excellent read.

I wouldn’t get too hung up on that Calibre per se. What’s more important is that it goes bang when you squeeze the trigger with enough of a bullet that does the job. 404 is a good cartridge, perhaps not the flattest shooting but 375, 416, 458s will all do the same job. Choice of bullet probably the most important part.

Ideally look for a Mauser type controlled round feed. But other actions work well. There are not many in the UK who know and understand such rifles.

I would go and have a chat with

I.S. Sweetman Gun and Rifle makers - Ian knows his stuff and builds rifles for many of the big names

Also

Contact us – J Roberts & Son

Contact us Soleland’s Farm Harbolets Road West Chiltington West Sussex RH20 2LG Monday to Friday 9.30am to 6pm Saturday by appointment Please call us on 01403 741786 during these times, or use the form below at any time. Soleland’s Farm Harbolets Road West Chiltington West Sussex RH20 2LG Monday...

jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk

Probably know big game rifles than anyone else in the UK

Also Westley Richards who are Birmingham based.

And London and Bisley based William Evans.

Rigby are also doing some really good work, and their basic PH bolt action is a good working rifle. You are paying for “brand” value.

Depending on your budget I wouldn’t overlook a CZ/Brno, older Sako’s or Win Mod 700.

Key with any rifle, especially a big rifle is that it fits you well and points where you look. Stock length, comb height etc is key.

With any DG rifle, magazine is key. It must feed reliably, and the floor plate must absolutely stay in place under the recoil. Many weld or screw them shut permanently. Only way you can be sure is by shooting them starting with a full magazine, and indeed Boddington recommends that all testing of any hunting rifle should be done with full magazines. Finding out that your rifle goes “bombs away” on the first shot can get a wee bit exciting.

A new rifle, built for you is a wonderful thing.

A good previously used rifle will save a lot of coin, but it’s not yours. It can be, and indeed a big rifle will be much carried and not used a lot. But most are simply never used, especially with cost of big game hunting where a Buffalo is $10 to $20k.

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

Budget?
Sold a few DG cartridge rifles recently
unless you want Gucci for the sake of Gucci most PHs want solid action, some prefer controlled feed, some less so.
CZ601s, Rugers, Mauser based Actions are the go to for those on a sensible budget (assume whatever budget you have for a sub 375 calibre and double it for larger bores. Restricted volumes available and a captive audience usually drives prices at auction and private sale up and up)

Pre-fit barrels from Lothar Walther are hard to beat as a drop in option for Mauser actions
Blaser barrels are available at the other end but my preference would be for traditional bolt lugs and less chance of a "Blaser Click" when black death is bearing down on me....

Mayfair built Mauser actions dominate the world of new DG builds

Lots of factory options and any of them can be rebarrelled
Some nice Sauer 202s around, just picked one up in 416Rem

 

[HonestJohn]

Once moons ago built a 404J myself.

Mauser 98 standard length action, opened bolt face to magnum. Fitted cross bolts and beaded it. Lothar drop in barrel, recknagel sights. Removed a bit in the front and a bit in the rear of the action, including the rear RHS outer wall, not much! Changed the feed lips (very very slowly) until it fed perfectly. Removed the mag box from the bottom metal. Used the wider mag weld inletting as ‘the’ magazine.

Fitted 5+ 1 half loaded - that’s a std Mauser without a belly mag! Could cycle it as fast as desired, no feed hang ups or ejection failures.

Recessed the extractor claw so you could pop it over a round if it fed in front / didn’t pick up under the rim, just in case. Mostly only a risk of reloading slowly whilst rifle pointing steeply downhill or feed ramps are polished too fine.

2 position bolt shroud safety, on or off, no confusing middle ground.

Few smiths would take on the project because it’s neither ‘fancy’ nor a simple ‘pop parts together’ job. Also, not many have the desire and willingness to work on a mausers feed ramps for the fear they get it wrong.

Sweetman as above, recommend them.

I’d say, do able for under £4k if you have a friendly smith / builder, because it’s really not that big of a deal to do, assuming you are starting with a decently stocked rifle to start with.

FN did do a commercial 404 - @welshwarrior

On here had one. Not sure he’s here as that name though, think it’s now @dm..something

A pre 64 magnum mod 70 is also worth doing it with, and the BRNO’s have been used for DG rifles for moons - although triggers are not great, and never will be, and you need to be familiar with the pull rearward to fire safety.

I did once fit another trigger to a Brno zkk; a mod 70, but it was a lot of work. You can also get 3 position side safeties on bolt shroud for the zkk.

If using a BRNO, I’d use a ZG47 as the trigger and safety are excellent already. And modify mag and lips to feed with above modifications. A ZG 47 conversion could be done closer to £2.5k I’d say. But for many builders, they might find it too much work and risk for the reward

 

[rohroh]

Budget?
Sold a few DG cartridge rifles recently
unless you want Gucci for the sake of Gucci most PHs want solid action, some prefer controlled feed, some less so.
CZ601s, Rugers, Mauser based Actions are the go to for those on a sensible budget (assume whatever budget you have for a sub 375 calibre and double it for larger bores. Restricted volumes available and a captive audience usually drives prices at auction and private sale up and up)

Pre-fit barrels from Lothar Walther are hard to beat as a drop in option for Mauser actions
Blaser barrels are available at the other end but my preference would be for traditional bolt lugs and less chance of a "Blaser Click" when black death is bearing down on me....

Mayfair built Mauser actions dominate the world of new DG builds

Lots of factory options and any of them can be rebarrelled
Some nice Sauer 202s around, just picked one up in 416Rem

I've been meaning to give you a call. Will you be at the game fair this weekend?

 

[Edinburgh Rifles]

I've been meaning to give you a call. Will you be at the game fair this weekend?

Sadly not
I am still in possession of both my kidneys

The Game Fairs have become unsustainable in my opinion.
Far too expensive to exhibit
Only BASC members flooding in to the English Game Fair, removing the free tickets to the Scottish Game Fair has seen footfall drop too far to justify attendance as a business

 

[rohroh]

Once moons ago built a 404J myself.

Mauser 98 standard length action, opened bolt face to magnum. Fitted cross bolts and beaded it. Lothar drop in barrel, recknagel sights. Removed a bit in the front and a bit in the rear of the action, including the rear RHS outer wall, not much! Changed the feed lips (very very slowly) until it fed perfectly. Removed the mag box from the bottom metal. Used the wider mag weld inletting as ‘the’ magazine.

Fitted 5+ 1 half loaded - that’s a std Mauser without a belly mag! Could cycle it as fast as desired, no feed hang ups or ejection failures.

Recessed the extractor claw so you could pop it over a round if it fed in front / didn’t pick up under the rim, just in case. Mostly only a risk of reloading slowly whilst rifle pointing steeply downhill or feed ramps are polished too fine.

2 position bolt shroud safety, on or off, no confusing middle ground.

Few smiths would take on the project because it’s neither ‘fancy’ nor a simple ‘pop parts together’ job. Also, not many have the desire and willingness to work on a mausers feed ramps for the fear they get it wrong.

Sweetman as above, recommend them.

I’d say, do able for under £4k if you have a friendly smith / builder, because it’s really not that big of a deal to do, assuming you are starting with a decently stocked rifle to start with.

FN did do a commercial 404 - @welshwarrior

On here had one. Not sure he’s here as that name though, think it’s now @dm..something

A pre 64 magnum mod 70 is also worth doing it with, and the BRNO’s have been used for DG rifles for moons - although triggers are not great, and never will be, and you need to be familiar with the pull rearward to fire safety.

I did once fit another trigger to a Brno zkk; a mod 70, but it was a lot of work. You can also get 3 position side safeties on bolt shroud for the zkk.

If using a BRNO, I’d use a ZG47 as the trigger and safety are excellent already. And modify mag and lips to feed with above modifications. A ZG 47 conversion could be done closer to £2.5k I’d say. But for many builders, they might find it too much work and risk for the reward

You didn't happen to document / photo the books at all?

I've found a Zastava in 375H&H that i might get as a donor.

 

[Kalahari]

Possibly get a CZ550 (Safety moves how you expect it to.) in a magnum action, sort the feed out and spend the rest of the money on a plain straight grained stock that really, really fits you.
Scrumbag of this parish has one in (I think) a commercial FN action.

David.

 

[HonestJohn]

You didn't happen to document / photo the books at all?

I've found a Zastava in 375H&H that i might get as a donor.

No books

The 375 you mentioned will be the easy option for sure. Barrel, get feed lips and ramps right, follower angles to take the new case, extractor and ejector (one is rimmed, the other is not). And a new barrel

 

[Kalahari]

No books

The 375 you mentioned will be the easy option for sure. Barrel, get feed lips and ramps right, follower angles to take the new case, extractor and ejector (one is rimmed, the other is not). And a new barrel

Just to be an awkward, pedantic, grumpy old b'staard the 375 H&H is belted, not rimmed.

David.

 

[bowji john]

I had a 404 Jef built on a mauser 98 action that came from HM Poole

It was poorly built

I required absolute reliability for the work I was doing

I ended up throwing it away

Choose your gunsmith carefully !!

and...

Ensure that whom everbuilds it, follows Paul Mausers recommendations and design parameters

404 Jeff is intolerant of incorrect mag specs, feed lips and load ramp

 

[sh1kar]

I'm looking to add a .404 Jeffery to the collection and I'm weighing my options between buying a factory rifle (if I can find one) or commissioning a custom build. I’d appreciate input from those with firsthand experience in either route.

Primarily intended for African PG and DG hunting, but I also value heritage, function, and aesthetics (this will be a working rifle, not a wall-hanger).

Budget is flexible but realistic. This will be my first rifle build. I’m after proper craftsmanship, not boutique bling.

Is anyone aware of current production rifles chambered in .404 Jeffery that are worth considering?

If I go the build route, I'd appreciate recommendations on:

Who do I need to speak to. Gunsmiths or custom builders with proven experience in large-bore dangerous game rifles. Preferably someone who has done this conversion or with understanding of feeding, extraction, and recoil management in DG rifles.

Is there a preferred donor rifle that's commonly converted to .404 Jeffery without major headaches? or is it more cost-effective and reliable to start with a new, purpose-built action?

Keen to hear about any builds, lessons learned, or any specific pitfalls to avoid.

I found a few articles on other forums, but they’re all from the states, where things are done alittle differently.

TIA

R

Give Margarita a call

Bunduki

 

[HonestJohn]

Just to be an awkward, pedantic, grumpy old b'staard the 375 H&H is belted, not rimmed.

David.

That’s exactly it, the bolt face and claw will be off spec for a 404

 

[Klenchblaize]

https://www.clguns.com/

K

 

[sh1kar]

https://www.clguns.com/

View attachment 430065
K

Yep Ron Wharton. Hence suggestion to talk to Margarita

 

[Selous]

Hasn’t Ron Wharton passed away?

 

[Selous]

No books

The 375 you mentioned will be the easy option for sure. Barrel, get feed lips and ramps right, follower angles to take the new case, extractor and ejector (one is rimmed, the other is not). And a new barrel

I'm looking to add a .404 Jeffery to the collection and I'm weighing my options between buying a factory rifle (if I can find one) or commissioning a custom build. I’d appreciate input from those with firsthand experience in either route.

Primarily intended for African PG and DG hunting, but I also value heritage, function, and aesthetics (this will be a working rifle, not a wall-hanger).

Budget is flexible but realistic. This will be my first rifle build. I’m after proper craftsmanship, not boutique bling.

Is anyone aware of current production rifles chambered in .404 Jeffery that are worth considering?

If I go the build route, I'd appreciate recommendations on:

Who do I need to speak to. Gunsmiths or custom builders with proven experience in large-bore dangerous game rifles. Preferably someone who has done this conversion or with understanding of feeding, extraction, and recoil management in DG rifles.

Is there a preferred donor rifle that's commonly converted to .404 Jeffery without major headaches? or is it more cost-effective and reliable to start with a new, purpose-built action?

Keen to hear about any builds, lessons learned, or any specific pitfalls to avoid.

I found a few articles on other forums, but they’re all from the states, where things are done alittle differently.

TIA

R

Just a thought but there are some CZ550 rifles for sale in the Holts sealed bid auction if the sale hasn’t already happened. They look quite new and the .416 Rigby is a lovely old round that is similar ballistically or slightly better than the .404. You could then get it fettled for form and function and restocked by Gary cane so it looks like this one off his website.
Not a .404 but the .416 is much easier to get ammunition for which is also a valid consideration. The same could be said for the .416 Remington, .375 H&H and .458 Win Mag and Lott.

 

[Selous]

Of course there is always the definitively correct option…….,and perhaps not far away from you

W.J.Jeffery & Co

W.J. Jeffery & Co. are pleased to reintroduce a limited production of their classic bolt action .500 Jeffery and .404 Jeffery rifles. Modelled after Jeffery’s original Magnum Mauser rifles of the 1930’s, these classic Big Game rifles are once again made in Birmingham and remain the pre eminent

www.wjjeffery.com

 

[HonestJohn]

Of course there is always the definitively correct option…….,and perhaps not far away from you

W.J.Jeffery & Co

W.J. Jeffery & Co. are pleased to reintroduce a limited production of their classic bolt action .500 Jeffery and .404 Jeffery rifles. Modelled after Jeffery’s original Magnum Mauser rifles of the 1930’s, these classic Big Game rifles are once again made in Birmingham and remain the pre eminent

www.wjjeffery.com

Pretty - looks like a Mayfair action not a proper Mauser. Bit too polished, not a working tool. Smithson rings are a nice touch, although not the most reliable locking function at these calibres

Here’s what a 404 should look like - Mauser Oberndorf Custom Type