Disappointed In My New 404 Jeffery

[Andrew Short]

I was a little confused, I am pretty sure I saw pictures of two different rifles? The last set of pictures shows a stock with a raised comb? Is it possible that the stock on this rifle is a bit high for iron sights, possibly causing you to really have to press down on the comb to be able to align your sights. My original .404 Jefferies had the stock replaced with a stock with a very high, thick comb, it was impossible to shoot. I replaced the stock with a standard Bell and Carlson stock (14 1/4) fits perfect now!
I love your front sights. Beautiful rifle.

Yes I think that you are spot on regarding the comb being high. I really have to get down to have a good look at the sights.
It shoulders completely different than my 416.

 

[Andrew Short]

Somebody dissatisfied with a .404...now that's something you don't see everyday. You'd almost think it was illegal the way some talk about the .404 wonder bore. I will say that 69ft/lbs sounds like a fun time. I'm getting 71 with a Ruger No. 1 in .458 Lott running 500 grain bullets hard. I can see how you might not enjoy it. Keep the Rigby and sell the odd bore.

Here on AH I think think it’s a one of the commandments that though shall love the 404 Jeffery! Haha

I certainly love the caliber and history that accompanies it.

 

[Scott CWO]

Screw in recoil reducer in the butt works well, though it can make the rifle a bit unbalanced. If set up correctly you can remove it in a couple of minutes. I have one for my R8 that I can install or take out at will although I don’t use it as 375H&H doesn’t need it.

When choosing recoil reducers keep in mind mercury is not allowed for air travel. It reacts with aluminium.

I’ve not heard that mercury is not allowed for air travel. Good to know! Does it show up when the rifle is scanned??

 

[Andrew Short]

I was not aware of this either.

 

[WAB]

I’ve not heard that mercury is not allowed for air travel. Good to know! Does it show up when the rifle is scanned??

Apparently not, mentioning for a friend...

 

[Opposite Pole]

Check out aluminum mercury amalgam reaction videos, wouldn’t want that happening to a plane.

 

[Shootist43]

Guys, the fly in the ointment is the weight of the rifle period.
Think of it, there is no rational way for a 404 Jeffery to kick harder than a 416 Rigby, all other things being equal.

 

[WAB]

Guys, the fly in the ointment is the weight of the rifle period.
Think of it, there is no rational way for a 404 Jeffery to kick harder than a 416 Rigby, all other things being equal.

The weight is definitely a problem. However, felt recoil can be greatly affected by stock fit. That stock looks to have a very high comb and a lot of drop at the butt. In my mind that is going to send recoil toward a face that is already pushed down hard on the comb to get onto the sights. I greatly prefer a classic stock design with a much higher butt position relative to the bore.

 

[Shootist43]

WAB, agreed. The last portion of my post says "all other things being equal." That includes "fit" stock configuration etc.

 

[One Day...]

Ah, but the weight question...

May I propose 3 lines of thought?

1) There is a direct mathematical relation between rifle weight and recoil. I will spare you the formulas (unusual for me ) and get straight to the bottom line: there is a 1 for 1 relation between rifle weight and free recoil. For example, using the number from the OP (9.2 lbs. and 11 lbs.): increase rifle weight by 20% = reduce free recoil by 20%. I am tempted to add: Period.
Sure, stock design, length of pull, fit, etc. play a role, but there is no arguing with the basic physics...

2) I challenge most anyone to shoulder a rifle and state with accuracy its weight. I am personally utterly incapable of saying if the rifle on my shoulder is 9 lbs., 10 lbs. or 11 lbs.

3) Where it all comes together is the notion of " an additional 1 lb. will show at the end of a long hunting day."
I agree !!!
May I share a very dry observation: it will likely do most of us a lot more good by the end of a long hunting day, to loose 10 lbs. of belly fat than to quibble about 1.5 lbs. off the rifle

Let's see: a lot fresher by day's end; more agile on the trail; better knees; lower cholesterol; lesser risk of cardiac issue; longer life span; not hurt when shooting the rifle; not afraid of getting a scope kiss; more practice because more pleasant; more accurate shooting because heavier rifle and more practice; and on, and on, and on... Just saying

Long live the weight reduction program, but applied to the hunter, not the rifle

 

[Andrew Short]

WAB, agreed. The last portion of my post says "all other things being equal." That includes "fit" stock configuration etc.

Do you have stock maker you would recommend?

 

[Bwaybuilder]

I have both .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby in Dakota 76 African models weighing the same. The .416 definitely has more recoil. The 404 doesn't recoil much more than my 300 win mag. With the 300 being a lighter rifle. The 404 is an excellent old proven caliber. I really like mine.

 

[Andrew Short]

Guys, the fly in the ointment is the weight of the rifle period.
Think of it, there is no rational way for a 404 Jeffery to kick harder than a 416 Rigby, all other things being equal.

Hopefully we can add some lead to the fore end and the butt.

 

[Andrew Short]

I have both .404 Jeffery and .416 Rigby in Dakota 76 African models weighing the same. The .416 definitely has more recoil. The 404 doesn't recoil much more than my 300 win mag. With the 300 being a lighter rifle. The 404 is an excellent old proven caliber. I really like mine.

What does your Dakota weigh?

 

[WAB]

Do you have stock maker you would recommend?

Yes, LeRoy Barry at Canyon Creek Custom Gunstocks. You can see his work on a number of my hunt reports. He has built 3 for me and 3 or 4 for my buddy. If you look at AHR rifles you will see his work. He used to do the stock work for Wayne.

 

[Bwaybuilder]

What does your Dakota weigh?

10lbs.4oz with scope

 

[Andrew Short]

Yes, LeRoy Barry at Canyon Creek Custom Gunstocks. You can see his work on a number of my hunt reports. He has built 3 for me and 3 or 4 for my buddy. If you look at AHR rifles you will see his work. He used to do the stock work for Wayne.

What is it cost to have a custom stock built?

 

[Andrew Short]

10lbs.4oz with scope

I might could get there with scope and bases.

 

[Opposite Pole]

Ah, but the weight question...

May I propose 3 lines of thought?

1) There is a direct mathematical relation between rifle weight and recoil. I will spare you the formulas (unusual for me ) and get straight to the bottom line: there is a 1 for 1 relation between rifle weight and free recoil. For example, using the number from the OP (9.2 lbs. and 11 lbs.): increase rifle weight by 20% = reduce free recoil by 20%. I am tempted to add: Period.
Sure, stock design, length of pull, fit, etc. play a role, but there is no arguing with the basic physics...

2) I challenge most anyone to shoulder a rifle and state with accuracy its weight. I am personally utterly incapable of saying if the rifle on my shoulder is 9 lbs., 10 lbs. or 11 lbs.

3) Where it all comes together is the notion of " an additional 1 lb. will show at the end of a long hunting day."
I agree !!!
May I share a very dry observation: it will likely do most of us a lot more good by the end of a long hunting day, to loose 10 lbs. of belly fat than to quibble about 1.5 lbs. off the rifle

Let's see: a lot fresher by day's end; more agile on the trail; better knees; lower cholesterol; lesser risk of cardiac issue; longer life span; not hurt when shooting the rifle; not afraid of getting a scope kiss; more practice because more pleasant; more accurate shooting because heavier rifle and more practice; and on, and on, and on... Just saying

Long live the weight reduction program, but applied to the hunter, not the rifle

I will only add one thing to it - “I agree”

 

[John J]

What is it cost to have a custom stock built?

I'm sure as much as you would like to spend. I replaced a stock, I used Accurate Innovations, it cost $2K. Check out the website, you can pick your blank and get a ballpark price.