404 Jeffery Gunsmithing

[ay2626]

A lot of guys seem to post asking about recommendations on 404 builds. I didn’t start from scratch but I purchased a used rifle built on a Granite Mountain Arms action. The only issue I discovered was that I could only get 3 rounds down in the mag instead of the 4 that should fit in a GMA. I measured the mag box and it seemed out of spec compared to the proper measurements (lots of threads here that reference how to calculate mag box dimension so I won’t rehash any of that).
I sent the rifle to MNR custom rifles. The owner Matt Roberts was terrific to work with and did a great job in reworking the mag box. Now holds four rounds down and cycle perfectly. The rifle also only had open sights. Matt milled the receiver for smithson mounts and refinished the entire rifle in rust blue (it was originally hot blued). All workmanship was top notch and quickly completed. If you’re in need of a competent gunsmith for DG rifle, I would check out MNR. Of course a few photos of the finished project.

 

[Andrew Short]

Turned out very nice! Congratulations!

 

[Shootist43]

Congrats on your functioning 404 Jeffery. I don't know why more gunsmiths can't get it right the first time. What load are you using? I use Von Gruff's accuracy load as do many other 404 Jeff. owners. Do you have an African hunt planned for it? I absolutely love the caliber and am willing to bet that you will as well.

 

[Randy F]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing the info and pics.

 

[Nevada Mike]

I believe that Granite Mountain makes their magazine boxes to fit the caliber for which they are ordered. Was your rifle originally a .375 or other, smaller caliber?

My GM action was ordered for a .404 Jeffery and it holds 4 rounds down, one in the chamber (if I choose to do that). Lovely, smooth, reliable actions.

That's a handsome rifle. Congratulations!

 

[ay2626]

Congrats on your functioning 404 Jeffery. I don't know why more gunsmiths can't get it right the first time. What load are you using? I use Von Gruff's accuracy load as do many other 404 Jeff. owners. Do you have an African hunt planned for it? I absolutely love the caliber and am willing to bet that you will as well.

Thanks. I'm glad it was a relatively easy fix. I've only tested at this point to get a little trigger time with some factory Hornady and some older RWS. I've been working to source all the loading components since last fall. Finally have everything needed to get started including the H-4350 to try that 84 grain load. I've been able to find some Barnes TSX and Hornady bonded DGX projectiles so those will be the first to try. Have yet to be able to locate any A-Frames. No hunts on the calendar yet and it will be my first when I do. I have a few very young children at home so it will be a few years until I'm able to get away for a week or so for a trip like that. In the meantime using my time to practice. I don't have a lot of experience with the big bores over 375. I've studied up on proper technique here and that helps a lot. Still a process though. Although proper technique has really helped to not be intimated by heavier recoil, I still find after 10 rounds (maybe less depending on the day), I'm losing concentration so I stop at that point and transition to working on something else like shooting off sticks with a small caliber. Regardless, happy to have some time to practice as its not seem like a quick journey to come proficient with a larger caliber.

 

[ay2626]

I believe that Granite Mountain makes their magazine boxes to fit the caliber for which they are ordered. Was your rifle originally a .375 or other, smaller caliber?

My GM action was ordered for a .404 Jeffery and it holds 4 rounds down, one in the chamber (if I choose to do that). Lovely, smooth, reliable actions.

That's a handsome rifle. Congratulations!

I've checked out the pics of your rifle here and that is a real beauty. You are exactly right about the magazine box. I suspected that it began life as 375 and someone re-barreled and opened up the bolt face. Matt seemed to indicate that its possible for a smith to get a GMA magazine in the blank that has not been opened up to a specific cartridge and final fitting is done by the smith. I suppose that would also make sense if someone was trying to build around a less common caliber. Either way, happy to find a good gunsmith that was able to get it worked out. Just very odd because otherwise the rifle seemed very well but together, so surprising that something like this got missed.

 

[Nevada Mike]

ay2626,​

I have heard many good things about MNR snd followed his videos on you tube.​

HE DID A GREAT JOB ON YOUR RIFLE.

 

[rdog]

A lot of guys seem to post asking about recommendations on 404 builds. I didn’t start from scratch but I purchased a used rifle built on a Granite Mountain Arms action. The only issue I discovered was that I could only get 3 rounds down in the mag instead of the 4 that should fit in a GMA. I measured the mag box and it seemed out of spec compared to the proper measurements (lots of threads here that reference how to calculate mag box dimension so I won’t rehash any of that).
I sent the rifle to MNR custom rifles. The owner Matt Roberts was terrific to work with and did a great job in reworking the mag box. Now holds four rounds down and cycle perfectly. The rifle also only had open sights. Matt milled the receiver for smithson mounts and refinished the entire rifle in rust blue (it was originally hot blued). All workmanship was top notch and quickly completed. If you’re in need of a competent gunsmith for DG rifle, I would check out MNR. Of course a few photos of the finished project.View attachment 451325View attachment 451326View attachment 451327View attachment 451328

Beautiful rifle

 

[Nevada Mike]

Do you know if Matt Roberts still manufactures his M70 clone? I spoke to him about a rifle a couple years ago in 7X57, but ultimately fond a LH Model 70 Classic in 7X57, so I did not pursue a build with him.

 

[Shootist43]

I went to MNR's website. Whew, was my first reaction. The video of him making a 375 H&H was very interesting and informative to say the least. There is no doubt of the quality and attention to detail put into his rifles. By the time the video ended I was wishing I could afford one of his guns.

 

[Bonk]

Wow! Beautiful rifle. Congratulations.

 

[ay2626]

Do you know if Matt Roberts still manufactures his M70 clone? I spoke to him about a rifle a couple years ago in 7X57, but ultimately fond a LH Model 70 Classic in 7X57, so I did not pursue a build with him.

I do still think he is making those.

 

[Proneshooter]

I do still think he is making those.

Actually I do not believe he is making them, if he was I would think he would have them for sale on his website. You guys should check out the 375 on a Model 70 he has listed for sale on his website.

 

[ay2626]

Actually I do not believe he is making them, if he was I would think he would have them for sale on his website. You guys should check out the 375 on a Model 70 he has listed for sale on his website.

I think he does have them on his website. Just none that are currently built for sale. Info is under the models he list for custom jobs which says built on “Highly modified Winchester Model 70 or Mauser 98 action”. At least that’s what made me think he will still make the custom 70 action. I agree if anyone is looking for a real nice 375 that is ready to go, they should check out this one he has listed.

SHOP | MNR Custom

See what is curently available for sale at MNR Custom

www.mnrcustom.com

 

[Proneshooter]

I think he does have them on his website. Just none that are currently built for sale. Info is under the models he list for custom jobs which says built on “Highly modified Winchester Model 70 or Mauser 98 action”. At least that’s what made me think he will still make the custom 70 action. I agree if anyone is looking for a real nice 375 that is ready to go, they should check out this one he has listed.

SHOP | MNR Custom

See what is curently available for sale at MNR Custom

www.mnrcustom.com

AY,
Thank you for posting the link to the rifle I was speaking about, should have done that myself. How he is selling that rifle for 16K is beyond me. I know who did the barrel and having the same man make one for my 404 I know how much he charges for that profile. Then to add in the action (cost and cost of the modifications), stocking, bluing, and the engraving I see that rifle as a bargain.
John

 

[Shootist43]

AY2626, I totally agree with your limited shooting of big bores during a range session. There is an old saying that you don't feel recoil while hunting. Although I'm not too sure how accurate that statement is I appreciate the concept. Big bores at the range are a different story. Whenever I take one, I also take a couple of smaller calibers to make the trip both enjoyable and worthwhile.

 

[Nevada Mike]

When I shoot my .404J here on my property, I only shoot 5 to 10 hunting rounds, then sling the gun, walk around and shoot tergets off hand or off the sticks at various and unknown distances, usually under 100 yards using reduced loads with lead bullets. The recoil is very mild and it's "quality time" with the rifle.

 

[Proneshooter]

When I shoot my .404J here on my property, I only shoot 5 to 10 hunting rounds, then sling the gun, walk around and shoot tergets off hand or off the sticks at various and unknown distances, usually under 100 yards using reduced loads with lead bullets. The recoil is very mild and it's "quality time" with the rifle.

Mike,
I try to do things similar to you. When I go to the range I take 20 rounds for the 404, 6 to 8 "Hunting rounds" and the rest are my cast bullet "Light Loads". Within the confines of our range rules and if others are on the range or not, I either do all my practice off the sticks or mix it up with some offhand thrown in.

 

[Nevada Mike]

Sounds like the perfect way to practice. I live next to the Coronado Nat'l Forest. I will soon be taking the rifle and one of my bird dogs and walking every day or two... just five miles or so... and will carry sticks to practice on my walks. That way I can get used to carrying, slinging, unslinging and firing, etc.

I want to be ready when the time comes.

Mike