Disappointed In My New 404 Jeffery

[Andrew Short]

I think you have received all of the suggestions that you need. I was going to mention the 300 grain loading for practice. There is a difference in recoil and might be great for practice. I would suggest that you put lead in the butt and a suppressor where the ear drum splitter goes. The only problem it would not be allowed into the country!

I agree, lots of suggestions were made. Smith will look at stock this week and we will see if anything can be done. If not, I will Be listing it for sale here on AH. I’ll be just fine with my 416 and more safari money!

 

[Shootist43]

Andrew, just for giggles, run the following "recoil calculator" for both rifles, http://www.shooterscalculator.com/recoil-calculator.php.

To be sure, heavier rifles result in less felt recoil as does a proper fitting rifle. Big(er) bore rifles should be shot off sticks rather than a bench. I use a Lead Sled with no more than 25 Lbs. on it for load development, after that it is offhand or sticks.

 

[enysse]

Gun fit is so important. You can shoot small caliber guns by adjusting your body along with your head and be okay. I would say starting at the 300 Win Mag level of recoil the gun should fit you like a glove or you are not going to be able to shoot it well. Maybe at short distances you will be fine but long distances the problems will become more apparent.

 

[Andrew Short]

@Shootist43 the 404 yields 69 ft/lbs and the Rigby 59 ft/lbs.

This is adjusted weigh and for 84/92 grain charges respectively.

 

[colorado]

I spoke to a local smith last night and we went over my options. He wants the look at the rifle and wood before we add anything.

I expressed my concern for a unbalanced rifle just like you mentioned. Also downloaded templates for limbsaver recoil pad.

Honestly, I’d like to have the rifle weigh 10 lbs plus the optic.

If the LOP is a little short for you, I know it's maybe aesthetically unpleasing, but you could buy a slip on Limbsaver Pad which will definitely help with the recoil. It's cheap (under $30), you put it on and take it off when you want to, and you won't have to modify your rifle in any way. I'd try that first. I use one on my 500 Jeffery when I'm at the range or hunting, since I have rather long arms (34" sleeve). It still looks as pretty as ever when I take it off.

 

[Rick Cox]

Well after waiting months and months, I finally picked up the 404 Jeffrey today. I came home, and I immediately went out back and put some rounds down range. Much to my surprise, the recoil was very significant. “Much more than my 416.” After just three rounds, I was ready to put the rifle down. I went to the safe and got the 416 Rigby and shot it a few times. After shooting the Rigby and realizing the recoil was much less, I installed the muzzle brake that came with the new 404. I then shot 3 more rounds and the recoil was significantly less, I would say around 40% less.

“Both ammo was factory Hornady”

The 416 weighs 11 lbs and the 404 weighed in at 9.2.

I found the felt recoil of the 404 very surprising. What are all of you guys think?

Recoil dampers installed in the stock maybe?

 

[Andrew Short]

Possibly. Will know this week.

If not will be FOR SALE!!

 

[sierraone]

Lets see some photos of the rifle.

 

[Andrew Short]

@sierraone

 

[Andrew Short]

 

[sierraone]

@sierraone
View attachment 388019View attachment 388020

Thanks.

 

[Andrew Short]

You’re welcome

 

[ve7poi]

very nice looking rifle

 

[Andrew Short]

very nice looking rifle

Thanks! To be honest, Pictures don’t do it justice.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

View attachment 388022

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.

 

[ve7poi]

They are last pics are of rife in question others were Colorado showing his

 

[BillyMiller]

@Andrew Short that’s a nice looking rifle.
A few years ago I acquired a 450 Ackley, the first shot with that rifle hurt like I couldn’t believe. I’m not a small guy and grow up shooting big calibre’s from a young age. I say that coz I never thought myself a recoil sensitive guy. So I told myself toughen up and shoot it again. Well the second shot left me with a nose bleed and loose teeth. I wasn’t dumb enough to shoot it again. While discussing the issue with a fellow PH he offer me another stock. Which I accepted, took it with the rifle to a local gunsmith. Whilst with him we took the original stock off, which I was surprised to find had been filled with lead shot and glue mix, by a previous owner. The replacement stock wasn’t made for the Husqvarna/ Mauser action but balancing the action in the stock I was struck by the reduction in weight. (Wish I had weighed it, but it was a lot). Well a few days later I picked up a much lighter rifle, with trepidation I took it out for a test fire. Picture firing a rifle with your face as far away from the butt as possible and both eyes closed. To my surprise the felt recoil was considerably less, felt similar to my .375. After that I sighted the rifle in with beanbag over the front of my land cruiser. Admittedly a few shots a day.
the long story short: whilst you can’t get away from the physics of recoil, MV2. Adding weight to rifle changes the recoil the fit is more important. I have attached a picture she ain’t pretty but she does the job.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

@Andrew Short that’s a nice looking rifle.
A few years ago I acquired a 450 Ackley, the first shot with that rifle hurt like I couldn’t believe. I’m not a small guy and grow up shooting big calibre’s from a young age. I say that coz I never thought myself a recoil sensitive guy. So I told myself toughen up and shoot it again. Well the second shot left me with a nose bleed and loose teeth. I wasn’t dumb enough to shoot it again. While discussing the issue with a fellow PH he offer me another stock. Which I accepted, took it with the rifle to a local gunsmith. Whilst with him we took the original stock off, which I was surprised to find had been filled with lead shot and glue mix, by a previous owner. The replacement stock wasn’t made for the Husqvarna/ Mauser action but balancing the action in the stock I was struck by the reduction in weight. (Wish I had weighed it, but it was a lot). Well a few days later I picked up a much lighter rifle, with trepidation I took it out for a test fire. Picture firing a rifle with your face as far away from the butt as possible and both eyes closed. To my surprise the felt recoil was considerably less, felt similar to my .375. After that I sighted the rifle in with beanbag over the front of my land cruiser. Admittedly a few shots a day.
the long story short: whilst you can’t get away from the physics of recoil, MV2. Adding weight to rifle changes the recoil the fit is more important. I have attached a picture she ain’t pretty but she does the job.

The stock on Mr. Millers rifle looks perfect to me! As beautiful as the .404J stock is, if it does not fit, it does not fit. I do believe that if you see the right stock maker (not necessarily a gunsmith) you could have the comb of the rifle shaved down while keeping a wide radius on the comb. Bringing it down a little at a time until your eyes line up with the iron sights, if that is how you are going to use it. If you plan on putting a scope on obviously two things are going to happen, one-the rifle will be heavier, two- you will not have to press your cheek bone hard against the comb. Secondly adding a 1 1/2 in Kick-eez or limbsaver pad will give you the added. Finding a proper stock fitter/maker close to home may or may not be the easiest task, but you may get lucky. Why U.S. rifle mfg. insist that 13 3/4 fits everyone I don't understand!

 

[Forrest Halley]

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.

 

[CoElkHunter]

Yep, no nasty recoiling .404J, .416RM, etc. for me! My CZ Lott is enough recoil for me!