Parker Hale 404 Jeffery

[rohroh]

Hello all,

I'm looking for experienced opinions on a Parker-Hale bolt-action rifle chambered in .404 Jeffery that I've recently been offered. It's been unfired for the last 6 years or so. From what I can tell, it’s built on a Santa Barbara Magnum Mauser 98 action, with matching bolt and receiver, solid floorplate, and factory express sights. The rifle is marked "CAL. 404" and still has its original stock in good condition, no signs of abuse, cracks, or modification.

That said, it weighs just over 8 lbs bare, which seems far too light for a .404 Jeffery meant for actual field use, especially if used on dangerous game.

Has anyone here run a Parker-Hale .404 in the field, reliability under real conditions?
Do these rifles generally feed reliably?
Would you recommend re-stocking it to bring it up to 12 lbs loaded, or would you rather modify the original stock with internal weights?
Any known weak points with these rifles under recoil or extended use (e.g., bedding, bottom metal, etc.)?

My goal is to build it into a practical and balanced working rifle, not just a collector’s piece.

Appreciate your time and thoughts.

 

[Surgeon1]

Update the safety and shoot as is!

 

[PCC600]

Looks like a good honest rifle . I’ve got a Mauser Type A in 404J . Not much heavier than yours . They are OK to shoot with the original loads - 400 grain bullet at 2150fps . Unpleasant when hitting 2350-2400 fps with modern loads. I really like flag safeties . I would only consider replacing if you want to use a scope .

 

[Luvthunt]

Should be a great rifle as is. I would not want a 12# 404. Be thankful for the existing wt… Will be heavier with a scope if you want.

 

[sgt_zim]

I don't believe you need (or want) a 12# 404J.

I have a Montana Rifle Company Alaskan in 404J that's right at 9.5# scoped. The recoil is what it is, but what really got me was the low comb. Even shooting just the iron sights, the comb is too low for a solid cheek weld, and the LOP was too short by about an 1" or maybe 1.25". It wasn't my shoulder that took the beating I couldn't tolerate, it was my face.

If it's stupid but works, it isn't stupid. This definitely isn't the classic safari look, but a 1" slip on, held in place by double-sided tape, and a Bradley kydex cheek riser, have turned my rifle into something I can shoot.

Replace the flag safety, bed the rifle, put a heavy-ish scope on it. Loaded, that should get you pretty close to 10#.

 

[cajunchefray]

The Santa Barbara Mauser 98 action is true to the original M98 design.

Frank de Haas in his excellent book Mauser Bolt Rifles, states that the Santa Barbara Mauser 98, some sold to Parker Hale, are strong actions, with proper steel, but rough in operation.

I've had one in 416 Taylor, set up as an African DGR, 3 leaf express sights, barrel band sling swivel, banded front sight, all NECG parts. Pillar and glass bedded into a Bell and Carlson stock

The action and feeding was rough, and just as Frank de Haas documented, a good gunsmith can polish, file, and clean it up.

With the pictures posted, you can see that the top rails are rough. File out the machine marks, Polish the top and bottom of the rails, and the upper magazine box lips.

I have done this type of work on an early production CZ 550 American 416 Rigby in 2004.
Some 600-grit emery cloth, Flitz metal polish, a Dremel tool, and an Arkansas stone were my tools. Eventually, I smoothed it out.

It took me way too much time, as I was learning as I worked, and didn't want to screw up the action metal dimensions. An experienced gunsmith in Mauser 98 actions could probably in 1/3 time it took me. Lesson learned.

These actions are good and can be made excellent with some proper gunsmith work.

You have a diamond in the rough.
A little action work, refinish and bed the stock.
As the weight is minimal, a bit of lead shot in the buttstock and forearm, for balance, adding just a half pound, a 2x7 scope, and I would take it hunting.

 

[Muskox]

Super rare cat. I remember these about 30 years ago in a Parker Hale catalog, but I have never seen one in the flesh.

 

[coreydb]

A good buy, a good caliber. You don't want the rifle any heavier.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Is that a "magnum" action? It has thumb cutout on left side of receiver and stripper clip port on top. 8 lbs would be very light for magnum length action. My 404 built on standard length Czech 98 Mauser with similar looking stock and 1-4x30mm scope weighs well over ten pounds loaded (3+1) with sling attached. My scope doesn't weigh +2 lbs.

Admittedly, the barrel on that Parker Hale appears to have a thin profile. That can significantly affect balance which can affect weight and recoil. Adding weight to the inside of butt might help with weight but if it's light on the front end, the muzzle jump will be bad = more felt recoil ... by cheek instead of shoulder. How long is the barrel? My rifle's Lija barrel is #5 profile and 24" long. The gun is balanced just ahead of front action screw. What's the length of pull?

 

[Kevin375]

One of my PH's, Wayne Cilliers, told me he started to use a Parker-Hale in .404 Jeffery at the beginning of his carrer. I had the opportunity to handle his rifle in his farm, but not to shoot with it. I was surprised because the rifle was incredible light and as I was expecting, he told me the recoil was pretty stout. He used to shoot Norma PH Woodleigh Weldcore 450 gr with it.
I don't remember why he stopped using it, but before to get his Blaser PH in .458 Lott, he also used a Dumoulin 98 K in .458 Winchester magnum.

 

[SRvet]

I shoot an 8.5lb .458 Win Mag which is comfortable so I can’t see a .404 would be an issue. Buy it and try it but be prepared to add some weight if you find it uncomfortable.

 

[rohroh]

I shoot an 8.5lb .458 Win Mag which is comfortable so I can’t see a .404 would be an issue. Buy it and try it but be prepared to add some weight if you find it uncomfortable.

I think this is the way in going to go

 

[rohroh]

Is that a "magnum" action? It has thumb cutout on left side of receiver and stripper clip port on top. 8 lbs would be very light for magnum length action. My 404 built on standard length Czech 98 Mauser with similar looking stock and 1-4x30mm scope weighs well over ten pounds loaded (3+1) with sling attached. My scope doesn't weigh +2 lbs.
View attachment 704750
Admittedly, the barrel on that Parker Hale appears to have a thin profile. That can significantly affect balance which can affect weight and recoil. Adding weight to the inside of butt might help with weight but if it's light on the front end, the muzzle jump will be bad = more felt recoil ... by cheek instead of shoulder. How long is the barrel? My rifle's Lija barrel is #5 profile and 24" long. The gun is balanced just ahead of front action screw. What's the length of pull?

That is a great looking ridge.

I've read your 404J report a few times. It's a great read.

I've not had it in my hands yet, but I'm thinking of getting a second heavier stock and keep the original safe.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

That is a great looking ridge.

I've read your 404J report a few times. It's a great read.

I've not had it in my hands yet, but I'm thinking of getting a second heavier stock and keep the original safe.

If you plan to make it a shooter, I suggest a Model 70 style safety. Keep the flag safety and shroud in the safe with original stock. Personally, I do not care for flag safety for hunting. Too fiddly to disengage. Also don't work with scopes. There are several outlets for 3-position Winchester style safeties. They usually run $200-$300 in the white.

What were triggers like in those Parker Hale Mausers?

 

[Kynoch2015]

I have one that’s been restocked. Feeds well, accurate, and is regulated to the sights. Currently weighs 8lbs14oz. Only complaint is it’s 3+0. Holds three down but will only feed from the magazine. I think you would be happy with it. Best of luck.

 

[Kynoch2015]

Sorry, but any chance this is a PH 404 take off barrel that’s been re-barreled on a different receiver? I’m sure there are more than one variant, but looking at differences in the receivers, safety, proof marks, made me pause.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

I have one that’s been restocked. Feeds well, accurate, and is regulated to the sights. Currently weighs 8lbs14oz. Only complaint is it’s 3+0. Holds three down but will only feed from the magazine. I think you would be happy with it. Best of luck.

With three in the box of my Czech 98 Mauser 404, I can just push a fourth round down enough to get it under the claw and close the bolt.

A decent gunsmith should be able to modify the bolt face and extractor to snap over. I'm no gunsmith and I did it.