W.J.JEFFERY & CO. Hand Crafted Big Game Rifles

[W.J.JEFFERY & CO.]

.500 MAGAZINE RIFLE​

This new edition of our classic dangerous game rifle is a faithful reproduction of the early .500 rifles built at the introduction of the cartridge. The new rifle is built to the original specifications of the first .500 rifles (of which only 24 were built) adopting a heavy profile barrel and standard two leaf express sights on a short rib which is hand-stippled to reduce glare. The protected foresight is set back from the muzzle. The relatively heavy, stiff barrel was part of Jeffery’s original specification for great accuracy and to tame the recoil of this powerful magazine-rifle cartridge. While other makers have attempted to modernise their rifles by slimming down the barrel profiles, we remain true to the original, making these rifles surprisingly comfortable to shoot.

Offered in two grades of engraving, the rifles are built on a new Magnum Mauser single square bridge action with the option of either a flag or side safety. This modern .500 Jeffery is entirely handbuilt in England and reflects the very best features and characteristics of the original rifle, offering the knockdown power of a heavy double in a reliable bolt action magazine rifle. Fast handling, the rifle is perfectly suited for the close encounters in thick cover encountered on a modern safari.

The .500 Jeffery Rimless Cartridge

Jeffery adopted and modified the .500 Schuler cartridge and renamed it the .500 Jeffery in 1927. Firing a 535gr soft or solid .510 diameter bullet at 2400fps the .500 Jeffery generated power close to that of the .577NE. at 6800ft/lbs. It was the most powerful bolt-rifle cartridge and deemed suitable for any large dangerous game, including elephant. Modern powders and heavier bullets mean these original specifications can be superseded, but we regulate our rifles for the original loading.

Specifications

Calibre .500 Jeffery

Action Magnum Mauser 98 Single Square Bridge

Magazine Three rounds

Safety Flag or three position side (option)

Barrel 23½ inches

Sights Original Jeffery one standard and two folding leaf, hooded ramp foresight

Wood Select walnut

Stock Pistol grip with grip cap and trap, ebony finial hand-rubbed oil finish

Engraving No.1 Grade standard engraving. Option of No.2 ‘Best’ medium and fine scroll engraving

Weight 11lbs 4oz

.404 MAGAZINE RIFLE​

The new .404 Jeffery rifle is a modern recreation of a ‘Best’ Jeffery’s rifle of the 1930’s. Built on a modern Magnum Mauser action with double square bridges, we have machined the action for hand detachable mounts. A three position side safety is fitted to allow for use with a ‘scope which enables the rifleman to take advantage of the accuracy and versatility of this all-round cartridge. We have faithfully recreated the unique barrel profile of the early rifles with the stepped down design and re-issued the standard and four folding leaf rear sight of the original rifles. The ramp foresight has an improved hood protector with sprung retainer and a sling loop is mounted on the barrel for a lower carry of the rifle in thick cover. The stepped barrel brings the weight back towards the rifleman which, combined with the slim stock, improves handling and reduces recoil for which Jeffery’s were renowned.

These modern rifles faithfully recreate the aesthetic and handling of the original models, retaining the practical features of the original rifles while enjoying the benefits of modern steels and production tolerances. Handmade in Birmingham and finished to the highest standard, these ‘Best’ rifles are true modern classics.

The .404 Jeffery Rimless Cartridge:
Introduced in 1905 to duplicate the performance of the Jeffery’s 450/400 3 inch double rifle cartridge in a magazine rifle, the .404 Jeffery was offered with 400grain solid and soft nose bullets as well as a lighter 300 grain load for plains game. Originally loaded to 2150fps the rimless cartridge is an efficient design that with modern loads delivers a 400gr bullet at 2300fps producing a hard hitting and deep penetrating round, making this the perfect all-round cartridge.

Specifications

Calibre .404 Jeffery

Action Magnum Mauser 98 Double Square Bridge

Magazine Four rounds

Safety Three position side safety

Barrel 23½ inches, stepped profile, match grade

Sights Original Jeffery one standard with four folding leaves. Hooded ramp front sight with improved push button retainer

Wood Select walnut

Stock Pistol grip with grip cap and trap, ebony finial hand-rubbed oil finish

Engraving No.1 Grade standard engraving. Option of No.2 ‘Best’ medium and fine scroll engraving

Weight 9lbs 9oz

 

[geoff rath]

.500 MAGAZINE RIFLE​

View attachment 546579

This new edition of our classic dangerous game rifle is a faithful reproduction of the early .500 rifles built at the introduction of the cartridge. The new rifle is built to the original specifications of the first .500 rifles (of which only 24 were built) adopting a heavy profile barrel and standard two leaf express sights on a short rib which is hand-stippled to reduce glare. The protected foresight is set back from the muzzle. The relatively heavy, stiff barrel was part of Jeffery’s original specification for great accuracy and to tame the recoil of this powerful magazine-rifle cartridge. While other makers have attempted to modernise their rifles by slimming down the barrel profiles, we remain true to the original, making these rifles surprisingly comfortable to shoot.

Offered in two grades of engraving, the rifles are built on a new Magnum Mauser single square bridge action with the option of either a flag or side safety. This modern .500 Jeffery is entirely handbuilt in England and reflects the very best features and characteristics of the original rifle, offering the knockdown power of a heavy double in a reliable bolt action magazine rifle. Fast handling, the rifle is perfectly suited for the close encounters in thick cover encountered on a modern safari.

The .500 Jeffery Rimless Cartridge

Jeffery adopted and modified the .500 Schuler cartridge and renamed it the .500 Jeffery in 1927. Firing a 535gr soft or solid .510 diameter bullet at 2400fps the .500 Jeffery generated power close to that of the .577NE. at 6800ft/lbs. It was the most powerful bolt-rifle cartridge and deemed suitable for any large dangerous game, including elephant. Modern powders and heavier bullets mean these original specifications can be superseded, but we regulate our rifles for the original loading.

Specifications

Calibre .500 Jeffery

Action Magnum Mauser 98 Single Square Bridge

Magazine Three rounds

Safety Flag or three position side (option)

Barrel 23½ inches

Sights Original Jeffery one standard and two folding leaf, hooded ramp foresight

Wood Select walnut

Stock Pistol grip with grip cap and trap, ebony finial hand-rubbed oil finish

Engraving No.1 Grade standard engraving. Option of No.2 ‘Best’ medium and fine scroll engraving

Weight 11lbs 4oz

.404 MAGAZINE RIFLE​

View attachment 546580
The new .404 Jeffery rifle is a modern recreation of a ‘Best’ Jeffery’s rifle of the 1930’s. Built on a modern Magnum Mauser action with double square bridges, we have machined the action for hand detachable mounts. A three position side safety is fitted to allow for use with a ‘scope which enables the rifleman to take advantage of the accuracy and versatility of this all-round cartridge. We have faithfully recreated the unique barrel profile of the early rifles with the stepped down design and re-issued the standard and four folding leaf rear sight of the original rifles. The ramp foresight has an improved hood protector with sprung retainer and a sling loop is mounted on the barrel for a lower carry of the rifle in thick cover. The stepped barrel brings the weight back towards the rifleman which, combined with the slim stock, improves handling and reduces recoil for which Jeffery’s were renowned.

These modern rifles faithfully recreate the aesthetic and handling of the original models, retaining the practical features of the original rifles while enjoying the benefits of modern steels and production tolerances. Handmade in Birmingham and finished to the highest standard, these ‘Best’ rifles are true modern classics.

The .404 Jeffery Rimless Cartridge:
Introduced in 1905 to duplicate the performance of the Jeffery’s 450/400 3 inch double rifle cartridge in a magazine rifle, the .404 Jeffery was offered with 400grain solid and soft nose bullets as well as a lighter 300 grain load for plains game. Originally loaded to 2150fps the rimless cartridge is an efficient design that with modern loads delivers a 400gr bullet at 2300fps producing a hard hitting and deep penetrating round, making this the perfect all-round cartridge.

Specifications

Calibre .404 Jeffery

Action Magnum Mauser 98 Double Square Bridge

Magazine Four rounds

Safety Three position side safety

Barrel 23½ inches, stepped profile, match grade

Sights Original Jeffery one standard with four folding leaves. Hooded ramp front sight with improved push button retainerAwe inspiring, indeed.

Wood Select walnut

Stock Pistol grip with grip cap and trap, ebony finial hand-rubbed oil finish

Engraving No.1 Grade standard engraving. Option of No.2 ‘Best’ medium and fine scroll engraving

Weight 9lbs 9oz

 

[geoff rath]

Awe inspiring, indeed (although way beyond my pocketbook!). Bringing the early traditions of Best British bolt rifles into the 21st Century. I'm imagining either, combined with a similar "modernised" 333 Jeffery to create the ultimate African two-gun battery...

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

The rifles look amazing and I'd love one in 500 Jeffery, I even enquired before making the final decision to order my new Rigby. But I feel the price point of these rifles is just too high especially considering there is no custom stock fitting. It's great to see these rifles back on the market but I really do feel the price point needs to be re-considered, not having a go at W.J Jeffery, this is just genuine feedback to their product. I know cost isn't an issue for everyone but seeing I could purchase 3 high grade custom Rigby bolt action rifles for the same cost as only one new Jeffery rifle I just couldn't justify the purchase of the Jeffery.

 

[geoff rath]

The rifles look amazing and I'd love one in 500 Jeffery, I even enquired before making the final decision to order my new Rigby. But I feel the price point of these rifles is just too high especially considering there is no custom stock fitting. It's great to see these rifles back on the market but I really do feel the price point needs to be re-considered, not having a go at W.J Jeffery, this is just genuine feedback to their product. I know cost isn't an issue for everyone but seeing I could purchase 3 high grade custom Rigby bolt action rifles for the same cost as only one new Jeffery rifle I just couldn't justify the purchase of the Jeffery.

Ahhh, we can but dream, eh?

 

[baxterb]

Very nice. I did not know the 500 Jeffery was based on the Schuler. interesting.

 

[geoff rath]

Read the Jeffery blog on these rifles; it explains quite simply how the difference between the 500 Jeffery and the Schuler 12.5X70 came about; a deliberate move by Jeffery, so definitely NOT the same. Personally, I like the barrel profile on the 500J and the balance philosophy behind it. Great thinkin on their part.

 

[baxterb]

Read the Jeffery blog on these rifles; it explains quite simply how the difference between the 500 Jeffery and the Schuler 12.5X70 came about; a deliberate move by Jeffery, so definitely NOT the same. Personally, I like the barrel profile on the 500J and the balance philosophy behind it. Great thinkin on their part.

Hmm, not seeing a blog link on their website - can you forward it?

 

[geoff rath]

Just search for new Jeffery rifles ...?

 

[gizmo]

Oh my. Outstanding

 

[baxterb]

Just search for new Jeffery rifles ...?

yes - the website is easy to find. usually a blog is on the website (Ala Westley Richards.) There is no blog link on the Jeffery website. If you mean the little feature on the 500 J page, it is the same as what is stated above. alas...

 

[Aaron N]

Works of art! Can someone explain to me what’s going on with the front bridge of the 404?

 

[baxterb]

Works of art! Can someone explain to me what’s going on with the front bridge of the 404?

It's a Smithson style mount.

 

[Aaron N]

It's a Smithson style mount.

Yeah I got that much, it looks like the side of the bridge is stepped looking at it with fresh eyes.

 

[BeeMaa]

I was surprised to see a trigger guard magazine release on such a high recoiling rifle. It would be a hell of a thing to fire your first shot at a buffalo and dump the rest of your magazine on the ground at the same time.

 

[BeeMaa]

I wonder if Jeffery is buying their actions from Mauser (L&O Holding GmbH) because both the Mauser and Rigby (who are owned by L&O) actions have the same magazine release.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

I wonder if Jeffery is buying their actions from Mauser (L&O Holding GmbH) because both the Mauser and Rigby (who are owned by L&O) actions have the same magazine release.

IIRC they are using FZH actions and Lothar Walther barrels

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I was surprised to see a trigger guard magazine release on such a high recoiling rifle. It would be a hell of a thing to fire your first shot at a buffalo and dump the rest of your magazine on the ground at the same time.

I had this problem with my 450 Rigby on the range, it has an adjustment screw to be able to take up the slack so the floor plate doesn't rattle, wasn't quite adjusted right from the factory and started popping open every shot. Once adjusted correctly no issues. I posted a thread on here somewhere with photos etc

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Ahhh, we can but dream, eh?

@geoff rath
If you want a does of jealousy mate a friend who will remain nameless bid on a left handed 404J Weatherby MKV because no one else had bid.
He got it for 1,600 dollars.
Yes you did read the price correctly.
Bob

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I was surprised to see a trigger guard magazine release on such a high recoiling rifle. It would be a hell of a thing to fire your first shot at a buffalo and dump the rest of your magazine on the ground at the same time.

@BeeMaa
You will never know. Remember you sold your real hunting rifles for that silly modular R8 Barbie rifle. You know plastic fantastic.
Bob