.500 MAGAZINE RIFLE
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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 Modern powders and heavier bullets mean these original specifications can be superseded, but we regulate our rifles for the original loading.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
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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
It would not have been the argument in an earlier time. To get the precision at one time required a lot of hand work. Today it does not. At one time there were trade secrets, today there are not. At one time there was poor access to decent quality ammunition, and proprietary cartridges, today anyone can make a Rigby chambering. Even the cost is not all that exclusive, when a best quality rifle costs what a pickup truck does.
