Gunsmith recommendations for 404 conversion?

Roy Wilmeth

Roy Wilmeth

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I have been looking for a 404 Jeffery for some time for a trip I am planning in 2022. Have not had much luck finding one to buy. I am considering having one built using either winchester mod 70 375 hh or ruger RSM 375 as donor based on projects Ive seen done on here. I am looking for recommendations for a good gun smith who would be up to the task. I have never had a rifle converted before so this process is new to me. Any advice or recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Also if anyone wants to sell their 404j I would sure be interested. This is for a very special trip. I am planning a surprise 2×1 buffalo hunt for my dad's 70th birthday. He took me to Zimbabwe 20 years ago when I was 13. It was a once in a lifetime trip for him and he never thought he would be able to go back. This will likely be our last safari together. Thanks in advance for any advice!
 
I can recommend John McLaughlin of Montana to convert a rifle for you. He did a Ruger No. 1 for me - converted a 45-70 to .257 Roberts. Did a nice job with quick turn around.
 
Depending on your location, you might contact John Gallagher, in Jasper, Alabama at 205-384-5229. Tell him exactly what you have and what you want him to do. Then see what he says. Good Luck!
 
Also contact @AZDAVE. He will know one or two smiths in the Arizona area that can do such work.
 
I used Dennis Olsen in Montana to covert a Win Mod 70 from 300 RUM to 404J. Did it in 2018 and it took about 10 months, mainly because the Krieger barrel took 8 months.

This is the link to the thread on my 404 J conversion project:
https://www.africahunting.com/threads/i-joined-the-404-jeffery-club-today.47021/

Another option, for a new build 404J, is to contact a gunsmith/custom rifle builder named Mark Bansner who makes a 404 J safari rifle. https://www.bansnerandcompany.com/bansner-custom-rifles/classic-safari/
 
baxterb said:
Mark Penrod, Lon Paul. Or maybe call Wayne at AHR.
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I contacted Mark Penrod and he was extremely expensive. Also tried Wayne at AHR, he wouldn't work on a Winchester. He did try to sell me a CZ-550, which isn't a bad option.
 
375 Ruger Fan said:
I contacted Mark Penrod and he was extremely expensive. Also tried Wayne at AHR, he wouldn't work on a Winchester. He did try to sell me a CZ-550, which isn't a bad option.
Click to expand...

well, sounds like you are doing your homework. Not sure what your budget is, but even converting a 375 will require opening the bolt face, extractor work, new mag box, probably a new follower and some extra feed work. If you luck into a RUM model 70, it still ain’t a walk in the park. A worked-over CZ is a really nice rifle. A friend has two of Wayne’s , an 06 and a 416 Rigby. Very nice.

Just curious how stuck are you on a 404?
 
I have CZ 404 that I offered to sell to another member on here. If she turns it down, we can talk.

I'm selling it because I plan to build a couple... maybe selling the CZ will inspire me to get started;)
 
Where are you located?and what is the price range for your project? I know of 2 404's that could be purchased.
 
Thank you all for your advice and recommendations. I am officially part of the club! I was fortunate enough to buy a CZ 550 from another AH member. I will not name this person as to save them from being harassed for selling such a coveted rifle. I have just a few more items to purchase before I will be ready to reload. I fired one shot through the rifle so far just to get a feel for the recoil. This thing is a beast! 1st shot was at 50 yards offhand using the iron sites. I was pretty pumped just to hit the bucket. Can't wait to get this thing dialed in.
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Last edited by a moderator:
Roy Wilmeth said:
Thank you all for your advice and recommendations. I am officially part of the club! I was fortunate enough to buy a CZ 550 from another AH member. I will not name this person as to save them from being harassed for selling such a coveted rifle. I have just a few more items to purchase before I will be ready to reload. I fired one shot through the rifle so far just to get a feel for the recoil. This thing is a beast! 1st shot was at 50 yards offhand using the iron sites. I was pretty pumped just to hit the bucket. Can't wait to get this thing dialed in.
View attachment 338574 View attachment 338575
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Nice!!!
 
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