Parker Hale 404 Jeffery

[Ontario Hunter]

Thanks much! I just picked up this half box ammo this week. Thought that it would be nice to go with the rifle. I assume it’s Norma given the Sweden label.

That box lable is worth framing.

 

[Hunter-Habib]

Thanks much! I just picked up this half box ammo this week. Thought that it would be nice to go with the rifle. I assume it’s Norma given the Sweden label.

It is. Parker Hale rifles were guaranteed to shoot 1” groups with Norma factory loads back in those days. All Parker Hale rifles (barring those chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum) were regulated for Norma ammunition after Kynoch closed down in 1970.

 

[Kynoch2015]

It is. Parker Hale rifles were guaranteed to shoot 1” groups with Norma factory loads back in those days. All Parker Hale rifles (barring those chambered in .300 Winchester Magnum) were regulated for Norma ammunition after Kynoch closed down in 1970

Learned that PH was the UK importer for Norma. Two things now make sense - why the PH offering of 308 Norma mag rifles and their 300 Win rifles not being regulated with Norma ammo.

 

[artelkhunter]

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.View attachment 704545

I think you’re fine. These action are basically a 98 commercially produced and very reliable. You can add weight a variety of ways but be sure and keep the gun balanced. Make sure the action will feed this case reliably and your in great shape! Cheers