A while back, somebody posted this rifle here in 375 H&H, showing what a good deal it appeared to be in the $550 range. I bought one on 458 Win Mag., and took delivery of it last week. I expected a synthetic stocked rifle with no iron sights. The product description and pictures that I could find (from several different different dealers)were confusing. The EAA catalog did nothing to clear that up.
I opened the box at the gunsmith to be pleasantly surprised to find a straight grained walnut stock, and flip down adjustable rear sights with a hooded ramp bead front sight. The gun weight about 7lbs., which is on the light side. The wood is not fancy, but nicely done. The checkered grip and forend do not have diamond point checkering; but rather cut skip line checking ala Marlin Glenfield. Good standard sling swivel studs were installed on the gun.
Why a 458?
I wanted a bolt action 45/70, and I was going to be darned if I would mess around rebarrelling a different one, especially at that price. No, I am never going to Africa, but a bison is in my future, and for sure some more hogs....
The gun itself is a faithful large ring Mauser. The wood to metal fit is good, and the metal work is very good, with a deep rich blue throughout.
I started with a handload of 460gr gas checked lead bullets and a 75% load ofH322.
Too hot. the recoil was twice that of a 20 ga slug. Sure made the 100 yard gongs at the rifle range spin though!!
I am back to the loading bench to do something milder, but not too whimpy. I want an upper end 45/70 not a middle road 458....
I put Warne bases of the gun, and then threw on a Tasco Pronghorn scope that I had laying around. The item numbers for the bases are in the EAA catalog, in Warne Millet and Leopold by stock number, which I appreciate. If I keep the scope on it I will have to find better quality rings, or spend more on Loktite!!
The trigger is adjustable, and set and sealed at the factory. I seemed to break at around 4lbs. (My guess)
The only big things I did to the gun was to dismount the stock and clearcoat it inside and out with Krylon satin. Then I detail stripped the action and cleaned it all real good.
Soooooo, If your looking for a nice hunting gun, at a working man's wage, this one seems pretty good. I will get some pics in here shortly. Thanks for looking.
Jeff G
