Guys,

Let's try not to hijack this into a PF vs CRF debate. - We can start another thread for that.

...... and the original subject of this thread is still good.

I'm more than happy with my personal rifle - but if I were going to buy myself a real nice bolt action and money were not an issue at all, I'd probably go to Paul Roberts of Rigby in London - if money were an issue, I'd probably do what I've just done when I bought our new (404) company loaner - which is go to Sabi Rifles in Nelspruit.......esp with the exchange rate as it is at the moment. If the rand continues to fall, their prices will rise because they have to import materials.....but at the moment, prices haven't gone up but the rate has........it's a smaller investment, but bullets from SA will be the same deal right now.

Whatever rifle I bought, the ruling criteria would be style of finish for African hunting (non reflective) short barrel, correctly sited safety catch, good balance classic calibre, and overall build quality.

If I had an even bigger budget, I'd try to buy a certain Rigby double that was made for a particular old time BEA PH I know about and am in love with...........

(The rifle, not the PH)

In all honesty, 500 grains and I rarely agree about much - but he's absolutely right when he says " 'Holy Grail' implies best of the best, top of the heap. It is not possible to get the best at an economy price. " - I'll add to that by saying, If you want quality, you have to pay for it - and everything about a rifle is a trade off in that regard. The .404 Jeffery I mentioned can be bought for around US$3750 and upwards depending on exact specification and stock choice etc........ I don't believe you'll get a really good build quality much below that price. - But hell, it'll last you a lifetime if you want it to.......