Thanks to all for the great information!

wffHein: I'll keep you guys in mind, thanks.

Mickey: That Jeffrey bolt gun of yours is a real beauty! How's it shoot?

Rusty & mcb: I may have one built too, if I can't find anything else. I've been shooting & handling big-game rifles for years (Rugers, Winchesters, BRNO), so I'm sorta set on one with the Mauser-claw extractor, rather than Remington's design, though I'm not saying they don't make fine rifles too.

Maybe it's that I've become spoiled by my a customized BRNO 602 in .375 H&H, with drop mag, etc., which shoots great. My Ruger #1 in 300H&H is also an accurate shooter. I've been wanting to add a nice 404 Jeffrey to this line-up, and just haven't decided whether it's less hassle (& expense) to get it in a bolt rifle or a single-shot.

FYI for the group: since I first posted, I've learned 3 things:

First, some years ago Ruger released a limited run of #1 "Tropicals" in .404 Jeffrey. Supposedly, only about 1500 were made, presumably for "collectors." I've tried to locate one, but haven't found any or seen any advertised for sale. Anyone seen one?

Next, I've heard second-hand that Parker-Hale rifles in .404 Jeffrey were once imported into the U.S. This was several years back. But I don't know who the importer is/was. Anyone know about this?

Third, in conversation with a big-bore friend it was suggested that an "easy conversion" (his words) might be just having a CZ 550 or Winchester or Ruger in 416 Rigby rebarrelled with a high-quality .404 Jeffrey tube. The .404 cartridge, he said, should work fine from the Rigby's existing action, bolt and magazine, as the two cartidges are nearly identical in length. This would save some expense.

Any comments on whether such a "conversion" is feasible? Rebarrelling the relatively inexpensive CZ 550 in 416 might be the place to start, if it'll work.

Thanks again.