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I e-mailed Paul Chapman at Griffin & Howe about the feasabilty of this conversion.

Paul,

I stumbled across this rifle while looking for something else and it started me thinking: Is this a conversion you are still performing? Do you recommend it?

http://www.gunsinternational.com:80/Winchester-model-70-pre-64-416-Rigby.cfm?gun_id=100118176

Are there feeding problems that need to be resolved? How do you deal with the fact that the .416 Rigby loaded cartridge is .120" longer than the .375 H&H?

Will the Model 70 bolt face safely open up to accomodate the Rigby case head?

Thanks,

Bill Warren

Here is his reply:

Hello Bill,

Not sure if we spoke about this but we do not recommend this conversion as too much has to be removed from the locking lug to fit and feed the cartridge.

We had one where the lug was recessing and causing excessive headspace and inconsistent vertical stringing.

Paul Chapman
Vice President
Director of Gun Smithing
Griffin & Howe

Presumably Paul was referring to the area behind the lower locking lug recess when he said "removed from the locking lug".

I know that standard length Mauser 98's have been converted to .416 Rigby, but just because it has been done does not make it a good idea. Harry Selby's rifle must have passed proof at some point, assuming the conversion was made in England, but I would certainly not spend money on such a dicey conversion, with so many relatively inexpensive genuine magnum length actions, such as the BRNO 602/CZ 550 readily available.

The Model 70 sold, incidentally. It would be interesting to see if any comments, pro or con, are made about it on the internet.

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