CUSTOM .404 JEFFERY FIT FOR A KING
STAFF REPORT
The rifle in .404 Jeffery pictured here was commissioned by Mr R Smith, a Pretoriabased businessman to commemorate his dad who was an elephant hunter.
Mr Smith remembered how his late dad had often travelled from the old Rhodesia, where they lived, to go kambako hunting in Mozambique. Kambako is the term used by the Portuguese for a big bull elephant.
Danie Joubert from Pretoria and his team of talented craftsmen were chosen to realise Mr Smith’s dream.
The rifle was built on a DWM Mauser action to which a Truvelo barrel was fitted. After the barrel was profiled, Danie fitted a full-length rib with a pleasing profile. The scope mounts are something special, they are quick-detachable and made in the Holland & Holland style. A custom magazine box was machined that can hold four of the .404 cartridges.
On completion, the metalwork was sent to Faan de Vos, a well-known stock maker from Pretoria. He used a beautiful piece of Turkish walnut to craft a stock that fits the customer to perfection. With the stock work done the metalwork was sent to Jonathan Knoesen, a young and very talented engraver, to work his special magic on the metal.
An image of Kambako, an elephant bull that once was part of the so-called Magnificent Seven in the Kruger National Park, was engraved on the magazine cover/floor plate. The rest of the rifle was tastefully engraved with fine scrolls and gold inlays.
The grip-cap was engraved with the Smith family crest and the words “IN THE MEMORY OF MY FATHER IVORY HUNTER 1937”.
Finally, the metalwork was polished to a high sheen and gun-blued to accentuate the engraving. This is truly a magnificent rifle and definitely one of the most beautiful rifles Danie Joubert and his team have ever created.