Best action for a 416

[Old Moss]

  Good evening Gents,

I am very seriously going to start a project gun - to be built into a Big Bore 416.  Either a 416 Rigby or a 416 Ruger.  I would like to use a mauser action if I can find a good solid one (for under $350).  An enfield 1917 would be great to, but cannot find for less than $500+

Question is what is the best action for this project rifle?   I know that CZ makes a 416 mag actions (for sale new) would love to have one but they are a bit tough on my budget!      I may scope it but the plan is to just use a good receiver/express sights

Mauser 98
Mauser VZ 24 (getting hard to find)
Mauser 98/22 Yugo
Turkish Mauser
Argentine Mauser
1917 or 1914 (303 cal)

My intent is not to ruin a nice WWII collectible

Want to start out inexpensively take it slow and do it in phases.  This is going to be a dangerous game rifle so strong/rugged, simple and dependable are first priority! 

I see a lot of old military stuff out there and lots of actions for sale but want your all's advice and thoughts.  Thanks a lot for your time and experience.  Old Moss   

[efremtags]

My experience with project guns are you don't do them to save money. They always cost more than an off the shelf model. You could get A hawkey African for under a grand.

The ruger is a shorter action and will open up possibilities over the Rigby.
The Enfield is a good action for DG. The 470 captsick was modeled after the Enfield. I played with one at Kittery Tradeing post. Nice gun, but too heavy.

A good mauser action is hard to beat if it is the correct length. It's tough to find one that's good enough to use, but not so good, you feel bad tearing it apart. I have an FN made 7mm made for Argentina circa 1939 - 41. I was tempted to do something with it, but just added a scout site since it did not require any permanent mods. The wood was too nice once it was degreased.

[crash87]

efremtags is right one one account, by the time your done with your project gun you could have yourself a new rifle, maybe, with a few accessories. But... go with the Rigby, nostalgia all the way. CRASH87

[jro45]

I would say the CZ action is a real good action. Then there is the 700 action comes next.

[efremtags]

Please don't say REM 700 for a DG caliber, it's going to get a thread started about positive feed actions that will never end.

It's like saying what's better 270 or 30-06. People will be running from the hills to write about it.. lol...

[thebear101]

For bolt actions, Savage makes budget actions, I use the single shot encore for the 375HH 416 Rigby and the 458 win, but mine are all pistols with SSK muzzle breaks, I just get to tires to carry the big bores in rifles anymore, pluss the bang, nor the kick doesn't really bother yah much when sighting down (with aginolin flowing) on big game, but it does when just sighting in, I don't no, it's just in the head at the time I think

[Cowboybart]

I Have a MK V 416 Wby that I am selling and could save ya a bunch of time and headaches.

I also am having a 416 Taylor built on an 03A3 Sprgfd action.   Because I am in no hurry, I am piecing this together over 3-4 years.

I have a '17 Enfield action w/ magnum bolt face that I will let go for half of what you quoted in the opening of the thread.