Author Topic: Help On Building A .505 Gibbs (Read 1384 times)

catblaster.375 · « **on:** December 07, 2004, 05:45:58 PM »

Hey guys. I was thinkin I would love to build a custom express rifle in .505. I would also be okay with a .500 A-Square if it would be cheaper to build. But I am limited on money and have never built a custom rifle before. First off what is the least amount of money I could spend on this project and how would I do this? What do I need to do?

These are the features I would like to have(I have no preference with other options):

1. Stainless steel throughout
2. Synthetic or laminated stock
3. Single standing v-notch rear sight on possible quarter rib
4. Barrel banded gold or ivory bead front sight
5. Barrel band front sling swivel
6. Claw extractor
7. 22"-24" barrel

I am sure my price range is way below what it needs to be, but I would realy like to have your guys imput. Thank you so much. I would realy like to have your responses.

Graybeard · « **Reply #1 on:** December 07, 2004, 05:49:59 PM »

That is DEFINITELY NOT a project for a man with a limited budget. I don't think you're going to find a suitable stainless action for the huge Gibbs case. I believe it takes on the super magnum actions like the BRNO and such. Maybe I'm mistaken but I'm pretty sure that's the case.

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #2 on:** December 07, 2004, 06:31:17 PM »

If it doesnt have to be pure custom CZ is comeing out with the 505 gibbs 450 rigby 404 jeffery

This coming year i emailed them last nght asking if it was true they said yes so it would be cheepr than a full custom

catblaster.375 · « **Reply #3 on:** December 07, 2004, 07:12:03 PM »

All right, thats what I thought thanks anyway guys.

Yes I too have emailed CZ twice in the last 2 days about the .505 and that is probobly the route I will go, but the guy would only answer the first question of 3 or 4 that I asked in each e-mail. He said it will be more exspensive than the standard safari magnum because it will incorporate a non-factory barrel. He said he will give me a price after the SHOT Show. He said it wont be available till mid-year, but I want it before I go to my uncles in Homer,AK this spring. Oh, well maybe I'll opt for the .458 Lott, but I realy want that .505, I don't know I'm conflicted!

Thanks again guys

Tc300mag1 · « **Reply #4 on:** December 07, 2004, 07:45:25 PM »

Tough call i think i would pick upa 458 lott then see what a cz will run and could always sell the 458 to fun the 505 later..

Thinking of getting a 458 lott myself

Graybeard · « **Reply #5 on:** December 08, 2004, 07:07:50 AM »

Quote

Oh, well maybe I'll opt for the .458 Lott, but I realy want that .505, I don't know I'm conflicted!

To what end? Neither of these chamberings really make sense for a hunter. They are serious stopping guns for use as back up by a guide not a hunter. Yes you can use them but why? Why punish yourself that badly when there are far more appropriate hunting guns? Leave the monster back up guns to the guides.

Now if you just want one because you want one and have the money for a toy that's a whole different situation. But it sounds like you have some fantasy that this is a proper hunting rifle. I'd suggest you speak with knowledgeable guides if that's the case. Our own JJHack, GBO sponsor and Moderator of the Hunting in Africa Forum is a good one to discuss this with. He has vast experience as a hunter and guide for bears. He did a lot of bear control work for a Christmas tree farm too and is now a guide in Africa.

Judson · « **Reply #6 on:** December 08, 2004, 10:37:30 AM »

I have built several .505 Gibbs and they are interesting to shoot I must say. Factory ammo runs around 10.00 to 15.00 per cartridge however for around half that you can get your cases reloaded by Afsco Ammunition.
An action will be tough to find. Some 505 rifles have been built on modified P-17 P-14 actions but that is pushing things. My choice would be to use a ZKK 602 and open it up. In any case the project to be done right will not be cheep like around $4500 and up.

anweis · « **Reply #7 on:** December 09, 2004, 06:44:30 AM »

Are elephants ruining your uncle's lettuce rows in Homer, AK? Just kidding. If you are on a budget forget about the custom rifle. CZ, Remington, and Winchester make some good magnums.
If you need to ask how much it costs, then you don't have enough money...

LILED · « **Reply #8 on:** December 31, 2004, 06:01:23 PM »

I did one it took about $4100. I did it cheap. Do a 510 wells on a CZ550 if you want a 50cal thumper.

Ed

gwindrider1 · « **Reply #9 on:** January 01, 2005, 07:55:20 AM »

Catblaster, As one other poster mentioned CZ is bringing out some of the really big magnums this year in their 550 Magnum. They haven't set the final pricing as yet, but it is rumored to be in the $1800 range. Also, it won't be a stainless gun.

Check their website frequently, and you might be able to find out more about them as time developes. I am sure however, you will not find a rifle in any caliber of that class for that kind of money. As for the weather resistance of stainless, for that sort of savings you could have the metal coated with one of the new coating technologies. I hear good things about the coating that "Fit 4 Duty" is applying.

Good luck with your project, and if you do pull it off, please post it so we can all drool over it.

"Ride like the wind, or a little faster!"

VFR · « **Reply #10 on:** January 06, 2005, 04:23:43 AM »

The .500 A-Square is certainly the most economical way to go as .460 Weatherby brass is cheap, relatively. I did my .460 WM on a Brno 602 action back in the 80's for about $1400. It probably has 500 rounds through it and shoots like a dream. Thought about rebarreling to .500 A-Square, but the .458 bullets are a lot cheaper to play with and I don't think the buff could tell a difference.