Rigby Big Game Rifle

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posted on February 25, 2015
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Rigby’s Big Game Rif­le is the archetype for bolt-actions designed to hunt earth’s biggest, most dangerous game. Especially noteworthy is that after a period of manufacture that deviated from company tradition, new ownership has restored the formula that made Rigby a big-bore icon. As was the case when the ri­fle made its debut prior to World War I, Big Game Ri­fles are again being built and proofed in London on Model 98 Magnum barreled-actions from Mauserwerke in Isny, Germany. The 10-lb., 8-oz. single-bridge, fitted with the original fl­ag-style three-position safety, is intended for use with express sights only. It comes with a 22" barrel in .416 and .450 Rigby calibers. The double-square-bridge variant is a half-pound trimmer, designed for scope use with its side-swing Model 70-type safety and is chambered for .375 H&H Mag. or .416 Rigby. The supply is limited, and pricing runs well into five‑figure territory. To date, every one of the new London editions has been sold, and the wait list is growing. The consensus from those fortunate enough to fire it—including American Rifleman Editor-In-Chief Mark Keefe—is that the ri­fle’s superb balance and heft combine to make the big boomer instinctive, fast and surprisingly accurate, just like the Rigby's of old. Watch Keefe shoot the rifle in the above video from range day at SHOT Show 2015. For more, visit John Rigby and Co.

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