SPORTING GUNS &

1 2 Welcome Contents Since Rigby returned to Britain in 2013, I have had the privilege and the pleasure to oversee its Big Game 4 return to the top tier of London gunmaking. Our talented team combine the benefit of years of Big Game upgrades and accessories 14 experience in the gun trade with the enthusiasm and energy of youth. London Best 16 We’re all dedicated to making each gun that leaves our workshop as good as it can be and London Best upgrades 22 to ensuring that the Rigbys of the 21st century are worthy successors to their illustrious Rising Bite 24 predecessors, such as Jim Corbett’s legendary .275 Rigby, which came home to reside in our London museum in 2015.

Marc Newton Managing Director From left: Mark Renmant, Jamie Holland, Vladimir Tomascik, Marc John Rigby & Co. (Gunmakers) Ltd. Newton, Olivier Leclercq, Ed Workman, Geoffrey Lignon, Brice Swieton

JOHN RIGBY & Co. (Gunmakers) LTD 13-19 PENSBURY PLACE LONDON SW8 4TP UNITED KINGDOM

Telephone: +44 (0)207 720 0757 Email: [email protected] Website: johnrigbyandco.com

3 Big Game

More than a century ago, Mauser-made barrelled actions were shipped to London, where they were assembled, finished and proofed by Rigby craftsmen. Today, in an echo of halcyon days before the Great War, we have resumed this arrangement with Mauser for our new Big Game range, making aspirational but affordable rifles for use around the world.

Due to popular demand, we have created four distinct editions within the range: the PH, the Big Game, the Deluxe and the Vintage. These are available in a selection of calibres, and can be upgraded and personalised as desired.

4 I have used my Big Game all over the world and have never found it wanting. “ It is just as magnificent musk ox” inside the Arctic Circle in Greenland as it is hunting Cape buffalo in sub- Saharan Africa. Simon K. Barr

5 Big Game

These outstanding rifles have classic Rigby design folding leaves (sighted for 65, 150 and 250 yards) features, plus a robust, ergonomic shape dovetailed into the quarter-rib. With original with a higher comb for better fit and absorption pattern engraving, case-hardened recoil bars and a of recoil. They also feature plasma nitriding on all heat-blued extractor, our Big Game rifles represent exposed metal surfaces for a tough but attractive exceptional value to the hunter and are anti-glare and rust-resistant finish. The Rigby a benchmark in modern sporting express sights have a single fixed V and two manufacturing.

Model shown is a double square bridge .375 with 24" lightweight barrel.

CALIBRES STANDARD FEATURES The Big Game is available in the following calibres: ∙ Grade 5 Turkish walnut stock ∙ Serial number engraved on trigger guard ∙ Double square bridge .375 H&H Magnum (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby name and address engraved on barrel ∙ Colour case hardened recoil bar and grip cap ∙ Double square bridge .416 Rigby (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby Big Game text engraved on front bridge or ¼ rib ∙ Flame blued extractor spring, bolt release spring and ∙ Single square bridge .416 Rigby (22" or 24" barrel) ∙ Back engraved and regulated to 65, 150 and 250 yards magazine follower ∙ Single square bridge .450 Rigby (22" barrel) ∙ Adjustable front sight bead and front sight protector hood ∙ Plasma nitride finish on barrelled action and floor metal ∙ 1" red rubber recoil pad ∙ Rigby pattern magazine holds five rounds in .375, four ∙ Rigby oil finish on stock in .416 and three in .450, plus one in the chamber

6 BIG GAME Model shown is a single square bridge .416 Rigby with 22" stepped barrel.

SINGLE OR DOUBLE SQUARE BRIDGE UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES The Big Game is available in single or double square bridge including a rubber recoil pad. Double square bridge models A wide range of Big Game upgrades and accessories are models. The single square bridge is designed for use with have a 24" lightweight barrel and are ideally suited to use available, including higher grades of Turkish walnut, classic express sights only. The action is fitted with a three with telescopic sights. The Winchester style is in the London Best oil finishing, hand engraving, gold inlaid position flag safety and 22" stepped barrel or 24" lightweight horizontal position to facilitate the fitting of mounting details and extra colour case hardening. Various additional barrel. Overall weight, unloaded, is 10lb 8oz with the 22" systems. The weight of the unloaded is 10lb, and the features are also available, including scope mounts and barrel and 10lb with the 24" barrel, stock length is 14½", stock measures 14½" including a rubber recoil pad. custom built cases. For more information on upgrades and accessories, see page 14.

BIG GAME 7 Big Game PH

Designed to be the perfect tool for the Professional Africa, this version of the multi-award-winning Hunter, the PH boasts the classic lines and rock Big Game rifle has been designed as a utilitarian, solid engineering of the original Big Game rifle. hardwearing gun for the field with a price point Made in consultation with Professional Hunters in that is considerably lower than the original.

Model shown is a double square bridge .416 Rigby with 24" lightweight barrel.

CALIBRES STANDARD FEATURES The Big Game PH is available in the following calibres: ∙ Grade 2 Turkish walnut stock ∙ 1" red rubber recoil pad ∙ Double square bridge .375 H&H Magnum (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby name and address engraved on barrel ∙ Plasma nitride finish on barrelled action and floor metal ∙ Double square bridge .416 Rigby (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby Big Game text engraved on front bridge or ¼ rib ∙ Rigby oil finish on stock ∙ Single square bridge .416 Rigby (22" or 24" barrel) ∙ Back sight engraved and regulated to 65, 150 and 250 yards ∙ Black bolt, grip cap and recoil bar ∙ Single square bridge .450 Rigby (22" barrel) ∙ Serial number engraved on trigger guard ∙ Chequered single panel bolt handle ∙ Adjustable front sight bead and front sight protector hood ∙ PH monogram on grip cap trap

8 BIG GAME Chequered single panel Simple black recoil bar PH monogram on grip bolt handle. and pins. cap trap.

OPTIONS UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES Like the Big Game, the PH is available in single or double length 14½" including a rubber recoil pad. Double Available upgrades for the PH edition Big Game include square bridge models. The single square bridge comes with square bridge models have a 24" lightweight barrel, and custom stock length, Rigby pattern peep sights, a spare front the choice of a 22" stepped, or 24" lightweight barrel, a a Winchester style safety in a horizontal position, and are sight bead in the grip cap trap, and scope mounts. For more classic three-position flag safety and are designed for use ideally suited to use with telescopic sights. The weight of the information on upgrades and accessories, see page 14. with express sights only. Overall weight, unloaded, is 10lb rifle unloaded is 10lb and stock length 14½" including red 8oz with the 22" barrel and 10lb with the 24" barrel, stock rubber recoil pad.

BIG GAME 9 Big Game Deluxe

Premium finish and premium features characterise bestselling original Big Game and is also available the Big Game Deluxe. This edition features a in single or double square bridge models. Like grade 7 Turkish walnut stock with Rigby oil finish the original model, the grip cap and recoil bar and a leather covered recoil pad. It has the same are colour case hardened, the Deluxe edition also ergonomic stock shape, plasma nitride finish, features a premium colour case hardened floor express sights and Rigby pattern magazine as the plate, plus a chequered bolt handle.

Model shown is a single square bridge .416 Rigby with 22" stepped barrel.

CALIBRES STANDARD FEATURES The Big Game Deluxe is available in the following calibres: ∙ Grade 7 Turkish walnut stock ∙ Adjustable front sight bead and front sight protector hood ∙ Double square bridge .375 H&H Magnum (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby name and address engraved on barrel ∙ Plasma nitride finish on barrelled action and floor metal ∙ Double square bridge .416 Rigby (24" barrel) ∙ Rigby Big Game text engraved on front bridge or ¼ rib ∙ Rigby oil finish on stock ∙ Single square bridge .416 Rigby (22" or 24" barrel) ∙ Back sight engraved and regulated to 65, 150 and 250 yards ∙ Colour case hardened recoil bar, grip cap and floor plate ∙ Single square bridge .450 Rigby (22" barrel) ∙ Serial number engraved on trigger guard ∙ Engraved recoil bar and pins ∙ Flame-blued extractor spring, bolt release spring and ∙ Leather covered recoil pad magazine follower ∙ Chequered bolt handle

10 BIG GAME Colour case hardened Checkered bolt handle. Colour case hardened recoil bar with Tudor rose floor plate. engraving.

OPTIONS UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES The Deluxe edition is available on single or double square is 14½" including a leather recoil pad. The double square Upgrades and accessories for the Big Game Deluxe edition bridge actions. The single square bridge model is available bridge model is produced in .375" H&H and .416" Rigby include higher grades of Turkish walnut, London Best in .416" and .450" Rigby calibres, and is designed for use calibres and with a 24" lightweight barrel this rifle is oil finishing, hand engraving and gold inlaid details. with express sights only. The action is fitted with the classic ideally suited for use with a . A horizontal Various additional features are also available, including three-position flag safety and a 22" stepped barrel or a 24" Winchester style safety facilitates the fitting of a variety of scope mounting systems and custom built cases. For more lightweight barrel. Overall weight, unloaded, with 22" mounting systems. The weight of the rifle unloaded is 10lb information on upgrades and accessories, see page 14. barrel is 10lb 8oz, and 10lb with the 24" barrel. Stock length and stock length is 14½", including a leather recoil pad.

BIG GAME 11 Big Game Vintage

Built to specifications taken from pre-1940s models and has no cheek piece. It features traditional in our London museum, the Vintage edition of pattern hand chequering and is made from the multi-award-winning Big Game rifle has specially selected grade 5 Turkish walnut, with a been designed to capture the spirit and style of the Rigby oil finish. The recoil bar and grip renowned Rigbys of the past. The classic stock cap are colour case hardened. shape is taken from historic rifles in our collection *

* Model shown includes Rigby pattern peep sight upgrade and is a single square bridge .416 with a 24" lightweight barrel.

CALIBRE STANDARD FEATURES The Big Game Vintage is available in .416 Rigby ∙ Rigby name and address engraved on barrel ∙ Plasma nitride finish on barrelled action and floor metal with a single square bridge action and 24" barrel ∙ Rigby Big Game text engraved on front bridge or ¼ rib ∙ 1" red rubber recoil pad ∙ Back sight engraved and regulated to 65, 150 and 250 yards ∙ Grade 5 Turkish walnut stock ∙ Serial number engraved on trigger guard ∙ Rigby oil finish on stock ∙ Adjustable front sight bead and front sight protector hood ∙ Colour case hardened recoil bar and grip cap ∙ Flame-blued extractor spring, bolt release spring and ∙ Vintage stock shape with no cheek piece magazine follower ∙ Traditional pattern hand chequering

12 BIG GAME Colour case hardened Traditional pattern hand Vintage stock shape. grip cap. chequering.

OPTIONS UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES The Vintage edition is available as a single square bridge As with the other Big Game models, the Vintage edition has Upgrades and accessories for the Big Game Vintage edition model in .416" Rigby, and is designed for use with Rigby express sights dovetailed directly into the rib, with include higher grades of Turkish walnut, Rigby London traditional express sights only. The action is fitted with the a single fixed V and two folding leaves regulated at 65, 150 Best oil finishing, hand engraving, gold inlaid details, and classic three-position flag safety and a 24" lightweight barrel. and 250 yards, and a Rigby pattern magazine floor plate that additional colour case hardening. Various additional features The overall weight, unloaded, is 10lb, and stock length is allows it to hold four rounds in the magazine and another in are also available. For more information on upgrades and 14½" including a red rubber recoil pad. the chamber. accessories, see page 14.

BIG GAME 13 Big Game upgrades and accessories

All our rifles can be personalised and upgraded as desired. Please contact us for more information and up-to-date prices.

∙ Grades 6 to 9 Turkish walnut stock1 ∙ Custom stock length and shape2 ∙ Gold ‘double R’ Rigby logo on bolt handle1 ∙ Chequering on bolt handle1, 3 ∙ Tudor rose engraved recoil bar and pins1, 3 ∙ Gold ‘double R’ Rigby logo on floor plate1 ∙ Colour case hardened f loor plate3, safety housing ∙ Silver oval in stock with engraved initials ∙ Gold ‘double R’ Rigby logo on grip cap1 and/or scope rings1 ∙ Gold engraved ‘safe’ on f lag1 ∙ Gold inlaid back sight1

14 ∙ Gold serial number on trigger guard1 ∙ Rigby pattern peep sight (single square ACCESSORIES ∙ Leather covered recoil pad1, 3 bridge only) ∙ Rigby Big Game canvas case ∙ London Best oil finish1 ∙ Rigby scroll on grip cap1 ∙ Rigby pattern Americase ∙ Rigby pouch ∙ Spare front sight bead in grip cap ∙ Rigby pattern silent sling ∙ Scope rings (30mm or 1")

1 = Not available on Big Game PH. 2 = Not available on Big Game Vintage. 3 = Included as standard on Big Game Deluxe

15 London Best

Our premium London Best guns are bespoke, connoisseur’s rifles that perfectly “ exemplify Rigby’s reputation as one of the ” very best gunmakers in the world. Marc Newton, Managing Director

16 17 London Best

Built in much the same way as they were 100 years A London Best is a fully custom experience and ago, our London Best rifles incorporate exquisite the choice is yours: pick any calibre; choose from engraving of choice from some of the world’s most Magnum or standard length action, and double renowned engravers and each features a deluxe or single square bridge; specify your own barrel stock of supreme quality wood. The rifles are length and profile; select your wood, and fabricated by hand at Rigby’s London premises have the stock shaped to your own using Mauser actions of various lengths, and personal specifications. premium quality barrels from our select suppliers.

Model shown is the Jim Corbett commemorative rifle, which was donated by Rigby to Safari Club International’s annual auction in February 2016, where it sold for a record breaking US $250,000.

STANDARD FEATURES ∙ Choice of single or double square bridge action ∙ Silver oval in stock, engraved with initials or crest ∙ Colour case hardened recoil bar ∙ Choice of any calibre ∙ Leather covered recoil pad ∙ Colour case hardened floor plate ∙ Choice of left or right handed action ∙ Stippled rib ∙ Colour case hardened safety ∙ Custom barrel length and profile ∙ Stippled sight blocks ∙ ‘London Best’ standard engraving: ∙ Rigby pattern iron sights ∙ ‘London Best’ barrel black ∙ maker’s name on barrel ∙ Choice of grade 7 Turkish walnut stock blank ∙ ‘London Best’ oil finish ∙ chequered bolt handle ∙ Custom stock fitting ∙ Colour case hardened grip cap ∙ Tudor rose engraved pins

18 LONDON BEST Colour case hardened Colour case hardened Silver oval in stock with recoil bar with Tudor safety housing. engraved initials or crest. rose engraving.

UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES ∙ Tudor rose engraved recoil bar Every London Best can be personalised and upgraded to suit Further options comprise a range of mounting systems and ∙ gold serial number on trigger guard a client’s requirements. scope rings for telescopic sights, Rigby pattern peep sights, ∙ gold safety arrow on shroud and various take down systems. For more information on ∙ gold calibre on floorplate Available upgrades include Turkish walnut stocks from upgrades and accessories, see page 22. The lists of upgrades ∙ distance numbers on back sight grades 8 to 11, gold inlaid details on metalwork and stock, published here and on our website are non-exhaustive. Please ∙ Rigby ‘double R’ logo on grip cap hand engraving and additional colour case hardening. contact us to discuss any additional features you would like.

LONDON BEST 19 London Best Vintage

Available in three classic Rigby calibres, Each Vintage edition, however, is built from a the Vintage edition London Best is built to historic pattern, and bears a number of features that specifications taken from pre-1940 rifles held in evoke the Rigbys of the past. our collection. Like all London Bests, it is a rifle custom built according to a client’s wishes. *

* Model shown includes Rigby pattern peep sight upgrade and is a single square bridge .416.

CALIBRES STANDARD FEATURES The London Best Vintage is available in the following ∙ Choice of standard, intermediate or magnum action ∙ Choice of Silvers pad or chequered butt calibres: ∙ Flag safety mechanism ∙ Traditional chequering pattern on stock ∙ .275 Rigby ∙ Wood selected by Rigby to match the appearance of pre- ∙ Back sight engraved with distances, inlaid with white gold ∙ .350 Rigby 1940 rif les line and cross cut ∙ .416 Rigby ∙ Rigby pattern iron sights

20 LONDON BEST Traditional maker’s name Cross cut top on Back sight engraved with engraving on barrel. rear bridge. distances and inlaid with white gold.

UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES ∙ Choice of horn or metal grip cap with trap (on .350 or .416) ∙ Cross cut top on rear bridge and rib (calibre dependent) A number of upgrades in keeping with the historic feel of ∙ Rounded pistol grip (on .275) ∙ ‘London Best’ barrel black the London Best Vintage rifles are available, including: a ∙ No cheek piece ∙ Colour case hardened grip cap and recoil bar on .350 silver oval in the stock, engraved with initials or a crest; ∙ Traditional engraving pattern on barrel, action and and .416 H&H style side mounts; a Rigby pattern peep sight mounted trigger guard on the cocking piece, and various take down systems. For more information on upgrades and accessories, see page 22.

LONDON BEST 21 London Best upgrades

All our rifles can be personalised and upgraded as Please contact us to discuss any additional features desired. The lists of upgrades published here and you would like and up to date prices. on our website are non-exhaustive.

∙ Grade 8, 9, 10 or 11 Turkish walnut stock ∙ Gold inlaid Rigby ‘double R’ logo on bolt handle ∙ Rigby half or full scroll engraving ∙ Gold oval in stock, engraved with initials or crest ∙ Gold inlaid Rigby text on front bridge or rib ∙ Custom engraving ∙ Gold inlaid distance numbers on back sight ∙ Gold inlaid animal of choice, Rigby ‘double R’ logo, or ∙ Swing-off scope rings ∙ Gold inlaid ‘J. Rigby & Co. London’ on barrel Rigby ‘seal’ logo on magazine floor plate ∙ Smithson scope mounts with cover plates ∙ Gold inlaid ‘John Rigby & Co’ and calibre on scope rings ∙ Gold inlaid Rigby ‘double R’ logo in stock ∙ H&H style side mount

22 ∙ Colour case hardened scope rings LONDON BEST ACCESSORIES ∙ Scroll engraving on scope rings ∙ Leather case with canvas outer ∙ Rigby pattern silent sling ∙ Colour case hardened magazine box and trigger guard ∙ Vintage pattern canvas case ∙ Case accessories (turnscrews, cleaning rod, oil bottle, jags ∙ Rigby pattern peep sight mounted on cocking piece ∙ Oak and leather case with canvas outer with pouch, patches, cloth) ∙ Take down system (stock only or barrel and action) ∙ Rigby ‘London Best’ leather and canvas gun slip (made to ∙ Leather pouch with spare parts (firing pin, spring and blued measure) extractor)

23 Rising Bite

After an 82-year break, John Rigby & Co. has resumed building the iconic Rising Bite double rifle. So-called because of its unique vertical-bolt locking system, the Rigby Rising Bite was and continues to be one of the most famous double rifles ever to have been made.

24 25 Rising Bite Double Rifle

Named for its unique - and singularly strong - to resume production and reverse-engineered an vertical bolt locking system, the Rigby Rising original Rising Bite that had been delivered to the Bite is one of the most famous double rifles ever Maharana of Udaipur in 1902. That pristine action made. Increasing manufacturing costs meant that has been replicated in modern, top-quality steel regular production at Rigby ceased in 1910, and with state-of-the-art technology and a the last custom order original Rising Bites left the master’s hand and eye. factory in 1932. Four years ago, Rigby decided

Traditional Rigby pattern full scroll engraving, colour case hardening and gold inlaid details.

CALIBRES STANDARD FEATURES The Rising Bite is available in the following calibres: ∙ Best sidelock ejector with dipped edge lock plates ∙ Traditional full-length rib or Rigby ¼ rib and front ∙ .416 Rigby ∙ Choice of barrel lengths sight block ∙ .450/.400 Nitro Express ∙ Chopper lump barrels, mirror bored ∙ Bolted safety catch ∙ .470 Nitro Express ∙ Barrels regulated to 100 yards ∙ Lever forend release catch ∙ .500 Nitro Express ∙ Rigby top extension with vertical bolt ∙ Ejector regulating switch inside forend ∙ .577 Nitro Express ∙ .600 Nitro Express

26 RISING BITE Hand chequering and lever Stippled rib and back sight. Front sight block. forend release catch.

UPGRADES AND ACCESSORIES ∙ Choice of grade 7 Turkish walnut stock blank ∙ Colour case hardened action, forend iron and furniture Rising Bite upgrades include: a choice of Turkish walnut ∙ Traditional Rigby pattern full scroll engraving ∙ ‘London Best’ barrel black and oil finish stock blank from grade 8 to 11; additional gold inlaid ∙ Carved folding leaves on fences ∙ Silver oval in stock, engraved with initials or crest details; a gold engraved oval in the stock; custom hand ∙ Gold inlaid ‘J. Rigby & Co.’ on locks and barrels ∙ Custom stock fitting engraving; scope rings, and various scope mounts. Bespoke ∙ Gold inlaid Rigby ‘double R’ logo on grip cap ∙ Leather covered recoil pad leather, canvas and oak cases, plus accessories, spare parts ∙ Cross cut or stippled rib and cleaning equipment, are also available. For more information on upgrades and accessories, please contact us.

RISING BITE 27 Our past…

…shapes our future

28 …shapes our future

29 JOHN RIGBY & Co. (Gunmakers) LTD, 13-19 PENSBURY PLACE, LONDON SW8 4TP, UNITED KINGDOM Telephone: +44 (0)207 720 0757 Email: [email protected] johnrigbyandco.com