Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact
NitroExpress.com: Rigby double @ Westley Richards

View recent messages : 24 hours | 48 hours | 7 days | 14 days | 30 days | 60 days | More Smilies


*** Enjoy NitroExpress.com? Participate and join in. ***
You are not logged in. [Login] Main Index · Search · Active Topics
New user · Who's Online · FAQ · Calendar

Double Rifles, Single Shots & Combinations >> Double Rifles
Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Rigby double @ Westley Richards
      #96766 - 15/02/08 08:52 AM

Just viewed Westley Richards site and saw Rigby .450 newly posted. The price of $28,500 seems reasonable what with English doubles going like they are and it is a Rigby. Any advice or opinions greatly appreciated.
Texasclay.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96767 - 15/02/08 08:55 AM



Can you put a direct link ?

It makes it alot easier than everyone going through the
long winded way.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Dave_Hall
.300 member


Reged: 09/12/06
Posts: 185
Loc: PA. ,U.S.A.
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 500Nitro]
      #96770 - 15/02/08 09:30 AM

http://www.westleyrichards.com/gun/used_guns_2_product.php?id=25995
Is that 450 NE or the 416 Rigby necked up?

--------------------
The Great .458
45-90 WCF
45-120 Sharps
450 Nitro Express
2011 Ruger SP-101 4.2" 357 MAG.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: Dave_Hall]
      #96771 - 15/02/08 09:35 AM


Likely to be a Class C gun.

Built by Webley, pretty much a standard
Rigby from that era.

Not too sure about the blacked frame.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 500Nitro]
      #96778 - 15/02/08 11:52 AM

Yeah, screw grip, shoe lump, full rib.
Would be a nice rifle if the condition is good.
Especially in that chambering.
It appears to have been "tarted up" a bit though.
Blacked frame, burred screw slots, and screw slot alignment stand out just for starters.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
4seventy
Sponsor


Reged: 07/05/03
Posts: 2210
Loc: Queensland Australia
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: Dave_Hall]
      #96781 - 15/02/08 12:31 PM

Quote:

Is that 450 NE or the 416 Rigby necked up?


Dave,
It "should" be the .450 NE 3 1/4".

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 4seventy]
      #96791 - 15/02/08 04:19 PM

Rigby is .450 3 1/4 and looks relatively good shape for 1903 or 04 or 05 vintage.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
BigFiveJack
.333 member


Reged: 25/12/05
Posts: 256
Loc: Half hour North of Tampa Bay F...
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96796 - 15/02/08 05:40 PM

If it's in your budget let JJ
have at it for proper inspection.

--------------------
Cordially,
Jack

NRA Endowment Member
DRSS Member

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Ripp
.577 member


Reged: 19/02/07
Posts: 16072
Loc: Montana, USA
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: BigFiveJack]
      #96805 - 15/02/08 11:19 PM

Their office is 4 blocks from mine--if you wish pm me and I will go down and take a peek.

Ripp

--------------------
ALL MEN DIE, BUT FEW MEN TRULY LIVE..

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Anonymous
Unregistered




Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96821 - 16/02/08 04:28 AM

The price is too high. It's an extractor grade "C" gun. $20,000.00 is more like the real value, assuming the bores are excellent and it shoots.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
jaz
.300 member


Reged: 21/10/05
Posts: 188
Loc: Northeast US
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: ]
      #96852 - 16/02/08 10:41 AM

Boxlock extractor, blued receiver, working gun for 28K???,I agree with Sinner.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
470evans
.333 member


Reged: 30/03/05
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas, USA
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: jaz]
      #96853 - 16/02/08 11:17 AM

I saw this one at DSC, it's a bit tired.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 470evans]
      #96895 - 17/02/08 03:14 AM

I may be rationalizing my thinking only to justify purchasing the Rigby, but with Sinner,jaz and 470evans comments, I am now a bit discouraged. The rifle is "tired" and "too high" yet in it's defense it appears not to be redone and still in original 100+ year condition. Would it be worth more or less tired if it were sent to someone competent for redoing? Thought it would devalue it as not original. Not trying to argue, but it is an ORIGINAL RIGBY(not California) relatively untouched with a desirable caliber. Seen dozens of other rifles selling for a lot more than this one at many shows and internet sites of all the dealers. Is there another original Rigby in this condition and price for sale? Please davise me where to find. Thanking all of you in advance,
TexasClay.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
mickey
.416 member


Reged: 05/01/03
Posts: 4647
Loc: Pend Oreille Valley, Idaho
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96896 - 17/02/08 03:25 AM

TC

While there are a few 'smiths in the US who could rebuild this rifle there are not any that I am aware of that would increase the value by doing so.

If you choose to have an English rifle redone, and I mean totally, than it is best to deal with the original maker if possible or a competent and recognized 'smith in England if not.

I have had many rifles that were cosmetically redone in Australia and two by people in the US who come highly recommended here and on other sites. The ones done here, while done well, do not bring the price increase that is needed to justify the work.

If you plan to keep it for a long time perhaps it would work but the world of Double Rifles is a picky one where name means more than quality at times.

You may be able to get by with a plainer name but a Rigby is worth more just because it says Rigby so you must be careful. I am not saying that it is better but it is perceived to be better by the majority of people who would be in the price range of the rifle.

--------------------
Lovu Zdar
Mick

A Man of Pleasure, Enterprise, Wit and Spirit Rare Books, Big Game Hunting, English Rifles, Fishing, Explosives, Chauvinism, Insensitivity, Public Drunkenness and Sloth, Champion of Lost and Unpopular Causes.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5273
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96912 - 17/02/08 07:06 AM

Tex,

How do you get the idea this rifle is not re-done?

I don't see what you see.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: CptCurl]
      #96919 - 17/02/08 08:35 AM

Curl,
Spoke with John Thomas of Gunsport,Ltd. who had the Rigby at one time and he says it was absolutely NOT redone with exception of re-blacking barrels possibly. Prior to offering the rifle for sale, he sent the Rigby to David Yale for vetting and Yale agreed with him while giving the rifle good remarks about functionality and originality. I have known these people many years and John Thomas is a straight shooter in my opinion. I am not extremely familiar with doubles nor nowhere close to knowing as much as most of this sites participants, only what people I trust tell me.
TexasClay.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
500Nitro
.450 member


Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96920 - 17/02/08 08:44 AM


Texas

"he says it was absolutely NOT redone with exception of re-blacking barrels possibly."

Now that is an oxymoron statement if ever I saw one.


FFS, it's either ORIGINAL or it's NOT ORIGINAL.

The barrels have been reblacked - therefore it is NOT ORIGINAL. No if', but's or maybe's.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 500Nitro]
      #96925 - 17/02/08 10:07 AM

500Nitro
I asked for opinions and thanks for yours,
TexasClay.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5273
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96927 - 17/02/08 12:18 PM

Tex,

All I know about the rifle is five photos on the WR website, and that's not much at all. WR doesn't even give a verbal description of their wares.

What do I think I see?

The barrels look like they have been re-blacked more than once. The engraving around the breech ends of the barrels is almost rubbed off. The current blacking is almost gone.

There's no way the barrels could be worn that much without the action being worn, yet the barrels are worn almost white and the action is jet black. Impossible! Look at the doll's head compared to the action around it. How do you rub the blue off the barrels and dolls head without rubbing the blue off the action? Look at the barrel lump protruding through the bottom of the action. Why is the barrel lump worn and the metal around it black?

The screw slots are all spread open, and some off-time. If the action is cherry, why did somebody take it apart several or numerous times?

The finish on the stock doesn't even come close to resembling an early 20th century finish.

The red rubber pad isn't 100 years old.

Again, just five small photos I have seen. I haven't seen the rifle. Maybe I'm way off base. You do your own evaluation and make your own decision. I'm not posting to bad-mouth this rifle.

I don't think I ever saw an original Webley action that was blacked. The actions were color case hardened, and the floor plates were charcoal blued. The screws were fire blued. None of those finishes are present in the five photos of this rifle.

You have heard other learned opinions here. Sinner knows a little about double rifles. He probably ownes a couple million dollars worth. 470evans handled this very rifle. Maybe we are all wrong. You decide.

No matter what its condition might be, it's not a Rigby anyway. It's a Webley. A Webley is a fine rifle, and I like them a lot. I'm not going bonkers over a Webley marked "Rigby" and calling it an original Rigby under any circumstances. It could be marked Army & Navy and be the same rifle.

Best,
Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
CptCurlAdministrator
.450 member


Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5273
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: CptCurl]
      #96928 - 17/02/08 12:48 PM

Tex,

From my post just this morning, here's a photo of cherry original Webley finishes on a double rifle. Does the rifle at Westley Richards look like this? Color case hardened action, charcoal blued floorplate and trigger guard, fire blued screws.



Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.



Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
470evans
.333 member


Reged: 30/03/05
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas, USA
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: CptCurl]
      #96931 - 17/02/08 02:24 PM

Texas,

I was standing next to Kevin from Westley Richards at DSC when the owner walked up and was deciding if he wanted to consign it to them.

I overheard the owner say he had a Rigby 450 he wanted to move. After looking the gun over I decided to pass. Like Curl, I've never seen or heard of an original Webley built boxlock that had a blued frame. I don't believe that was ever done, but hey, there's always a possibility.

I don't think it's a bad gun, I think it has been run through the refinish mill by someone who shouldn't have been messing with a fine double rifle. I do think it's overpriced for what it is and definately not original. My apologies to David Yale and John Thomas but I think they are wrong. Perhaps a call to Paul Roberts who used to own Rigby would help answer the question on the frame. http://www.jroberts-gunmakers.co.uk/about.htm

I'm not saying don't buy it if your set on it. Good doubles are hard to find, especially in 450 and up. Have Westleys send it directly to JJ at Champlins and ask for his opinion, he will prevent you from making a major mistake.

I've learned some things about Doubles, one is don't get in too much of a hurry. There is always another one available and as soon as you bite on one another one is guaranteed to turn up. Don't regret it when it does, make sure the gun you buy is the gun you want.

470evans

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: CptCurl]
      #96932 - 17/02/08 02:30 PM

Curl, Many thanks for your "teaching" me about this rifle in terms I can understand. Makes sense when you pointed out differences. Glad to have a forum of unbiased and knowledgable info available to me. Would still care to hear any and all info concerning this rifle if any of you see fit. Thank you in advance,
TexasClay.

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96933 - 17/02/08 02:35 PM

470evans,
Thanks for the valuable input.
Tex

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
470evans
.333 member


Reged: 30/03/05
Posts: 278
Loc: Texas, USA
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: TexasClay]
      #96934 - 17/02/08 02:44 PM

Tex,

Where in Tx are you located?

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
TexasClay
.224 member


Reged: 31/01/06
Posts: 14
Loc: TEXAS
Re: Rigby double @ Westley Richards [Re: 470evans]
      #96935 - 17/02/08 02:48 PM

Dallas area

Post Extras: Print Post   Remind Me!   Notify Moderator  
Pages: 1 | 2 | >> (show all)


Previous topic Previous   View all topics Index   Next topic Next   Threaded Mode Threaded  

Extra information
0 registered and 48 anonymous users are browsing this forum.

Moderator:  CptCurl 

Print Topic

Forum Permissions
      You cannot start new topics
      You cannot reply to topics
      HTML is disabled
      UBBCode is enabled

Rating:
Topic views: 6337

Rate this topic

Jump to

Contact Us NitroExpress.com

Powered by UBB.threads™ 6.5.5


Home | Ezine | Forums | Links | Contact


Copyright 2003 to 2011 - all rights reserved