Put a lot of thought into the Highland stalker. Price was a major consideration and the cal if it did happen would be a 275/. 7x57.
Initialy this all started with a look at a few classic English rifles and a purchase of a William Evans in .318WR. My dreams of a Rigby or Westly Richards , Holland and Holland were squashed by price or availability and import export issues. Or my ignorance of process.
My lack of control on other purchases didn't help.......
Eventually everything lined up and the 275 Rigby turned up on used guns. Price was negotiated and pretty happy with what I paid for it.
Eagerly anticipated its arrival and PTA arrived a day or so after it arrived at the local shop.
A mate had seen it being packaged to send up to me and had commented on how nice it looked and the wood was stunning!
First impressions were "Wow" removing it from the sock wood was very nice with great grain, on the left hand side.
Metal fit was very good and the mech very slick for a Mauser. Safety is very positive and easy to use.
The stock had been shortened by 1/2 " and a new old English pad fitted. About perfect for me.
The open sights come to the eye and suit me well. Sighting session put 140 hydros and 140 PPSN 's To similar impact as regulated load.
Mounts , I'm still out of school on the way these work but time will tell how they hold zero.
The search for a scope or one that would suit was difficult as 30mm tube required
. Wanted something that suited the English lines of the scope and funds were low so went with the Artemis 2-8x42. Shoots MOA of the bench with my other 7x57 loads and factory Winchester ammo.
Not the best style of stock / forehand to shoot of the bags with, so happy with the group size. Hydros shoot almost same point of impact, so they will be very handy.
In the field its a little bit heavier than I Like but balance is very good so easy to carry. Sling supplied is a leather tie in job which works very well but not very practical for the tropics. So looking for another option .
Comes into line and points well making it very easy to hit with. Running shots very easy with it.
Overall I'm very impressed with it........
Only negative comments I've had back about it is that its not an original Rigby or 100 years old .
I think that Rigby have done justice in the production of a new classic stalker.
I can see it being used a fair bit this dry season.
Another one in 9.3x62 would be very nice!
cheers Mick