nitro476

I understand where you are coming from - most "shooters/hunters" "say" they prefer shorter barrels on doubles
and most do - those that have had the experience, especially in the stopping calibres (450+).
However IMHO, I think people forget the reason for the 28" barrels on Rigby's. In the change from BP to Nitro,
Rigby came out with the 450 (THE 450 IMHO) and the barrels were a carry over from BP days (to burn the powder)
plus required to burn the cordite.

I find mine (450 Rigby) quite good and very well balanced - if it had shorter barrels, all well and good
but as an example of the 1st big Nitro Calibre by the first maker, it is fine. I wouldn't necessarily take it
into REALLY thick scrub / jungle after DG due to it's barrel length, however if I had it in my hands, you
would accomodate it.

470Rigby - can you send me a PM to confirm ident ?

"Rigby wasn't the only maker guilty of doing this, but one has to wonder about the residual strength left in
the chamber/barrel walls, since steel technology pre-WW1 was a bit "iffY"?"

Why do you say "GUILTY" - I would call it an obvious thing to do.

Also, remember that ALL english guns still have to pass proof.

Why do you say "steel technology pre-WW1 was a bit "iffY"?"

I would say Steel technology was fine - and a damn sight better than Steel during WWII and just after
and Gun Manufacturing quality in the 70's and 80's where as Boddington says "cheap, cheap, cheap"

"Webley Screw Grip or PHV1 if a boxlock" - After Rigby finished making guns on the Rigby & Bissell rising
third bite", the Rigby Sidelocks were made on Webley Screw Grip actions (and maybe PHV1 actions but I can't
confirm this as I have never seen one).

"Could it be that the buyer resistance was more related to the possibility that it
might have been a re-bore??" IMHO, I don't think the market has enough of an
undertsanding of the English gun making trade 1900 - 1930 to think along those lines
and the difference between a 450 and a 470 in minimal.

Just my thoughts into the melting pot for comment.

500 Nitro