John Rigby & Co has returned to London in the UK, to the South bank, South of the Thames River.

The company is owned as a majority shareholder by Mauser and so is part of the L&O Group which comprises Rigby, Mauser, Blaser, Sauer and ?

Rigby has been very successful since its re-introduction, starting with the "Big Game" model of Mauser 98 actioned rifles. Three times as many rifles were sold in the first twelve months as were forecasted orginally. The Big Game model is chambered in larger bore cartridges such as the .416 Rigby, .375, .450 Rigby and others.

The Highland Stalker model was recently introduced in .275 Rigby and other medium bore chamberings. Also appears to be selling very well.

The Rising Bite double rifles, not produced for a long time were eagerly oerdered, so much that when the orders reached thirty rising bite rifles, Rigby temporarily closed the order books, so those ordered would not take an unreasonable time to be delivered. A three year turn around for a double rifle in the UK is often normal from order to delivery. And looking at the price of the RBs, 30 rifles on order is very dramatic.

I see Rigby has recently introduced Rising Bite shotguns as well.

The standard model Rigby Mausers are delivered in barrelled action form from Mauser, with inspection and finishing by Rigby. Of course extras are possible.

The London Best shop is a full custom gun making shop, in house in London. Most of the rifles in this list of "25" are from the London Best shop or otherwise with additional work.

My comments here are based on conversations with Marc Newton, the CEO of Rigby.

I particularly enjoy Rigby's excellent marketing. When they were busy selling the Big Game model they used an "African camp" theme for their gun show stands, with African styled canvas tent, barrels and other embellishments. With the Highlanmd rifle, they now feature a Scottish styled gun room with wallpaper, stags heads and panelling. Going the extra mile.

Also Rigby acquired James Corbett's awarded Rigby .275 rifle, displayed on another thread on NE with a 'replica' newly made, stock dings and all. Marc took this original Corbett rifle back to India for a tour and visited the haunts of Corbett and the infamous maneaters Corbett killed. Excellent!