John, et al, excited after reading the positive reports online, I found the new Rigby's at IWA. I was more than a bit disappointed. Bad as I hate to say it, CZ did come to mind. As you and others have pointed out, the .416s appear to be not much more than the Magnum Mauser rebranded. Could be some changes as I didn't have one side by side to compare. However, they did have an original pre-war .416 there to compare and, though 'well broken-in' there was really no comparison as far as handling and feel. I noted the thinner hand grip of the original and the thought did strike me that it might not be as strong as a thicker piece, but the feel to me was worth the risk. Likewise with the longer, thinner barrel. Never heard any complaints from the Old Timers about the .416s being whippy or inaccurate. The original just made you want to pick it up, carry, and shoot it. I don't think I'm being overly nostalgic when I say that, either. We all know some guns just "feel" better. That was the original. All that said, I really do hope the new owners get the details, balance, and "feel" closer to the originals and I hope they sell a boatload. We need Rigby back and we need Rigby right.
I think their concern at this point should be the doubles. I don't think double rifle buyers will be quite so forgiving if a new Rising Bite doesn't have the feel and handling, along with the looks of an original or at least other London Best rifles. That could be advertising damage from which they might never recover. Its a small but well connected (and well heeled) community and the Rigby name has been soiled bad enough to date. I hope they get it right, I think the world could use another Best Maker.