As I look more and more at some of the older rifles (especially the Lee Speeds lately) I seem to be noticing a similar trend toward "beefier" rifles. I wonder if this is due, at least in part, because today we tend to do more of the "traveling" portion of the hunt via automobile rather than on foot? With less need for a lighter rifle for carrying, the added weight can help with recoil.

As for the pictured (new) Rigby, it is nice to see a modern interpretation of a best grade Mauser. It makes me wonder what the older rifles looked like when new. Were the colors as bright? The wood as finely finished? And how does this one shoot?