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NitroXAdministrator
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The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle
      #296173 - 03/03/17 09:54 PM

Today John Rigby and Co releases its new model, the Highland Stalker rifle.



A comparison.

Vintage 1900 Rigby .275




Modern Rigby Highland Stalker .275





The Highland Stalker - John Rigby & Co.'s most important rifle launch in a generation.

Hailed as a traditional deerstalking rifle, Rigby's new Highland Stalker is inspired by the same rifles we produced at the turn of the 20th century. These rifles were used by iconic British adventurers such as Karamojo Bell and Jim Corbett. We regard the Scottish Highlands as the birthplace of stalking and the title befitting the rifle.

Available in both men's and ladies' versions, the rifle took three years to develop with our historic partner Mauser and features grade 5 wood as standard, traditional Rigby pattern iron sights, an ambidextrous stock, rounded grip shape, hand-finished chequering and original-style engraving.

Weighing 7.8lb, the rifle's magazine holds 4+1 for all calibres. A scope can be easily fitted with our quick release return to zero mounts. This is a classic stalking rifle with a full line of fit for purpose accessories to accompany it.

Available in .275, .308, .30-06, 8x57, 9.3x62

RRP: £6,495 I €7,595 I $8,995





















Edited by NitroX (04/03/17 08:57 PM)


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Ash
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296177 - 03/03/17 11:50 PM

I'll get the popcorn!

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Ash]
      #296188 - 04/03/17 03:45 AM

Yes please.

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=596EBAF0

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gryphon
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Ash]
      #296189 - 04/03/17 03:45 AM

https://scontent-lht6-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=596EBAF0

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296190 - 04/03/17 04:29 AM

While along my cup of tee, the proportions of that rifle, to me, look like a heavy dangerous game rifle, not a stalker. I expected a sleek rifle, not a heavy hitter.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #296195 - 04/03/17 04:58 AM

The Highland Stalker - John Rigby & Co.'s most important rifle launch in a generation.

Hailed as a traditional deerstalking rifle, Rigby's new Highland Stalker is inspired by the same rifles we produced at the turn of the 20th century. These rifles were used by iconic British adventurers such as Karamojo Bell and Jim Corbett. We regard the Scottish Highlands as the birthplace of stalking and the title befitting the rifle.

Available in both men's and ladies' versions, the rifle took three years to develop with our historic partner Mauser and features grade 5 wood as standard, traditional Rigby pattern iron sights, an ambidextrous stock, rounded grip shape, hand-finished chequering and original-style engraving.

Weighing 7.8lb, the rifle's magazine holds 4+1 for all calibres. A scope can be easily fitted with our quick release return to zero mounts. This is a classic stalking rifle with a full line of fit for purpose accessories to accompany it.

Available in .275, .308, .30-06, 8x57, 9.3x62

RRP: £6,495 I €7,595 I $8,995

--------------------
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296196 - 04/03/17 05:04 AM

I'll load the photos up here later but here's another link.

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=592A3282

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296197 - 04/03/17 05:05 AM

It isn't a big rifle.

https://scontent-syd2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t...amp;oe=596C89F6

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296198 - 04/03/17 05:18 AM

The launch of the Rigby Highland Stalker!

https://www.facebook.com/336468443171072/videos/830712590413319/

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296208 - 04/03/17 07:47 AM

I am a little intrigue that `Scotland` is the theme. I know...Highlands is Scotland but John Rigby was from Irland and they have mountain and hillcountry in Irland
https://www.google.dk/search?q=mountains...2074xZ4ZcwnPmM:

Rigby also mailed me an advertisement of a Whisky with again `Scotland as a theme. If Rigby should have done anything they should have had an Irish Whisky with their name on it.

Is my observation wrong..?..


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: rigbymauser]
      #296218 - 04/03/17 09:52 AM

Why don`t we just enjoy the rifle. There are rifles built around the world with African themed names,does it make them any less?

Scotland is THE Holy Grail when it comes to stalking,I mean proper stalking out in the 'forest' not pulling up at the ranch and pen stalking.

US made..African name,fantastic rifles.The African theme doesn't detract.

http://kilimanjarorifles.com/made-in-usa.html

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296222 - 04/03/17 10:38 AM

Looks quite nice, the safety and the QD scope rings are off the M12 Mauser. Good to see that they are making it in 9.3x62 and 8x57 as well as the usual 30-06, 308 and of course 275 Rigby. For me there could be a little bit more sweep out at the forend nose, otherwise, very nice. It will be interesting to see what the weight is like and of course the price.

As for Scotland being the home of stalking, I bet the Austrians and the Germans would beg to differ as they have been stalking in the mountains with firearms and before that crossbows for hundreds of years. Even St.Hubert was a stalker and that was in the fifteen hundreds I believe.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296227 - 04/03/17 12:25 PM

Perhaps I should have qualified it with "to the non European" Scottish deer stalking is the Holy Grail. It too has been there and done that for centuries.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296229 - 04/03/17 01:02 PM

Quote:

It will be interesting to see what the weight is like and of course the price.




Quote:

Weighing 7.8lb, the rifle's magazine holds 4+1 for all calibres. A scope can be easily fitted with our quick release return to zero mounts. This is a classic stalking rifle with a full line of fit for purpose accessories to accompany it.




--------------------
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...
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296230 - 04/03/17 01:11 PM

As for the Scottish vs Irish themes, it is a new rifle and model. The key word is NEW.

Lots of guys hunt in Scotland and enjoy hunting there. And lots who never have, would like to, even if they never do. And I assume a lot would like again to carry a Rigby rifle, in this case a new model for 2017 and beyond. Of course that is the mystique and no doubt it will work just as well in the "Highlands" of New Zealand, after Sambar in the Victoria Alps, or Elk in the Rockies. Maybe even Moose in Swedish forests.

Rigby is also bringing out a ladies model.

For years and years people wished for the return of Mauser 98 actioned rifles. And thanks to Rigby and Mauser we are seeing a number of new models, costly a reason being the action, but very successful for the company.

The Highland Stalker uses a standard sized Mauser action. As Rigby posted, not something Mauser has done for many years.

Quote:

John Rigby & Co.: Rigby and Mauser have not produced as small calibre rifle together since the second war. This is a new Mauser standard action made in Germang by Mauser.




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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296233 - 04/03/17 01:30 PM

Yes, I obviously didn't read properly. The last post with the facebook page doesn't seem to work unless you log into facebook.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296242 - 04/03/17 02:16 PM

I will post photos here soon.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296255 - 04/03/17 04:21 PM



I'd happily own one - if I had the cash. Nice clean lines and very obviously a Rigby.

I tried to imagine another bolt action rifle, of current manufacture, that I'd prefer to buy but couldn't come up with anything.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #296259 - 04/03/17 05:46 PM

Just adding to the comment by Daryl S about the proportions. I like the style a lot but to my eye the end of the butt, at the pad join, looks a bit shallow.

It might look better with a few mm added to the bottom at that point, tapering up to the same depth it has now behind the grip. The shallow butt depth might be making the grip area look a bit large.

Another thing that doesn't seem quite right, the pitch seems too flat. The recoil pad seems to be very square to the bore line. i wonder how many shooters would find that comfortable?

Cheers,
Gabe


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296260 - 04/03/17 07:59 PM

A comparison.

Vintage 1900 Rigby .275




Modern Rigby Highland Stalker .275

--------------------
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296262 - 04/03/17 08:43 PM

Nice comparison NitroX. I'll copy the image to a file in case i need it for future use. The 1900 example here has one of the nicer stocks i have seen for this model.

I was offered one of this model many years ago, all original in it's case, with a stock profile not as well done as the old one here.

I think the new rifle is excellent but the comparison confirms for my personal taste it would be better with a bit deeper butt and a touch more pitch. Anyway i think Rigby will get a lot of orders for it.

GABE93


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296263 - 04/03/17 09:07 PM

Photos added.

I like the 1909 trigger guard magazine floorplate release on the new model.



A few more photos.







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BillG500
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296264 - 04/03/17 09:50 PM

7.8lbs, lovely!! Nice and light. Looks very nice. After seeing the the photos Nitro X posted I see your point Gabe. Nice to see your on here Gabe, I'll get off my butt and give you a call shortly.
Personally if they copied Corbetts .275, I'd be hard pressed not to buy one.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: BillG500]
      #296266 - 04/03/17 10:04 PM

With the Mauser QD mount bases fitted.


Photo by Philip Massaro

It does remove the sleek action lines, but most hunters nowadays use a scope for medium game rifles. A good QD mounting system allows use of both the open sights and a scope.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: BillG500]
      #296277 - 05/03/17 12:38 AM

Howdy BillG500, i only have a mobile ph now so if you don't have it send pm for it. My email is still the same. Look forward to catching up sometime.

Another point we should remember...in the flesh at arms length a gun looks different compared to how it looks in an image. In the flesh a gun has to be propped up and then appraised from a couple of meters away to see the lines and profile as you would in an image. I imagine the Rigby stalker would look better in the hands.

GABE93


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296287 - 05/03/17 02:53 AM

I suspect that the high mounted sights are standardised for the new rifle as you can see in the photo of the unscoped rifle.
So, if you decide to mount the Mauser system scope on the action, you can still see the sights over them. A good idea but they just look tall on the unscoped rifle.
Looks to be very good quality too. I wonder, are we entering the era when a US custom gunmaker can't build you a rifle as well done as a new Rigby for the same price?

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Huvius]
      #296303 - 05/03/17 09:34 AM

Hi Gabe, great to see you on board and welcome. I have seen some of your work, fantastic to say the least.

The Rigby pictures show two types of recoil pads, one that is quite square to the bore and second one that has more pitch and a more pronounced toe.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Huvius]
      #296308 - 05/03/17 10:09 AM

Huvius, the open sights are definitely higher, obviously to suit the straighter stock. Many modern guns are now like this and it is an unfortunate consequence of making the stock suit telescopic sights first and open sights second. However as you said, they don't look out of place when a scope is fitted.

As to the question of the American custom gunmakers, I believe it depends on what level of gun they are offering. Rigby have two models in deer sized calibers, the "London best" and the "Off the shelf" model. In the London best category the top US makers can more than hold their own, you only have to look at makers such as Reto Buhler, his work is amazing but then many of the parts used on the gun he makes himself such as the open sights and the stocks are made to measure, therefore the gun is a true custom gun.
With the Highland Stalker you have an "Off the shelf" gun which uses several off the shelf items such as sights, scope bases and safety, as well as minimal engraving. If the US custom makers are producing a "Ready to wear" gun they too will use as many off the shelf items as they can, a stock roughed out on a pantograph and little to no engraving, in which case I think they can hold their own. David Miller has such a business model with an expensive custom gun and a "ready to wear" at a significantly lower price.

Rigby of course has an advantage by being owned by Mauser in that they will be able to buy actions at a significantly reduced price.

It will be interesting to see what prices they want here in Australia.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296309 - 05/03/17 10:54 AM

Quote:

A comparison.

Vintage 1900 Rigby .275




Modern Rigby Highland Stalker .275




I do like the top rifle. I can see why the bottom rifle would be available in up to 9.362- that ctg. seems perfect for it, judging by the barrel size.
The heavier (larger dia.), shorter barrel on the new rifle just seem a bit heavy to me. I also prefer the general "lines" of the 1900 version.
The new one, for me, would be perfect in a 9.3x62, for all-round use, not just a stocking rifle. Just my preference and opinion, is all.

--------------------
Daryl


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #296311 - 05/03/17 11:03 AM

Daryl, I agree, in 9.3x62 it would have to be one of the best all round rifles available, especially for our Sambar deer while the 275 Rigby would be superb for Fallow deer. Personally I think the straighter stock looks better on a rifle with scope while a rifle using open sights only looks better with more drop in the stock. IMO.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296313 - 05/03/17 11:25 AM

Hi Waidmannsheil,
Thanks for the compliment. Yes you can see a bit of difference in the stocks with the 2 different recoil pads.

This model is their "off the shelf" model isn't it, not bespoke? If you keep studying the images you will see a few areas were they have reduced the build time to save some cost. Anyway it looks pretty good, I couldn't build anything like it for the price they are charging.

GABE93


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296329 - 05/03/17 06:40 PM

The launch of the Highland Stalker at IWA, 2017.

Marc Newton, CEO presents the new Highland Stalker to the tune of bagpipes.

https://www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/videos/1059786614127993/

--------------------
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296334 - 05/03/17 07:35 PM

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!

Homer

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Homer]
      #296338 - 05/03/17 08:19 PM

Looks like it would have been a lot of fun, pretty exciting as well seeing the gun for the first time and although it is new it sort of has history already. I hope the Rigby company has success with it. I have a feeling it is going to be a good seller and it is good to see these old companies making new product again. It is a pity that Jeffery's is not producing any guns at the moment, at least not in the same sort of price range. Maybe things will change.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296346 - 05/03/17 10:08 PM

Quote:

With the Mauser QD mount bases fitted.


Photo by Philip Massaro




The rifle looks very very nice, BUT putting this kinda scopemount on a rifle said to be the most important rifle launch in a generation? I do not understand. It might be functional but it is, sorry for expressing my personal meaning, just ugly.
If I were to spend that kind of money ona new «most classic rifle» built on the holy grail (read Mauser 98 action), I’d rather put on a nicer more classic looking mount.

--------------------
Alf Rino Hals


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rino]
      #296349 - 06/03/17 12:53 AM

I would imagine one could choose other mount systems. I agree there might be prettier choices available if existing QD mount bases fit.

On a medium calibre rifle most users will use a scope and rarely remove it IMO.

I would probably choose a smaller scope than the image as well.

Its a customers choice.



--------------------
John aka NitroX

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Edited by NitroX (06/03/17 04:53 AM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296356 - 06/03/17 03:33 AM


My own contribution…I’m at Nuremberg IWA and was pleased to get my hands on the new Rigby Stalker, the most important rifle launch in a generation (!)
That new Rigby must be regarded as a tribute to the light N°1 HV made before WW1 and I think they have captured the style and adapted it to modern mass production using newly made Mauser parts.
Indeed will not trade mine old one for it but must recognize it could be a good choice for those who need such a “classic” repeater.

Regards to all.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com








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DarylS
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DORLEAC]
      #296357 - 06/03/17 05:36 AM

THAT looks like a stalking rifle - to me - lighter weight & longer barrel, slimmer forend- I like that one.
The new Rigby would be about perfect in 9.3x62 - for me.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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Old_Glass
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #296361 - 06/03/17 06:09 AM

Considering the age of the action it is built on and the style of the rifle, it's a pity to see such inappropriate mounts and telescopic sight. From the look of the leather case and the bases, there was a previous fitting which was presumably discarded for this Zeiss Diavari. At least they didn't parkerize it and flute the barrel.

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DORLEAC
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Old_Glass]
      #296367 - 06/03/17 07:19 AM


Dear Old_Glass,

I respect all the opinions, even those with whom I don't agree.
What type of mount other than a typically English and completely handmade traditional H & H side mount ?
For your information the scope is an Hensoldt "Diavari-D" 1.5-6x36 R4 from the late fifties and it is as new and perfectly clear.
This is preferable to the terrible modern-day mounts and optics which disfigure many rifles of the same period.
Finally, it is a rifle of use that goes hunting and is used to accomplish the task for which it was designed.
I have the chance to own a few other extremely fine Rigby of the best period in untouched condition and nevertheless this one is one of my favorites.
Everyone's taste and opinion….

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com


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Homer
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DORLEAC]
      #296369 - 06/03/17 08:40 AM

Quote:


Dear Old_Glass,

I respect all the opinions, even those with whom I don't agree.
What type of mount other than a typically English and completely handmade traditional H & H side mount ?
For your information the scope is an Hensoldt "Diavari-D" 1.5-6x36 R4 from the late fifties and it is as new and perfectly clear.
This is preferable to the terrible modern-day mounts and optics which disfigure many rifles of the same period.
Finally, it is a rifle of use that goes hunting and is used to accomplish the task for which it was designed.
I have the chance to own a few other extremely fine Rigby of the best period in untouched condition and nevertheless this one is one of my favorites.
Everyone's taste and opinion….

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com




+1

Homer

--------------------
"Beware the Lolly Pop of Mediocrity,
Lick it Once and You Will Suck Forever"


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DarylS
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Homer]
      #296370 - 06/03/17 09:25 AM

I like it, but then, I already alluded to that.

The new Rigby, however, would make a super 9.3x62, in my ALMOST HUMBLE opinion, of course.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #296374 - 06/03/17 11:29 AM

https://www.facebook.com/336468443171072/videos/832055253612386/

Philip Massaro handling the Highland Stalker talking with Marc Newton.

Quote:

Sitting down with Marc Newton at the John Rigby & Co. booth in Nuremberg, discussing the new Highland Stalker!




--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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paradox_
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296386 - 06/03/17 01:57 PM

I had the pleasure late last year of spending a few hours in the Rigby Shop, along with a handful of other Aussies.
I got to handle the Corbet Rifle, amongst a few others.
What struck me was the small close nit team of people who were enthusiastic and happy about their work. It is of a high standard.

My personal preference was for them to duplicate in EVERY way the now very famous , sought after vintage Rigbys.
But im a romantic, and dont take much pleasure from modern " Engineers" Rifles.
So it is easy for me to say.....just duplicate the old ones"

However Rigby is a Business and the accountants have a say in how it is run, the marketing team have a say in what the market will stand in terms of price.
I do not like the mounts. However they help keep the price at a level that is sensible and competitive, and as a result comprimises need to be made....at least in the eyes of us purists.
If we wnat a bespoke duplicate then Im sure Marc can organise it.....just dont expect it for the same price.

Dorleac is correct in respect to the comments concerning mounting systems. That Rigby( vintage) is a lovely rifle with correct vintage mounts and scope. I have a set on a 1903 Mannlicher that has been through the Holland shop and there are non finer......but they are expensive to make and fit correctly.
Old Glass, sorry I think you are out voted.

Marc, when are you going chamber/ and rebirth the great 350??. They will sell like hot cakes, Im sure.

Over all the " New Rigby" is a good rifle with good provenance, and good value for money. Queenslanders they are arriving here soon!!

Best
Eric

--------------------
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GABE93
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DORLEAC]
      #296392 - 06/03/17 06:39 PM

Hi Dorleac,

I admire your new rifles a lot and your old one here is another fine example of an original Rigby. Did you re-stock this rifle? Some of the shaping details in the stock look like the details in your new stocks.

I am curious about the bar connecting the scope rings. I can't think of a purpose for the bar. I have done various custom scope mount work but i have not worked on H&H or claw mounts yet so i can't think of a reason to have the bar.

Regards,
GABE93


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296398 - 06/03/17 09:54 PM

Quote:

Hi Waidmannsheil,


This model is their "off the shelf" model isn't it, not bespoke?





Yes that is correct, the "London Best" start at 22000 pounds.

Waidmannsheil.

--------------------
There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296404 - 07/03/17 01:53 AM

Quote:

https://www.facebook.com/336468443171072/videos/832055253612386/

Philip Massaro handling the Highland Stalker talking with Marc Newton.

Quote:

Sitting down with Marc Newton at the John Rigby & Co. booth in Nuremberg, discussing the new Highland Stalker!







You've got to hand it to the new Rigby. Under the leadership of Marc Newton, they really show a lot of style. In the past their stands have reflected an "African camp" theme, rourkhee folding chairs, a period styled African camp tent, and other accoutrements (splg?). Now with the new High Stalker they have gone the extra mile, and their stand reflects a Scottish drawing room, leather chairs, wood panelled walls, tartan carpets and even Rigby motif wall paper.

Well done to Rigby for going the extra mile, up the glen. One reason they have been so successful in a very short time.

Personally I could quite easily carry and use in the field one of their new Highland Stalker rifles. A .275 in a Rigby? What better. Yes an original pre WW1 vintage riflewould be nice, but would probably carry a vintage "twice the price" tag too.

The new rifle IS setup for scope use now as well. The vintage rifles with the drooping butt were setup for open sight use. They do look nice, but I would also use a .275 pretty much 100% with a scope. Except maybe for open sighted target competitions.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


Edited by NitroX (07/03/17 11:34 AM)


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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296433 - 07/03/17 11:48 AM

Marc Newton has evidently read our thread. As I received some answers and comments in an email to some questions or comments made here on NE.

- The rifle with the rounded butt on NE is the ladies version



Also not bad, making an off the shelf ladies model of the rifle right from the beginning. A .275 / 7x57 makes a nice lesser recoiling cartridge for a lady which also can kill anything on Earth, but preferably less then the tougher DG species. It is though the rifle and cartridge of choice by WDM Bell.

- The actions come drilled and tapped for mounts. You can fit any mount you like, as long as it's for the Mauser 98

- The majority of shooting estates in Scotland had a .275 a century ago, it was the stalking rifle of choice for many.

I also asked Marc in a comment on the Rigby pages for a photo of him holding the rifle. Someone commented on NE that the rifle might look slimmer etc in the hands as compared to photos.

And here is a photo especially taken for NE.

To me, the rifle looks very much a stalking rifle.



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Well_Well_Well
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296442 - 07/03/17 12:37 PM

Yep, that definitely looks slimmer in the hands.


I have the feeling I'm going to die a poor man......


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Well_Well_Well]
      #296468 - 07/03/17 07:46 PM

When held in the hands it looks extremely slick, very much the classic stalking rifle. With a set of decent scope bases and rings, most likely custom ones it would have to make one of the nicest rifles around. IMO.
I have spoken to the Australian agent who tells me that they have quite a lot on order already and arriving reasonably soon. It will be interesting to see how much they try and mark it up here compared to what the overseas prices are. I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment. Hopefully it will be reasonable.

Waidmannsheil.

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There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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MeLLeR
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296471 - 07/03/17 09:21 PM

Quote:


This model is their "off the shelf" model isn't it, not bespoke? If you keep studying the images you will see a few areas were they have reduced the build time to save some cost. Anyway it looks pretty good, I couldn't build anything like it for the price they are charging.

GABE93




In those pics, the checkering has NOTHING on yours Gabe. Hopefully I can get my hands on one and we can check it out in person soon enough.


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GABE93
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: MeLLeR]
      #296475 - 08/03/17 12:16 AM

Hi MeLLeR,
Hope you are well, call in to catch up when you get a chance.If i'm out give me a call. If you can get a hold of a new Rigby one day of course i would like to see it. I would also love to see the London Best Vintage model in 416 that QGE has, priced at $64950.

Thanks for compliment about my checkering. Keep in mind they have probably built that whole rifle in less time than one of my best checkering jobs. We can't criticize them for that. Companies like Rigby are masters of the trade. I'm just a talented amateur in comparison. They have built a lot of rifles. I have built very few. I can take a lot more time over the work.

Regards,
GABE93


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kuduae
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296485 - 08/03/17 03:18 AM

Quote:

I am curious about the bar connecting the scope rings. I can't think of a purpose for the bar. I have done various custom scope mount work but i have not worked on H&H or claw mounts yet so i can't think of a reason to have the bar.
GABE93



Contrary to popular belief these now iconic side claw mounts were not invented by Holland & Holland. Instead, Austrian gunmakers used near identical mounts before WW1 to mount Kahles "Mignon" scopes. Many Steyr Mannlicher M95 straight pull sniper rifles were mounted with such side contra/inverted claw mounts with the rear hook going into a set-over base and the front locked by a lever. These mounts depend on both feet/rings retaining exactly the same distance, with a bit of pressure fore and aft. The Austrians licked the problem by soldering half-rings to their steel scope tubes, making them immovable, the scope tube taking care of the proper ring spacing. When H&H adopted this mounting system they wanted to clamp the scope in full rings instead of soldering. As such rings may slip a tiny bit, or the scope may be exchanged, H&H added such spacing rods to keep the rings at the proper distance all the time.
BTW, I would prefer a sleek contra claw mount like those Rigby once used to the somewhat bulky H&H side mounted type. On the Rigby type, the rear ring hooked into a square hole in the receiver bridge, while the front ring went into a base on the barrel, in front of the receiver ring, locked there by a lever . Just as solid and reliable like the H&H mount, but much less obstrusive. This Rigby –Mauser mount was the original reason for the square bridge and the stepped receiver ring, to provide clearance for the scope locking lever, of the early Magnum actions. See this .350 Rigby:
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=230287&an=0&page=2#Post230287


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gryphon
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: kuduae]
      #296486 - 08/03/17 04:01 AM

I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment

$1800? Is that a typo?

--------------------
Get off the chair away from the desk and get out in the bush and enjoy life.


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296499 - 08/03/17 05:15 AM

Gryph, no typo. There is a shipping war going on at the moment as there is a worldwide excess of container ships and not enough content that needs to be shipped, hence you can now move freight at rock bottom prices. A friend just had a 40 foot container sent from Holland with an automatic apple picking machine in it plus some spares and that is what he paid for freight. It then cost him just under a thousand AUD to have the container trucked from Melbourne to Coldstream, about 100 km.

Waidmannsheil.

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There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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kuduae
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296501 - 08/03/17 05:41 AM

Quote:

As for Scotland being the home of stalking, I bet the Austrians and the Germans would beg to differ as they have been stalking in the mountains with firearms and before that crossbows for hundreds of years. Even St.Hubert was a stalker and that was in the fifteen hundreds I believe.

Waidmannsheil.



You are right on Austrian and German stalking Tradition. But St. Hubertus lived a few years earlier, c. 656 - 727 AD.


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kuduae
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: rigbymauser]
      #296502 - 08/03/17 05:52 AM

Quote:

I am a little intrigue that `Scotland` is the theme. I know...Highlands is Scotland but John Rigby was from Irland and they have mountain and hillcountry in Irland
https://www.google.dk/search?q=mountains...2074xZ4ZcwnPmM:

Rigby also mailed me an advertisement of a Whisky with again `Scotland as a theme. If Rigby should have done anything they should have had an Irish Whisky with their name on it.

Is my observation wrong..?..



Though John Rigby & Son founded their business in Dublin, Ireland 1735, they opened a London shop at 72 St James Street in 1866. In 1897 they sold their Dublin branch to Truelock, Harris & Richardson. So they were a pure English gunmaker, catering to Scottish highland stalkers and colonial big game hunters, at the time they offered their .275 Mauser Rifles.


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DORLEAC
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: kuduae]
      #296510 - 08/03/17 06:55 AM


My friend Kuduae gives interesting information…even if they are hints of Germanic tradition.
In fact many systems were designed at the beginning of the last century when it was necessary to install a fragile and little waterproof scope on a quick detachable mount.
In fact, the first H&H Mauser actioned rifles built before 1910 were often equipped with claw mounts and it was not until later that their famous side mount appeared.
Several variations exist and all do not work in the same way.
The definitive mechanism emerged in the thirties and was not equipped with a tension bar.
The tension bar was used from the late seventies and its function is to release the light metal scope tube from of any tension.
I have built several systems of this type which when well executed are very reliable and enjoyable to use.
Of course on the pre war RIGBY we often meet Mauser type quick detachable mounts as manufactured in Oberndorf since it was the Mauser factory that was building the mechanisms for the London Company.
Here are some illustrations of various systems.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com

Mauser factory mount



H&H first type mount



H&H inverted mount



H&H traditional mount



H&H rail mount



Custom made H&H style mount





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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DORLEAC]
      #296512 - 08/03/17 07:12 AM

Kuduae, I was only out by about 900 years.

Waidmannsheil.

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lancaster
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: kuduae]
      #296513 - 08/03/17 07:17 AM

Quote:

Quote:

As for Scotland being the home of stalking, I bet the Austrians and the Germans would beg to differ as they have been stalking in the mountains with firearms and before that crossbows for hundreds of years. Even St.Hubert was a stalker and that was in the fifteen hundreds I believe.

Waidmannsheil.



You are right on Austrian and German stalking Tradition. But St. Hubertus lived a few years earlier, c. 656 - 727 AD.




but the stupidity continue
just look how swarovski smarm in this new video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGcAqXMRios

I dont want to offend the brave scots but what will the tyrolean hunter thinking when they look down deep in the Inn valley on the swarovski factory from the surrounding moutains playing in another class than scotish highland's?

--------------------
Norwegian hunter misses moose, shoots man on toilet
.
bringing civilisation to the barbarians


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: lancaster]
      #296515 - 08/03/17 07:34 AM

No Rigby rifle there, only a bit of plastic shit with a Coke can on the end, while wearing traditional clothes. A paradox of sorts.

Waidmannsheil.

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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296516 - 08/03/17 07:38 AM

Joel, in the first photo photo with the Mauser Factory Mount, how is the rear foot held down in the bridge. I can not see any notches or cutouts, only a slightly tapered lump.

Waidmannsheil.

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lonewulf
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: kuduae]
      #296518 - 08/03/17 08:29 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I am a little intrigue that `Scotland` is the theme. I know...Highlands is Scotland but John Rigby was from Irland and they have mountain and hillcountry in Irland
https://www.google.dk/search?q=mountains...2074xZ4ZcwnPmM:

Rigby also mailed me an advertisement of a Whisky with again `Scotland as a theme. If Rigby should have done anything they should have had an Irish Whisky with their name on it.

Is my observation wrong..?..



Though John Rigby & Son founded their business in Dublin, Ireland 1735, they opened a London shop at 72 St James Street in 1866. In 1897 they sold their Dublin branch to Truelock, Harris & Richardson. So they were a pure English gunmaker, catering to Scottish highland stalkers and colonial big game hunters, at the time they offered their .275 Mauser Rifles.





Yes exactly. I really struggle to understand the quibbling over the Scottish themed launch of the new rifle.

Rigby, as you note, was a London-based company in 1900 when the Mauser 98 action came into production. The rifles the company produced from that period were initially intended for use within the UK and its colonial territories, particularly in India and parts of Africa.

Although all sorts of hunting opportunities existed right across the UK at the time, hunting in the Scottish Highlands was rightly seen as the ultimate challenge for the British sportsman - no doubt to some extent because that is also where British royalty went, for the most part, when hunting Red deer.


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GABE93
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DORLEAC]
      #296525 - 08/03/17 10:07 AM

Many thanks to Kuduae and Dorleac for the info about the scope mounts, especially for the comparison images from JD. I will copy the images to a file for future reference.

GABE93


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GABE93
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296526 - 08/03/17 10:25 AM

Waidmannsheil,
Re the Mauser factory mount, i can help a bit here. The pushrod in the bridge most likely has a leg on the bolt handle side of the bridge. The leg engages a shallow recess in the foot on that side.

The recess is within the edges of the foot.

If you have Speeds first book about Oberndorf Sporting Rifles there is a good image on page 265 illustrating the design.

GABE93


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296529 - 08/03/17 10:59 AM

Gabe, thanks for that. As soon as I read what you wrote it jogged my memory. I have Speeds book and it does show it as you described. The cutout of course is not visible from the view that Joel gave us.
Thanks again.

Waidmannsheil.

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Huvius
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296535 - 08/03/17 01:43 PM

Quote:

Waidmannsheil,
Re the Mauser factory mount, i can help a bit here. The pushrod in the bridge most likely has a leg on the bolt handle side of the bridge. The leg engages a shallow recess in the foot on that side.

The recess is within the edges of the foot.

If you have Speeds first book about Oberndorf Sporting Rifles there is a good image on page 265 illustrating the design.

GABE93




Yes, there is a detent in the square lump and an oblong button on the bolt side of the bridge which has a pin in one end which engages the detent. The spring is under the round part shown in Joel's picture.
Interestingly, the rear bridge Mauser scope mount is incredibly consistent from gun to gun. I had a Kurz which was missing it's mechanism but the one from a TypeG fit perfectly as did one from a TypeB. The claws at the front mount are not as standardised though.

--------------------
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: lancaster]
      #296537 - 08/03/17 01:53 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

As for Scotland being the home of stalking, I bet the Austrians and the Germans would beg to differ as they have been stalking in the mountains with firearms and before that crossbows for hundreds of years. Even St.Hubert was a stalker and that was in the fifteen hundreds I believe.

Waidmannsheil.



You are right on Austrian and German stalking Tradition. But St. Hubertus lived a few years earlier, c. 656 - 727 AD.




but the stupidity continue
just look how swarovski smarm in this new video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGcAqXMRios

I dont want to offend the brave scots but what will the tyrolean hunter thinking when they look down deep in the Inn valley on the swarovski factory from the surrounding moutains playing in another class than scotish highland's?




Off topic post. But I know what I would be thinking if I was that gamekeeper:

"Stopping playing with your ffffing toy scope and just take the ffffing shot."

As the stag walks a few steps, the client has to play with the magnification ring. He has to push the illumination button several times. Then finally push the adjustment button for the range.

Anyone else notice how HIGH above the stag the cross hairs move? That is no 300 yard or less shot. No edge of the back shot. It is sa full half body holdover.

Perhaps they should stalk a little closer ...

But all that fiddling. I have taken 'continental' visitors out hunting, and the amount of fiddling with binoculars, mobile phones, scopes, by the time they raise their rifle for a shot, the deer is well and truly running away or gone. Stalking is not sitting sipping coffee in a sleeping bag suit in a hachsitz ...

Those plastic stocked plastic component rifles over electronically engineered fiddly scopes are becoming the norm. What Rigby is offering with some modification is what existed 100 years ago, because many people still prefer that.

PS I am always amazed at how stunted Scottish red deer appear to be. I wuld very much like to hunt there one day. But I would take most of those deer as a cull or for meat, not an expensive costing trophy.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: lonewulf]
      #296539 - 08/03/17 02:01 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I am a little intrigue that `Scotland` is the theme. I know...Highlands is Scotland but John Rigby was from Irland and they have mountain and hillcountry in Irland
https://www.google.dk/search?q=mountains...2074xZ4ZcwnPmM:

Rigby also mailed me an advertisement of a Whisky with again `Scotland as a theme. If Rigby should have done anything they should have had an Irish Whisky with their name on it.

Is my observation wrong..?..



Though John Rigby & Son founded their business in Dublin, Ireland 1735, they opened a London shop at 72 St James Street in 1866. In 1897 they sold their Dublin branch to Truelock, Harris & Richardson. So they were a pure English gunmaker, catering to Scottish highland stalkers and colonial big game hunters, at the time they offered their .275 Mauser Rifles.





Yes exactly. I really struggle to understand the quibbling over the Scottish themed launch of the new rifle.

Rigby, as you note, was a London-based company in 1900 when the Mauser 98 action came into production. The rifles the company produced from that period were initially intended for use within the UK and its colonial territories, particularly in India and parts of Africa.

Although all sorts of hunting opportunities existed right across the UK at the time, hunting in the Scottish Highlands was rightly seen as the ultimate challenge for the British sportsman - no doubt to some extent because that is also where British royalty went, for the most part, when hunting Red deer.




No controversary at all. Just another latest irrelevant nitpick.

When an American company introduces a rifle with an African name, do we see all sorts of goofs claiming eg "Caprivi" has nothing to do with a M98 rifle or America?

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: lancaster]
      #296545 - 08/03/17 02:30 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

As for Scotland being the home of stalking, I bet the Austrians and the Germans would beg to differ as they have been stalking in the mountains with firearms and before that crossbows for hundreds of years. Even St.Hubert was a stalker and that was in the fifteen hundreds I believe.

Waidmannsheil.



You are right on Austrian and German stalking Tradition. But St. Hubertus lived a few years earlier, c. 656 - 727 AD.




but the stupidity continue
just look how swarovski smarm in this new video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGcAqXMRios

I dont want to offend the brave scots but what will the tyrolean hunter thinking when they look down deep in the Inn valley on the swarovski factory from the surrounding moutains playing in another class than scotish highland's?




Honestly, that whole add just shows how unimportant the rifle and scope are to the success of a hunting trip. He could have made that shot with an open sighted .30/30. That concept of mating swarovski technology with tradition just doesnt work. The high tech gun is superfluous.

I like the McNab challenge ad better - where the fellow shoots a stag at the end with an early Rigby in .275 with a bolt striker peep sight.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: CarlsenHighway]
      #296549 - 08/03/17 03:18 PM

Quote:



I like the McNab challenge ad better - where the fellow shoots a stag at the end with an early Rigby in .275 with a bolt striker peep sight.




Do you have the link? Thanks.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296551 - 08/03/17 03:50 PM

It was actually the wife that takes the Red deer and the link is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z888vycb5FE


Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296553 - 08/03/17 03:55 PM

Its a bit like the American bowhunting magazine cover I saw where the traditional archer with a longbow and wooden arrows is getting dropped out of a helicopter on a mountain peak. That rifle in the video did blend in with the tweeds nicely though.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296554 - 08/03/17 03:56 PM

Huvius, thanks for that as well. Now answer me this: if you look at the link that Kuduae put up showing the 350 Rigby Magnum rifle with original Rigby mounts, how is the back foot held down as there is no button/detent or lever/cam. There is on the front foot but not the rear.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=230287&an=0&page=2#Post230287


Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296557 - 08/03/17 04:43 PM

The Germans make some great gear but no one makes Whisky like a Scottish distillery...gnuck gnuck gnuck

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296558 - 08/03/17 04:45 PM

Quote:

It was actually the wife that takes the Red deer and the link is below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z888vycb5FE


Waidmannsheil.




That lady is the beautiful and classy Selena Barr. Simon and Selena have been facebook 'friends' for years, even before Simon was appointed the Marketing Manager for Rigby and their PR company Tweed Media being appointed to provide PR for Rigby.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296560 - 08/03/17 04:48 PM

Dear W, I am earning my coffee and cake now. The rear lug in the old posting will have a hook like in a claw mount. You push the rear mount with the hook into the recess and swing the scope down to the front mount.

When you tighten the front lever it should fully seat the rear hook into it's recess. I suppose it is like a claw mount in reverse or another version of the H&H system.You cant see inside the rear lug recess but the rear inside wall of the recess should be angled to engage a matching angle in the ring lug.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296561 - 08/03/17 04:48 PM

FB friends? Do you go to lunch often cobber..lol?

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296564 - 08/03/17 05:44 PM

Gabe, thanks for that. I had a feeling that it worked like that but having never seen one it can sometimes be a bit tricky if you don't see all parts at one time. Unfortunately, while I am a lover of fine guns, particularly older ones, I don't always get to see them in the flesh. Thanks again.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296570 - 08/03/17 07:17 PM

I dunno Gryphon, the Irish are pretty good at it too...:)

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296572 - 08/03/17 07:53 PM

Quote:

Huvius, thanks for that as well. Now answer me this: if you look at the link that Kuduae put up showing the 350 Rigby Magnum rifle with original Rigby mounts, how is the back foot held down as there is no button/detent or lever/cam. There is on the front foot but not the rear.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=230287&an=0&page=2#Post230287


Waidmannsheil.



Under the rear foot there is a hook, pointing backwards. You first insert that hook into the square hole in the Receiver Bridge. Then swing down the front end of the scope. A round plug enters the hole in the front base and is locked in by turning the small lever.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296573 - 08/03/17 08:03 PM

Quote:

Joel, in the first photo photo with the Mauser Factory Mount, how is the rear foot held down in the bridge. I can not see any notches or cutouts, only a slightly tapered lump.

Waidmannsheil.




Mauser original quick detachable scope mount bolting system integrated in rear square bridge.

DORLEAC
www.dorleac-dorleac.com



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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: kuduae]
      #296574 - 08/03/17 08:10 PM

The wonderfull 350 mentioned of J Corry is on its way to Australia. M Barrett from NT Australia will be the first to test and report.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Ahmed577]
      #296580 - 08/03/17 08:34 PM

Kuduae, thank you. Obviously the angle of the hook matches an internally angled surface in the bridge hole and when the front foot is pulled down and back with the cam attached to the front lever, then the rear foot is drawn down tight onto the mount. Thanks again.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296581 - 08/03/17 08:38 PM

Joel, thank you for the very good overhead shot which clearly shows the locking pin, which I assume is either tapered at the active end or has taper on the face to draw the foot down. Thanks again.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296588 - 08/03/17 10:44 PM

One thing that hit me the other day. Was the choice of cartridges to be chambered for the Highland Stalker.

.275 Rigby, .308, .30-06, 8x57 and 9.3x62.

Seemed so natural to me. Te 8mm obviously to appeal to German hunters.

But then I realised, there was no modern ultra, short, fat, super dooper, "modern" cartridges "must have", "must sell" "must promote in magazines" there.

And of course I never missed that fact one little bit.

The way things should be. Forget the floss. Stick to the classics. IMO.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296594 - 09/03/17 12:16 AM

Quote:

Huvius, thanks for that as well. Now answer me this: if you look at the link that Kuduae put up showing the 350 Rigby Magnum rifle with original Rigby mounts, how is the back foot held down as there is no button/detent or lever/cam. There is on the front foot but not the rear.

http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=230287&an=0&page=2#Post230287


Waidmannsheil.




On the Rigby,
The rear scope ring had a single wide hook (rear facing claw) which hooks into the square hole in the rear bridge.
The scope then tilts down and is locked in place with the little lever on the side of the front mount.
The scope comes off by tilting the front up rather than the rear which is usually the way with Continental claw mount scopes like the Mauser.

The front has a cylindrical post under the ring which simply fit into the round hole in the base and is held in with a scalloped(?) pin and lever mechanism. The cylinder has a groove in which the pin fits when it is rotated (you can see pin in one of the pictures). Flip the lever and the hole is then unobstructed so the cylinder can be inserted or removed (mounted or dismounted)
I had a Rigby break action with that scope mount.
Would have been nice to see Rigby use this on their new gun.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Huvius]
      #296730 - 10/03/17 09:05 PM

In the Highlands.

"Rigby's Highland Stalker is here..."

https://youtu.be/mLJZxuIaLOA

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Edited by NitroX (12/03/17 06:14 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296743 - 11/03/17 01:09 AM



PR photo received of the release at IWA. Marc Newton, CEO holding the new Rigby Highland Stalker.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296744 - 11/03/17 01:12 AM



Jim Corbett's .275 nestled amongst the new Highland Stalkers.

Read a comment today. The new rifles also can be ordered with the option of the bolt shroud/cocking piece peep sight.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296753 - 11/03/17 02:48 AM

Scope mounting on Rigby´s .303

Same on a pre WW1 Sauer 9,3x62 (Mauser commercial action)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: justcurious]
      #296793 - 11/03/17 11:28 AM

Nice images NitroX.
The rifle looks good in Marc's hands and look at all the people behind him waiting to order one!

Looking at the rifles on the table we can see the new stocks are thicker and deeper in the grip. They had to decide on a good compromise for this model. If it was bespoke they could slim the stock more.

Also the metal is different in the new actions. The top of the action tang seems higher. With the higher comb this makes the top line of the grip higher. And i think the metal line of the gaurd bow adjacent to the rear screw is a bit lower than the old rifle, making the wood line here deeper.

Something else i see in the new rifles on the table, a pet hate, the edges of the recoil pads have been left sharp. A rounded edge looks nicer i think and is more comfortable for some shooters. Perhaps it would cost Rigby too much on this model.

Regards,
GABE93


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296811 - 11/03/17 05:17 PM

Huvius, thank you for that. The pin you refer to is actually an eccentric cam and is used to draw the down the foot into the mount. The grinding of the cam has to be pretty accurate so that the lever ends up horizontal without having to use excessive force to seat the ring. Thanks again, it was actually just the rear foot part that I wanted to know about, having not seen one before. Thinking about it, the inside rear face of the the rear base is most likely slightly convex so that the taper on the hook of the foot touches at one point when the rear ring is pulled home. Otherwise they would have to exactly match the tapers, which would be extremely difficult to do. Thanks again.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296813 - 11/03/17 05:35 PM

Gabe, agree with everything you say. It seems to be a modern day phenomenon that the stocks are very beefy, compared with the older stocks, something which seems to have originated in the US. Mannlicher Schoenauers are a good example where an original Austrian made one has a very slim stock which feels superb and lends itself to very quick handling, whereas stocks made for the American market are generally very bulbous and it turns these svelte stocks into just another rifle. As for the recoil pads, I agree, sharp lines catch your clothing all the time. I use the Pachmayer Sporting Clays pads which are rounded and have a shaped plastic insert at the top which allows the pad to slide into position before the main body grips on the clothing which is then in the correct position for shooting.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #296893 - 12/03/17 06:14 PM

Waidmannsheil,
On your pads do you just round the top off or do you round off the edge all the way around?
I like to round them off all around as per this 375 H&H i built years ago. This is a "London Guns" pad. The rounding is a bit larger compared to what i do for a smaller caliber.

It takes more time to round off the edges smoothly without facets but i think it is a nicer finish.

I have also used the sporting clays pads but not on any custom stocks. I round them all off, all around, to varying degrees.

Regards,
GABE93

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: GABE93]
      #296894 - 12/03/17 06:31 PM

Quote:



Jim Corbett's .275 nestled amongst the new Highland Stalkers.

Read a comment today. The new rifles also can be ordered with the option of the bolt shroud/cocking piece peep sight.




On the rounding of pads Marc Newton of Rigby has sent me some comments. He keenly reads the Rigby posts here and obviously takes the feedback and comments seriously.

***

Marc Newton comments:

An FYI on the edges of the pads, they are all like this until we fit them to each customer. This is included in the price.

You can cut them down, you cannot grow them back

The stock is also very slim and 'snakey' in the hands has Paul Roberts used to say to me. It handles like a magic wand and there is nothing else like it on the market for the same price.

Lastly the rifle in the middle of the guns on the table is Jim corbetts .275. It's so worn there is no chequering and the grip has lost a fair amount of wood all over.


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Edited by NitroX (13/03/17 01:31 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296911 - 12/03/17 10:12 PM

OK people, this thread is on the Highland Stalker model. Not the Big Game model, which has had several threads in the past.

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Edited by NitroX (12/03/17 10:14 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296923 - 13/03/17 02:47 AM

Saw this article on the Highlands Stalker this morning on the NRA website..same info..but it is certainly getting some press..

Ripp

https://www.americanhunter.org/articles/2017/3/8/rigby-unveils-new-highland-stalker-rifle/

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Ripp]
      #296938 - 13/03/17 05:24 AM

I have to say that i`m impressed with the new Rigby stalker and my own personal view from the pics is that the modern rifle has evolved to be a better looker than the original pattern.

I would love to have one and it would be getting barked up from use out in the bush here too.
What good is owning a rifle if one doesn't use it?

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #296941 - 13/03/17 05:40 AM

.

As I said, this is a thread on the Highland Stalker not other makers.

Edited by NitroX (13/03/17 12:05 PM)


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rigbymauser
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: PatagonHunter]
      #296944 - 13/03/17 07:40 AM


A friend of mine visited IWA here last week and handled the Rigby stalker rifle. He was very impressed(and very tempted to order one). Best gun for the money in comparison to Karl Hauptmann and Peter Hofer.


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Marrakai
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: rigbymauser]
      #296969 - 13/03/17 12:32 PM

I particularly liked seeing the leather muzzle-cover on the stalking rifle in the promotional video, since I recently acquired from the previous owner that which came fitted to the Rigby .275 in my gunsafe. Sure looks better than a couple of wraps of insulation tape! (although it must be removed before shooting of course, that is not an issue with the style of deer-stalking portrayed in the youtube clip)

Also, in line with some of the comments here, I personally think 7.8 lbs may be a little heavier than it needs to be for the .275 chambering. What we like about these classic sporters is their slender elegance, and IMO Jeffery and Rigby sporters from the good'ol'days got it right at 6.5 to 7 lbs. My example weighs 6lbs 9oz for example, and my friend's Jeffery is a hair under 7lbs.

Nevertheless, the Highland Stalker is a marvellous thing to be producing and promoting at this level against the incoming tide of black plastic and stainless steel, and the people at Rigby's are to be commended.

A reminder too that your next custom stalker or big game rifle can be built 'virtually' and priced up on the Rigby website. I go there occasionally to dream....!

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Marrakai
When the bull drops, the bullshit stops!
--------------------------------
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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Marrakai]
      #296975 - 13/03/17 01:20 PM

Quote:

Also, in line with some of the comments here, I personally think 7.8 lbs may be a little heavier than it needs to be for the .275 chambering. What we like about these classic sporters is their slender elegance, and IMO Jeffery and Rigby sporters from the good'ol'days got it right at 6.5 to 7 lbs. My example weighs 6lbs 9oz for example, and my friend's Jeffery is a hair under 7lbs.




Somethng to bear in mind. Some of those sorts of weights, in a walnut all steel rifle are in the modern "custom" range of rifle design. So if someone wanted that, paying for a custom rifle - London Best - could probably deliver it. A 6 1/2 lb all steel walnut rifle today usually has other compromises which usually would mean lesser walnut or a lighter wood or a lightweight 'plastic' stock, shorter barrel, alloy use not steel etc etc. Walnut and all steel would require a lot of extra work. At least that is my opinion. And at twice the price ... The average rifle buyer would not want to pay the premium for all of that.

Also in .30-06, 8x57S, and especially 9.3x62 a 6 1/2 lb rifle would be too light for many owners. Many would stick a huge heavy scope on top of it anyway.

Same as comments as people saying "I prefer a ######". Yep at TWICE the price or more of course the fully custom bespoke rifle is often nicer and has higher quality features. You pay in life for what you get. The other brand(s) mentioned do cost over TWICE as much. Rigby's London Best custom rifles also start at twice the price of the Highland Stalker model. What does a vintage Rigby go for nowadays? Don't answer on this thread, start a new one if people are interested, but I was shocked to see one priced in the USA at over US$20,000!!! All it costs is money for everything people want. whether old or new ... ha ha, my wallet is not bottomless obviously like some people's are ...


Quote:

Nevertheless, the Highland Stalker is a marvellous thing to be producing and promoting at this level against the incoming tide of black plastic and stainless steel, and the people at Rigby's are to be commended.

A reminder too that your next custom stalker or big game rifle can be built 'virtually' and priced up on the Rigby website. I go there occasionally to dream....!




And these steel and walnut rifles whether the Big Game model or this new Highland Stalker rifle are much in the news and sell like hot cakes. I think this new model will sell faster than it can be made for a period of time. Even at the price it costs.

Didn't know that. Will have to look at the website.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
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Edited by NitroX (13/03/17 01:29 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #296979 - 13/03/17 01:51 PM

Quote:

Quote:



Jim Corbett's .275 nestled amongst the new Highland Stalkers.

Read a comment today. The new rifles also can be ordered with the option of the bolt shroud/cocking piece peep sight.




On the rounding of pads Marc Newton of Rigby has sent me some comments. He keenly reads the Rigby posts here and obviously takes the feedback and comments seriously.

***

Marc Newton comments:

An FYI on the edges of the pads, they are all like this until we fit them to each customer. This is included in the price.

You can cut them down, you cannot grow them back

The stock is also very slim and 'snakey' in the hands has Paul Roberts used to say to me. It handles like a magic wand and there is nothing else like it on the market for the same price.

Lastly the rifle in the middle of the guns on the table is Jim corbetts .275. It's so worn there is no chequering and the grip has lost a fair amount of wood all over.





Someone else said this on the Rigby pages, about the rifle second from the right, that the stock has a real "Tiger" striping to the walnut grain. Fabulous walnut on that stock. Rigby shouldn't show that rifle too much as everyone will want one with a stock like that.

What I like about that stock, and hopefully the blank I have put away does have a similar result when cut, is it is a "Tiger" rifle. In a .275, a calibre Corbett DID use for a maneater tiger hunt.


"The Chowgarh Tiger" by David Southgate

(Not sure if the special awarded "plate" rifle was the one used at the time or awarded later? But cool painting by David Southgate of the event.)

If you remember I had/have (a long term project, slow finances) a project to build my "tiger rifle", using a highly grained striped red tinged stock. Agonised and consulted on the chambering/cartridge choice. I did pick the .318 WR. But what could be better than a .275! However I will stick to the .318 for that project. .275 might work "one handed"! But is not a tiger calibre of choice!



I think the Rigby stock above has even more of a Tiger striping pattern than mine.

"Tiger" M98 rifle
http://forums.nitroexpress.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=86030&an=&page=0&vc=1

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #297000 - 14/03/17 12:33 AM

Off topic posts transferred to a new thread. In Mauser forum.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #297010 - 14/03/17 01:46 AM

Now that I have wasted an hour providing answers to the off topic queries on a new thread and also on PMs ...

Anyway, now I can bring some new CONTENT to the forums. Which is much more constructive.

I saw that the Rigby peep sight was an option for this rifle. At additional cost of course. So went looking:



I particularly like these peep sights. But having a scope, express wide V open sights and a peep sight, maybe a bit over kill, hey?

Also on the London Best page as Marrakai points out, one can construct one's own order. The Holland & Holland side mount was also listed there as an option. At additional price of course ...



So all your wants can be answered. All you need do is actually order, request the features and then pay for them. The last bit is what a lot of people forget in their armchair wish lists. it has to be paid for as well. The prices are all up there on the webpage.

--------------------
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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Edited by NitroX (14/03/17 01:48 AM)


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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #297449 - 21/03/17 07:40 AM

The importer here in Australia gave me a call letting me know that they have quite a few guns in all calibers arriving in May. Price will be AUD $11990 which is very close to the US price allowing a small bit for freight, customs etc. Very reasonable I thought and the importer was very helpful. There will be four stores around the country who will stock rifles so that people can have a look before they buy. I asked him about the recoil pad as Marc Newton from Rigby explained to us that it would be fitted to suit the customers requirements and that was included in the price. He wasn't aware of that but is going to find out and let me know how that would be achieved.

http://www.protactical.com.au/


Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #297452 - 21/03/17 09:13 AM

I must confess I saw this and thought, to heavy for a 7x57, then I reread and saw 9.3x62 .....

I love a scoped light 9.3x62 as a companion for my 450-400 3. This is a steel for a light weight walking Safari rifle. Would have been perfect in Cameroon for Buff / Roan / Lord Darby Eland.

Very tempting, I'll have to pay attention at DSC show next year.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rell]
      #298141 - 30/03/17 10:19 AM

G'Day Fella's,

Further to this original post, I see www.qldgunexchange.com have these new Rigby Highland Stalkers, for sale at $12,000.00.
FYI, I just looked on their web site, and no details are posted there at present.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm Donuts!

Doh!
Homer

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Homer]
      #298199 - 31/03/17 10:26 AM

This thread is not helpful.

The more I look at and read about these Rigbys, the more I need one.

A 275 with a peep sight would make a superb addition to my safe!!!

The perfect Chital rifle!

--------------------
Hunt hard, shoot straight

"I speak of Africa and golden joys; the joy of wandering through lonely lands; the joy of hunting the mighty and terrible lords of the wilderness, the cunning, the wary and the grim"

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Iowa_303s
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gwh]
      #298201 - 31/03/17 11:00 AM

Quote:

This thread is not helpful.

The more I look at and read about these Rigbys, the more I need one.

A 275 with a peep sight would make a superb addition to my safe!!!

The perfect Chital rifle!



I completely agree.
Just what I need, another rifle for whitetailed deer!
Really love the look of these Rigbys but my wallet keeps telling me Husqvarna.
Oh well, its nice to look!

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formerly known as Iowa_303

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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Iowa_303s]
      #308440 - 28/11/17 09:51 PM

Gentlemen, has anybody on this forum purchased a "Highland Stalker" and if so, what is the general feeling. Good, bad, worth the money etc. Thanks.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #308442 - 28/11/17 10:09 PM

Quote:

Gentlemen, has anybody on this forum purchased a "Highland Stalker" and if so, what is the general feeling. Good, bad, worth the money etc. Thanks.

Waidmannsheil.




Have seen several new owners of them on the net in various places. Also lots of gunshops advertising them.

Would be good to read an impartial direct independent unbiased review by an actual owner of one.

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"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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Waidmannsheil
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #310778 - 21/01/18 07:48 PM

Gentlemen,
I have had the opportunity to handle a Rigby Highland stalker in 275 Rigby at $12000 AUD as well as the new Mauser 98 Expert (Equivalent to the old Model A) in 30-06 at $10000 AUD. I didn’t get to shoot them, only handle them in the shop, however I thought some of you might be interested in what I found. Please remember though that these are my opinions only.

- The Rigby is a very nice looking gun that is well finished and handles beautifully. The Mauser is also well finished and handles beautifully but is let down by the stock. I will get to that later.

- Both guns use the same 98 action and floor plate. The Rigby has a Nitre blued extractor and a polished and blued bolt handle, the bolt body appears to be nickel plated. The Mauser has a bolt and handle that are bright polished and possibly hard chromed. The handle on both guns are ergonomic and work well, are easy to grab and cycle.

- There is a small lug to the rear of the bolt handle which rests against the extractor to minimise bolt slop which seems to work well.

- The firing pin fall has been reduced to about 7mm and therefore the bolt handle is very easy to lift and the action is easy to cock. About the same effort as a Model 70.

- The bolt shroud is modern interpretation of the old style and is probably the ugliest part on the gun. It works well and is nicely machined but its appearance takes some getting used to.

- The safety is a 3 position side swing type but it is nothing like a Model 70 or a Recknagel Mauser type. While the latter two operate through 90 degrees with the middle position being zero and therefore 45 degrees forward to fire and 45 degrees back for safe, the new Mauser is 45 degrees forward to fire and about 85 degrees backward to safe. It is stiff and hard to use and you cannot just throw the gun up and flick the safety off in one move. It must be a deliberate move sideways or else nothing happens. Even though the lever is longer than a Model 70, it takes more effort to move. The argument used is that it is less likely to be knocked of safe if you are going through scrub, although I have carried my Model 70 through extremely thick scrub many times and never had it knock of safe even once. Interestingly, on the Rigby London Best they use a Recknagel unit, which apparently is less safe.

- I have read several write ups on both these rifles and they all mention that the action is buttery smooth to operate, however both these rifles were anything but. I am sure that over time they will become smooth but both of these were brand new out of the box and failed to impress. It was if they had been nicely machined but not polished afterwards at all. You could feel resistance and they were quite easy to bind. I know that they are a semi-production gun and not a full custom but for twelve grand I expect buttery smooth.

- The trigger was very crisp with no creep but set to light, at least for me. Apparently they can be adjusted.

- The floor plate release worked well but the floor plate doesn’t open up wide enough to let the follower or the ammo out of the magazine box.

- All the screws are timed on both guns which looks very nice, but of course with CNC is easy to achieve. They certainly won’t be done by hand.

- The finish on both guns is very nice, a sort of bright satin finish and while it is not a cold rust blue, it is very nice and looks functional, and of course far more corrosion resistant. The finish complemented the gun, it didn’t detract in any way.

- The engraving on the Rigby is very tastefully done and perfectly executed, it looks superb.

- The barrel is probably the biggest let down of all. They are beautifully machined but are a sort of light varmint profile ending in a muzzle of 17 mm diameter. In other words they have used a barrel suitable for the 9.3mm and used the same profile down to 7mm which makes it look sniperish, especially at 22 inches long and makes it unnecessarily heavy as well. It suits the 9.3 but not the 275. My Model 70 Featherweight in 308 has muzzle dimeter of 14 mm which looks really good and you can see a nice amount of taper. The Rigby and Mauser look almost parallel.

- Proof marks are laser engraved which looks cheap but at least the Rigby had 275 Rigby/7x57on it so you can take it to Africa more easily.

- The sights and sling swivel base on the Rigby are very nice and look very much like the original. The Mauser are all straight from the Recknagel catalogue but are very nice and tasteful. Interestingly, as the sights are nitrided along with the barrel and action it is not possible to inlay the gold line in the traditional manner as the gold line would be nitrided black as well. Instead they drill a hole down parallel to the face of the standing leaf and allow the drill to break through the face. The sights are nitrided and afterwards they insert a small brass pin which shows as a thin gold line. Quite clever.

- On both guns the open sights worked perfectly, as well as I could try them in the shop, but they came up perfectly every time and on target.

- The stock on the Rigby is superb, it feels great in the hand, was finished in a lovely reddish tone and the checkering was perfect, no flaws and felt great, not to course or fine, just right. All the pores were sealed and the finish used looks really nice. The recoil pad is perfectly fitted and looks superb. The length of pull and the recoil pad final shape can be adjusted from the factory to suit the buyer. The stock is definitely the best part of the whole package, it is the strongest selling point.

- The stock on the Mauser was terrible, nicely made and shaped although it could have been a little trimmer. It has a nice cheek piece and a nice shape but the finish is disgusting. It looks like something on a gun for under a grand, very plastic and a strange coffee colour. The checkering is laser cut and looks like shit. If you ordered in a Mauser and saw that stock for the first time when you opened the box you would be really pissed off, especially if you had paid a big deposit or even in full. Interestingly there were half a dozen M12 Mausers on the shelf, all of them had a much nicer looking stock in every regard, and that on a gun worth $2000. The stock was the worst part of the Mauser and it would put you of buying one for sure. At least for me.

- The stock on both guns were very well fitted and although free-floated, the gap was very small and even all the way around.

- Both guns were nicely balanced and handled well, came up to the shoulder nicely and the sights line up perfectly. Both guns were too heavy for their size, especially the Rigby 275.

- As the factory scope bases for both models are hideous I asked the Rigby importer if it is possible to supply your own bases and rings and have them sent over to Rigby and have them finished in the same nitride finish. The answer was an immediate yes. I also asked if the engraving could be changed to show 175 grain bullet instead of 140 grain. Again the answer was yes. Finally could the sights be factory regulated for the 175 grain bullet, again yes with a small surcharge which is understandable. With the Mauser I was just talking to a sales guy who of course said no to everything but maybe if one spoke to the importer the answers would be different. It definitely seems as if Rigby are happy for a certain amount of customisation.

- A quick inflation check of the Rigby showed that a Rigby No.2 sold in 1924 for 26 Pound and 5 Shillings, which equates to roughly 1500 Pounds today. I took an average from several websites. The Highland stalker sells for 5413 Pounds plus VAT today, so a difference of 4000 pounds plus VAT.

- Are the guns good value, hard to say? If you base it on the inflation calculator then the answer would be no, but if you look at them today and base it on what we pay for other items it gets closer but I would still say no. While the Rigby has some very nice touches which make it very desirable, there are too many things which are designed around mass production, such as the barrel and the rough cycling which for me reduce the value of the gun. Is it a $12000 gun, I would say no. $6000 to $8000 is probably more realistic, but then they are selling like hotcakes so obviously I must be wrong. The Mauser is definitely not worth $10000 as it is a glorified mass production gun, nice but not worth the money.

- Hope everyone found this interesting and of some use. Remember, these are my opinions after looking at the guns for no more than 15 minutes each, however first impressions count for a lot.

- Enjoy.


Waidmannsheil.

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Louis
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #310779 - 21/01/18 08:30 PM

Thank you Waidmannsheil, much interesting feedback.

L&O Holdings (Luke & Ortmeier, who own Mauser, Blaser, Sauer, Rigby, etc.) are unfortunately not an exception to the rule in an era where manufacturing techniques allow profit maximisation and where the bulk of customers buy first a brand before buying a product. As you fairly highlighted it, their products are quality ones however not meeting with specialist customers' expectations when it comes to the detail.

By chance, some specialised rifle makers can still make our dreams reality!

Best regards.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Louis]
      #310781 - 21/01/18 09:41 PM

Thanks Waidmannsheil. Interesting.



Quote:

Thank you Waidmannsheil, much interesting feedback.

L&O Holdings (Luke & Ortmeier, who own Mauser, Blaser, Sauer, Rigby, etc.) are unfortunately not an exception to the rule in an era where manufacturing techniques allow profit maximisation and where the bulk of customers buy first a brand before buying a product. As you fairly highlighted it, their products are quality ones however not meeting with specialist customers' expectations when it comes to the detail.

By chance, some specialised rifle makers can still make our dreams reality!

Best regards.




Louis, who exactly are Luke & Ortmeier Holdings? Is it a publicly listed company, an unlisted public compnay, or a private company? Any other information? The individuals behind the group of companies? Thanks.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #310788 - 21/01/18 11:46 PM

Thanks for the in-depth review it was greatly appreciated. I have handled one of the highland stalker rifles and liked the feel of it though I much preferred the weight and balance of my 1952 275 Rigby for a rifle of that caliber. It used to sit up on the Toyota bonnet in an unzipped soft case with the hinges stopping it from sliding forward in the event that we saw a “wild dog” Not sure I could come at that with a $14000.00 modern version.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Claydog]
      #310793 - 22/01/18 04:19 AM

Quote:

Louis, who exactly are Luke & Ortmeier Holdings? Is it a publicly listed company, an unlisted public compnay, or a private company? Any other information? The individuals behind the group of companies? Thanks.



Maybe this link helps a little:

https://www.all4shooters.com/en/Shooting/pistols/GSG-new-management/

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http://promaakari.wordpress.com/


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Louis
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Igorrock]
      #310798 - 22/01/18 08:41 AM

Nitrox, in addition to the information already provided by Igorrock: L&O Holdings are a holding headquartered at Emsdetten (north west Germany), which invests in the two main sectors of firearms and specialised fabrics; they are a purely financial structure investing in financially rewarding sectors and aiming at being world leaders in their market segments; the two principals, Michael Lüke and Thomas Ortmeier, as well as their group, have a very low and much controlled media exposure; I am not aware that L&O Holdings compiles annual financial statements, but in most countries holdings are exempted from that obligation. That's all that I know. Best regards. Louis

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Rule303
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #310813 - 22/01/18 03:20 PM

Waidmannsheil,

I have only handled the Highland Stalker in 30-06 not the Mauser. I do agree with about the Rigby especially the weight. As one bloke said to me, they are trade guns. IE produced without full attention to detail, barrel profile, roughness of the bolt etc. For the price I agree but despite these detraction's it is a very nice rifle. The big thing I do like is the length of pull. It is somewhere north of 14" which is what I need and want. Even CZ550's do not give you a decent length of pull. They do come to the should nicely. The timber is top class and this I think is reflected in the price.

If I had the money to have one I would order it to be same weight, barrel profile, plain grain in the stock, etc of the 1920/30's models.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rule303]
      #310834 - 23/01/18 01:00 AM

Quote:

If I had the money to have one I would order it to be same weight, barrel profile, plain grain in the stock, etc of the 1920/30's models.




Me too. I would love a Rigby Rigby .275. But the London Best, bespoke price is even higher.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Louis]
      #310835 - 23/01/18 01:04 AM

Louis and Igorrock, thanks. Had heard of the L&O group before. Was just wondering on their structure etc. But typical German structure of a private company owning some quite large to very large companies.

In UK, Aust, USA, etc, it is the opposite and usually such companies always ultimately end up being publicly listed groups.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #310942 - 24/01/18 06:40 PM

life is just to short to handle new made guns!

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: lancaster]
      #313885 - 12/03/18 07:32 AM

Interesting thread. I was interested in the stalker and spent time handling them at SCI.

I agree 100% with Waidmannsheil!

My main issue was the barrel contour. Marc said it was fixed across all the calibers. As a result, I found the .275 (which was the caliber I wanted to buy) just too heavy, did not balance lightly between the hands. I do think the 9.3x62 could be great as it will weigh a bit less given more metal being taken out of the bore and I'd like more weight for that caliber.

My personal opinion is that this rifle is for someone who wants to own a Rigby, lots of emphasis on the look, the options (cosmetic options vs barrel contour as an example), and the wood grades, but does feel like a one size fits all rifle.

Curious to see if they decide to modify the contours by caliber a bit, would be surprised if that is a huge impact on cost or manufacturing.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: 10generation]
      #313889 - 12/03/18 09:08 AM

Hi 10gen and welcome to the forum. Yes for me the barrel contour and weight as well as the safety were the two main reasons for not purchasing one. The safety I could have lived with and re-programmed my thumb but the barrel just turned me off. I too wanted to buy a 275 but with that barrel it was like a varmint rifle. I had mentally prepared myself to save up and sell a number of other guns to help finance the purchase but when I actually went and handled the rifle in question I was underwhelmed.

Of course if they change the barrel profile then they also need to make new sights however I think they could have got away with two profiles. A slim one for the 275, 308, and 30-06 and a heavier one for the 8x57 and 9.3x62.

Blaser however are masters of mass production and using the smallest number of components possible across the range of products. You can see that for instance with their U/O double rifle which is nothing more than their combination gun with a rifle barrel insert fitted to the shotgun barrel. According to them it is done that way for regulation purposes which it does, but of course it also reduces manufacturing costs. You won't see any pictures by Blaser showing the insides of the actions on their break action guns because they are ugly. There is no gun makers craft, only clever engineering designed to work reliably and reduce manufacturing costs. Unfortunately it generally looks ugly. If Blaser were involved in the automotive trade they would be very successful.

I have wondered who Rigby's target audience is regarding this rifle and have come to the conclusion that it is not rifle enthusiasts like us but cashed up newbies. The popularity of deer stalking has increased dramatically in the UK as well as in most places around the world and while most people will buy a Sako or Blaser etc. there will be those that have a good job and reasonable amounts of disposable cash, and can afford $12000 without having to have a savings plan. They have a basic understanding of the Rigby history and like the image it portrays. They probably also know of Holland & Holland but do not want to spend 40000 pounds plus to own one and therefore the Rigby is ideal. I also believe that most of these new Rigby Highland owners are not the type to have a lot of guns, probably just the Rigby, a shotgun and a 22. Is that bad, no not at all, but I believe that is why the Highland Stalker is selling like hotcakes even though it doesn't excite the gun enthusiast.

The same thing happened with Jeep when they brought out the four door JK. Until then Jeeps were bought by enthusiasts who had always had Jeeps, had been four wheel driving most of their life and had some mechanical knowledge often working on their cars themselves. However when the JK came along that all changed. A new breed started buying these Jeeps because of the massive advertising campaign that Jeep ran at the time showing the adventure that came along with owning one and catchy slogans which made you feel like being part of a family if you owned a JK. It was very clever and they were bought up as fast as they could make them by people who had never been four wheel driving or camping before, had never worked on cars but liked the image. Mostly middle management, advertising and marketing people. The plan worked very well but was let down by Jeeps terrible customer service, poor reliability and horrendous parts prices. I believe the same type of customer is buying the Highland stalker. IMHO of course.

Waidmannsheil.

Edited by Waidmannsheil (12/03/18 09:09 AM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #313907 - 12/03/18 05:04 PM

Quote:


I have wondered who Rigby's target audience is regarding this rifle and have come to the conclusion that it is not rifle enthusiasts like us but cashed up newbies. The popularity of deer stalking has increased dramatically in the UK as well as in most places around the world and while most people will buy a Sako or Blaser etc. there will be those that have a good job and reasonable amounts of disposable cash, and can afford $12000 without having to have a savings plan. They have a basic understanding of the Rigby history and like the image it portrays. They probably also know of Holland & Holland but do not want to spend 40000 pounds plus to own one and therefore the Rigby is ideal. I also believe that most of these new Rigby Highland owners are not the type to have a lot of guns, probably just the Rigby, a shotgun and a 22. Is that bad, no not at all, but I believe that is why the Highland Stalker is selling like hotcakes even though it doesn't excite the gun enthusiast.

.... I believe the same type of customer is buying the Highland stalker. IMHO of course.




"I wonder" "I believe" "IMHO"

Yep, lots of musings with no ideaFI.

And all that irrelevance about Blaser. Mauser calls the shots at Rigby.

Rigby is selling a multiple of firearms, of a prestige value, of what probably the rest of the UK prestige industry is selling. I have a rough idea of what Rigby sells, and a rough idea of the sort of very low numbers the big nanes sell. From 2x to 4x is my estimate.

Rigby is really excellent at marketing with the people having a genuine interest in Rigby, its history, making an extra effort, fantastic theme gun and safari show stands, friendly and interesting people and a great product.

Sure you don't like the barrel profile, that's your choice. Hundreds of happy customers do like it. I can guess why it has the choice of barrel.

Yes it is high priced for us normal guys. No need to knock what you can't afford.

BTW we had another big name UK maker recently here on NE, with a very "untypical" rifle and many raved about it ...

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #313910 - 12/03/18 09:41 PM

Yea, I try not to push my opinion onto people, that is why I use those terms, rather than cracking the shits and getting all nasty, it was just an opinion piece open for discussion.

Blaser own Mauser and having spoken to people who have actually been to the Blaser plant, the Mauser actions and barrels are made in the Blaser plant. Mauser do not have their own machining facilities. There are also several photos of Marc Newton having meetings with the head of Mauser and the head of Blaser is there at the table as well, so I am sure that Blaser call the shots in the end.

As to the number of firearms sold you mention "rough idea" and "estimate" so lots of musings there as well.

As to the marketing, I mentioned several times that their marketing is excellent. Never said the people arn't friendly, they are very friendly, I have spoken to them several times myself. I agree they make a the extra effort with their safari themed stand and the Scottish stand but I never said they didn't.

Yes I don't like the barrel profile and I said that was my opinion, although several other members said the same thing. I also pointed out that they are selling like hot cakes so clearly not every one agrees. Also while I would not have been able to buy one outright, I did point out that I was prepared to save up and buy one, so the cost was not the main issue.

Not sure what the last line has to do with the Highland stalker.

I thought this forum was one for fair and open discussion rather than having to toe the line because someone is Facebook friends with a manufacturer.


Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #313911 - 12/03/18 10:45 PM

Jezz John...not everyone likes them...take it easy mate

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: paradox_]
      #313913 - 13/03/18 01:10 AM

Deleted my post. Was editing it, then on the phone with Curl, so decided to delete it instead. No time to edit it.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #315229 - 13/04/18 12:00 PM

Quote:

Gentlemen, has anybody on this forum purchased a "Highland Stalker" and if so, what is the general feeling. Good, bad, worth the money etc. Thanks.

Waidmannsheil.




I'm lucky enough to own two Rigby's. A Highland Stalker in 30/06 and a Big Game DSB in 375 H&H. Both are very accurate, their triggers are superb and I'm very pleased with both.

Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: gryphon]
      #315230 - 13/04/18 12:07 PM

Quote:

I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment

$1800? Is that a typo?




To the best of my knowledge sporting firearms are imported into Australia via air freight.

Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #315231 - 13/04/18 12:38 PM

Quote:

Quote:

I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment

$1800? Is that a typo?




To the best of my knowledge sporting firearms are imported into Australia via air freight.

Rod




People talking about the basic cost of freight by simple shipping container cost versus freight of firearms have obviously never done it before.

But firearms are freighted by various methods. A forum member is trying to send to me two rifles. The quotations he receieved were something like $4000!!! (from memory). Planning to send them along in a friends Holts container shipment for a MUCH reduced freight cost.

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Edited by NitroX (13/04/18 12:43 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #315232 - 13/04/18 12:39 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Gentlemen, has anybody on this forum purchased a "Highland Stalker" and if so, what is the general feeling. Good, bad, worth the money etc. Thanks.

Waidmannsheil.




I'm lucky enough to own two Rigby's. A Highland Stalker in 30/06 and a Big Game DSB in 375 H&H. Both are very accurate, their triggers are superb and I'm very pleased with both.

Rod




Good to hear from an owner. Post some photos especially any photos of them being used in Australia.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #315254 - 14/04/18 12:07 AM

Can't help feeling that Rigby have hit the spot with the Highland Stalker. It's a nice traditional style modern rifle that just works well. The original Rigby's were nothing more or less than nicely finished Mauser's and its still the same. Most of these Rigby's will be bought by the hunter who wants a nice Rifle to use on a stalking holiday every couple of years and will share a cabinet with a nice old side-lock, a better grade Berretta or Browning 12 or 20 (he likes the side lock, but shoots better with the O/U and its steel proofed) and an air rifle or 22 Rimfire. He likes fine things - decent car etc, but he is not a gun enthusiast. Chances are he is a professional, an officer or senior management.

Cost - well about a month or two's salary.

In other words , just the same sort of people whom Rigby used to sell to to - save one exception, the higher ranking colonial civil servant.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: HeymSR20]
      #315259 - 14/04/18 02:16 AM

Excellent analysis; you just hit the mark!
Louis

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #315274 - 14/04/18 08:23 AM

Rod, good to see that you are happy with it. Have you been hunting with it yet? Are you using a scope and if so what rings and bases did you use?

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #315275 - 14/04/18 08:28 AM

Quote:

Quote:

I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment

$1800? Is that a typo?




To the best of my knowledge sporting firearms are imported into Australia via air freight.

Rod





I think you are correct. The final price here in Australia turned out to be very close to what they are charging in England. I have spoken to the importer a couple of times and he seems like a really decent chap, very accommodating and obviously not a robber.

Waidmannsheil.

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Rod4861
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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: HeymSR20]
      #315276 - 14/04/18 08:56 AM

Quote:

Can't help feeling that Rigby have hit the spot with the Highland Stalker. It's a nice traditional style modern rifle that just works well. The original Rigby's were nothing more or less than nicely finished Mauser's and its still the same. Most of these Rigby's will be bought by the hunter who wants a nice Rifle to use on a stalking holiday every couple of years and will share a cabinet with a nice old side-lock, a better grade Berretta or Browning 12 or 20 (he likes the side lock, but shoots better with the O/U and its steel proofed) and an air rifle or 22 Rimfire. He likes fine things - decent car etc, but he is not a gun enthusiast. Chances are he is a professional, an officer or senior management.

Cost - well about a month or two's salary.

In other words , just the same sort of people whom Rigby used to sell to to - save one exception, the higher ranking colonial civil servant.




As an owner of two modern Rigby's I certainly agree with your first three sentences. But as to the rest well it's a fairly broad brush that has been used to describe owners.

I dare say that some fit into that description. But I reckon that the Rigby's offer a pretty good scratch to a vast array of itches afflicting firearm enthusiasts across the entire spectrum.

For me the Rigby's ticked off a few items on the bucket list. Owning and using,

a new "Mauser" branded 98 actioned classic hunting rifle.

a British proof marked rifle.

something that looks great and functioned flawlessly from the shop.


I love mine and they will be the most expensive rifles that I ever buy.

Cheers
Rod

Edited by Rod4861 (14/04/18 12:43 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #315277 - 14/04/18 08:58 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

I am sure that freight will be blamed even though freight from Europe to Australia is about $1800 AUD for a 40 foot container at the moment

$1800? Is that a typo?




To the best of my knowledge sporting firearms are imported into Australia via air freight.

Rod





I think you are correct. The final price here in Australia turned out to be very close to what they are charging in England. I have spoken to the importer a couple of times and he seems like a really decent chap, very accommodating and obviously not a robber.

Waidmannsheil.




I've known and dealt with Dave Auger for over 30 years. I can certainly say that he is gentleman and dealing with him has been a pleasure.

Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #315278 - 14/04/18 09:03 AM

Quote:

Rod, good to see that you are happy with it. Have you been hunting with it yet? Are you using a scope and if so what rings and bases did you use?

Waidmannsheil.




Have not hunted with either as of yet. I have numerous excuses for that but hopefully both will see the paddock in a few months.

The DSB is scoped, the rings are those supplied by Rigby and I have a 1 to 4 Kahles on it. I'll try and post some photos in a day or so. The Highlander is yet to be scoped. I have a 4x S&B sitting here for her and I'm planning on some QD mounts EAW.

Cheers
Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #315279 - 14/04/18 09:54 AM

Sounds good, certainly looking forward to some photos.

Waidmannsheil.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #331986 - 07/09/19 07:55 AM





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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #332020 - 07/09/19 07:24 PM

Those rifles look lovely. Well done.

Also must be reasonably slim as the scopes look quite big on the rifles(?).

BTW what is a DSB? Double square bridge?

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #332026 - 07/09/19 11:02 PM

Quote:

Those rifles look lovely. Well done.

Also must be reasonably slim as the scopes look quite big on the rifles(?).

BTW what is a DSB? Double square bridge?




Yep, DSB is Double Square Bridge.

Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #332054 - 08/09/19 08:21 AM

Rod that's the 5th rifle I have seen you and that particular pig pose with, and as for having you pet mutt play dead.











Just joking folks.


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rule303]
      #332058 - 08/09/19 09:44 AM

Quote:

Rod that's the 5th rifle I have seen you and that particular pig pose with, and as for having you pet mutt play dead.






Just joking folks.




I thought that and the arseless chaffs were our secret !

Cheers mate.

Rod


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #332060 - 08/09/19 09:52 AM

Certainly looks very nice. I can see how you would be pretty happy with them.

Matt.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #332144 - 10/09/19 11:41 AM

Quote:

Quote:

Rod that's the 5th rifle I have seen you and that particular pig pose with, and as for having you pet mutt play dead.






Just joking folks.




I thought that and the arseless chaffs were our secret !

Cheers mate.

Rod




The Nick Harvey and mates secret to magazine article writing? Not the "chaps" ...

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #332151 - 10/09/19 05:40 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Rod that's the 5th rifle I have seen you and that particular pig pose with, and as for having you pet mutt play dead.






Just joking folks.




I thought that and the arseless chaffs were our secret !

Cheers mate.

Rod




The Nick Harvey and mates secret to magazine article writing? Not the "chaps" ...






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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Rod4861]
      #332155 - 10/09/19 07:32 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Rod that's the 5th rifle I have seen you and that particular pig pose with, and as for having you pet mutt play dead.






Just joking folks.









Nick Harvey and co were alleged to take multiple photos with the same stag=, deer, pig etc with multiple rifles, and multiple shooters to allow a number of articles to be written over the later months.

Certainly in my opinion looked that way sometimes, Old Nick with his rifle and a deer, later a mater with the same rifle and a deer, or a different test rifle and the same deer etc.

What I think the joke above was allegeding for me Rod, ie but only as a joke ie the 5th different rifle for the 'same pig'.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #334157 - 03/11/19 09:17 PM

Added a 9.3x62 to the safe. Came set up with leupold 2x7 in Q- release mounts. Feels great in the hand. Quality is exceptional. Quick sight in with 2 shots touching at 90m. Session cut short by build up storms. Using 286g alaskan SP for Norma.
Hunted with it on Saturday, big day with only two pigs seen. Chris dropped one and we found three hoses on the way out. Overkill with the 286gr norma.
Impressed with it so far. Reasonable light and lively with the 286g factories. Length of pull is a little long for me so will require shortening.
Unsure of what projectiles I'm going to use. Woodleigh 232-250 grain or barnes 250TSX.
Very very happy....................
left 275 right 9.3x62

https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/1024x768q90/921/SSrCV4.jpg

Edited by 264 (03/11/19 09:20 PM)


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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: 264]
      #334159 - 04/11/19 12:38 AM

Looking good!

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: tinker]
      #334160 - 04/11/19 02:49 AM

Nice score Mic.

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Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #334168 - 04/11/19 07:21 AM

Very nice Mick!
9.3x62 might be a little 'overkill' on a horse to some......whatever works I say!


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Louis
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Reged: 13/05/15
Posts: 977
Loc: France
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: 93x64mm]
      #334169 - 04/11/19 07:32 AM

Congratulations on your new purchase, one can never get wrong with a 9,3x62.
A pair of really nice looking rifles!
Louis

--------------------
"Everything that doesn't kill me makes me stronger"


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PatagonHunter
.300 member


Reged: 20/01/06
Posts: 249
Loc: Bariloche, Patagonia Argentina
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Louis]
      #334171 - 04/11/19 08:15 AM

Hi 264,

Beautiful rifles, indeed!!! Congragulations!!!
Also like and agree about your selection of cartidges. My TWO FAVORITES right now. In fact, the 7x57 is my ALL TIME favorite since 1972. I am new to the 9,3x62, but it is my present favorite "médium bore".

Best!

PH


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264
.375 member


Reged: 15/02/11
Posts: 596
Loc: NT Australia
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: PatagonHunter]
      #334309 - 09/11/19 05:43 PM

First bull and boar today. Bull quick 3 at 60m on the trot then two after he went down. Boar length ways shot at 10m, recovered pill in rear leg.
Couple of nags as well so a good day. Very hot.........
9.3x62 Rigby highland stalker 286g Norma's alaskan SP



recovered 286gr SP


Edited by 264 (09/11/19 05:54 PM)


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NitroXAdministrator
.700 member


Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39071
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: 264]
      #334315 - 09/11/19 08:10 PM



Very nice looking rifles mate.

--------------------
John aka NitroX

...
Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
"A Sharp spear needs no polish"


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tinker
.416 member


Reged: 12/03/05
Posts: 4835
Loc: Nevada
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: NitroX]
      #334316 - 09/11/19 09:40 PM

That Norma bullet.
Hard working and efficient.

I bet you're happy with the new rifle!

--------------------
--Self-Appointed Colonel, DRSS--



"It IS a dangerous game, and so named for a reason, and you can't play from the keyboard. " --Some Old Texan...


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Waidmannsheil
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Reged: 19/04/13
Posts: 2363
Loc: Melbourne Australia
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: tinker]
      #334331 - 10/11/19 11:02 AM

Great rifles Mick, the 9.3 in particular looks really nice. Some nice beasts as well in some great looking country. Well done.

Matt.

--------------------
There is nothing wrong with vegetarian food, so long as there is meat with it.


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DarylS
.700 member


Reged: 10/08/05
Posts: 26414
Loc: Beautiful British Columbia, Ca...
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: Waidmannsheil]
      #334337 - 10/11/19 11:26 AM

Nice to see some results with the Norma Alaskan. I loaded up a bunch of ammo for my bro with those, at 2,200fps in his 9.3x57.
Won't see the results until after his Dec. trip for Elk.

--------------------
Daryl


"a gun without hammers is like a Spaniel without ears" King George V


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HeymSR20
.300 member


Reged: 23/11/11
Posts: 243
Loc: Scotland
Re: The Rigby Highland Stalker rifle [Re: DarylS]
      #337247 - 01/02/20 05:09 AM

I was close to Rigby's London shop and factory earlier this month and had a spare hour before I needed to be back at the office. So I rang the doorbell. Maria, who I believe looks after all the exports showed me several Highland Stalkers and some of their London Best Rifles as well as a look round the factory.

Now the Highland Stalker is a really nice rifle and handles well. The barreled actions are made by Mauser and they are finished in London. Nothing wrong with that, indeed that's how most of the vintage ones were made. Indeed I have a Rigby made in 1976 made on a commercial mauser action.

And in the bigger bores - the Big Game would be a really good rifle for bigger stuff - again handles really nicely

Only slight niggle is the metal finish - it looks to me to be some form of ceramic finish as used by Blaser etc, rather than a proper blued finish. For its price point a nice deep chemical blue as used on say the Heym would be nicer IMHO. It's a real pity though that Mauser and Rigby do not make a proper left handed version, as being a left handed shot a left handed rifle is so much nicer.

Yes they are expensive with a little change out of £8,000 by the time you have added an extra or two.

Of course I could have a London best built for me. They use the Mayfair Mauser action - available in either hand. I was handed a couple to look at. They definitely are a class above in terms of feel and finish. Utterly beautiful and built by hand in the factory. Stocking - they start with a solid blank and very sharp chisels and draw knifes. But you could by a complete suite of Highland and Big Game rifles for the price of the London Best - but they are available in a left hand version.


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