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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Rule303]
      #297624 - 23/03/17 09:46 PM

Rule303, it is pretty noticeable some seem to look only for negatives.

As for influence, NitroExpress.com did influence the creation of the London Best Classic or Vintage rifle "range". As they are actually custom made, not so much as a range though as orders by the well heeled customers who can afford to have the extra work done, to create an more vintage style of rifle.

As I posted elsewhere, the whiners and whingers just need to open their wallets if they want what they want. And that is from makers such as Rigby, Dorleac and others. The semi "off the shelf" rifles prices reflect quality, but not every last detail.

Or just buy at an auction an original vintage rifle. Once the prices were quite reasonable. But prices I have seen in the last few years have been high. Maybe I am incorrect, I am not in the market whether they are reasonably priced or priced higher so don't follow the market well enough to know.

Back to the Elephant rifle. It was undoubtably made as a statement. To showcase the makers gunmaker skills, and incredible artistic design and application. The patience required to completely engrave the rifle with an "elephant hide" pattern astounds me.

Would I ever want one like it? No. I would like an opportunity to admire and examine such a rifle. I too prefer working rifles of plainer style. And also as I tend to abuse my firearms in the field with real use.

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Ahmed577
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297631 - 23/03/17 11:01 PM

For many years I thanked the buyers who ordered some of the best London guns which I am now custodian of. What sort of person would order a H&H double in 250 rook. At the time I am sure a few eyebrows were raised.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Ahmed577]
      #297709 - 24/03/17 06:06 PM

An off topic post was cut off and moved to the "General" forum. Off topic posters/disrupters will be suspended in future. I think I made it clear about the use of PMs in the past, not disruptive posts on threads!!!

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297710 - 24/03/17 06:10 PM

In all the posts, has anyone had a good look at the rifle.

I for example noticed the bolt handle. Will see if I can load up a photo of it. Nicely turned in to the stock, just like the good old vintage ones were. At least to my eye. I remember someone commenting that the Highland rifles ad bolts sticking out more than the vintage rifle examples. My guess is this might be for modern usage, use of gloves in colder climates, and not just a "style" reason. Nevertheless, the "Elephant" rifle does seem to have the older style bolt handle. Agree or disagree? Or no one noticed ...



One image added.

--------------------
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 (24/03/17 06:32 PM)


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DarylS
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297713 - 24/03/17 06:19 PM

Bolt handle looked normal to me.

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Daryl


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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: DarylS]
      #297716 - 24/03/17 06:28 PM

I have to agree with Daryl on the bolt. The more I see this rifle the more I warm to it. Would love to see it in the flesh. I would wager it is not as obtrusive as the close ups make it look.

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Claydog]
      #297717 - 24/03/17 06:35 PM

The rifle is certainly well decorated with its theme engraving. No doubt about it.

For a working elephant rifle, the same beast ie rifle, plain and without most of the engraving in .450 Rigby would be quite acceptable. IMO anyway.

Found the PR email received on Jan 30, and loaded one image up.

I will put the rest of the photos up soon.

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297719 - 24/03/17 06:51 PM

Images of the Special Bespoke "London Best" John Rigby & Co. Mauser 98 actioned "The Elephant Gun", chambered in .450 Rigby.

For your viewing pleasure.

If you can not cope with artistically engraved showpiece rifles, please enjoy threads elsewhere. Thanks.

***

Rigby showcases its exquisite Elephant Gun at Safari Club International Convention

Press Release – 29 January 2017

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. will be showcasing its highly anticipated elephant skin engraved London Best .450 Rigby rifle at next week’s Safari Club International Convention (SCI), which is being held Wednesday 1 to Saturday 4 February in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The exquisite hand engraving, which covers all metal work and required more than 2,000 hours meticulous craftsmanship, was undertaken by one of Rigby’s master engravers, Tony Maidment. He revealed that the Elephant Gun features around 100,000 individual skin pores. “This is the work I am most proud of in my 36-year career as an engraver. It was technically the most difficult and most challenging but by far the most rewarding. I am so pleased the rifle is going to a home where it will be cherished and looked after.”

Managing director Marc Newton added: “This long-awaited eye-catching rifle has been a joy to create, a real passion project. Historically, Rigby has always been a trailblazer when it comes to creativity, and this latest rifle has all the hallmarks of the much-loved brand. As with all Rigby guns, this beautiful rifle is designed to be used in the field, not just admired under glass.”

The rifle has attracted a lot of interest from collectors all over the world, and recently sold for an undisclosed amount to an oversees big game hunter.

To view the rifle, visit booth #4543 at SCI.



Click on the image for full sized image.










































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Govt get out of our lives NOW!
"I love the smell of cordite in the morning."
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gryphon
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297723 - 24/03/17 08:23 PM

If they had of jewelled the bolt I would buy it!

Outrageous,ostentatious,incredible,innovative...and another 100 words of description all combine to form one..expensive lol!

I love it!

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: gryphon]
      #297724 - 24/03/17 08:45 PM

Quote:

If they had of jewelled the bolt I would buy it!

Outrageous,ostentatious,incredible,innovative...and another 100 words of description all combine to form one..expensive lol!

I love it!




Jeez, mate, jewelling the bolt, that would be a bit over the top! Wouldn't it?

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Rule303
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297730 - 24/03/17 09:55 PM

I noticed the bolt handle and it is one criticism of the Rigby Line that I have. It is too far forward of the trigger IMHO. I like the bolt knob to be as close to or slightly behind the trigger. I find these position more natural when moving from trigger to bolt and back again. When I tries the mates Rigby I found it took some getting use to and un natural. However the trigger is one of, if not the best I have ever tried.

Matter of fact the rifle,a 375H&H, was for me, heavier than needed but boy didn't it balance, come to the shoulder and swing well. If I had the money I would have a brace of 4, 275Rigby, 375 H&H, 416 and 450 Rigby.


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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Rule303]
      #297774 - 25/03/17 05:48 PM

Quote:

I noticed the bolt handle and it is one criticism of the Rigby Line that I have. It is too far forward of the trigger IMHO. I like the bolt knob to be as close to or slightly behind the trigger. I find these position more natural when moving from trigger to bolt and back again. When I tries the mates Rigby I found it took some getting use to and un natural. However the trigger is one of, if not the best I have ever tried.

Matter of fact the rifle,a 375H&H, was for me, heavier than needed but boy didn't it balance, come to the shoulder and swing well. If I had the money I would have a brace of 4, 275Rigby, 375 H&H, 416 and 450 Rigby.




So you have handled this rifle? Because the bolt on this rifle was where my question was directed.

For a reason.

As for the "bolt being too far forward of the trigger" in general, isn't it a standard distance for ANY Mauser 98? The only difference being the bolt handle shape. And perhaps where the trigger lies in the guard?

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GABE93
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297778 - 25/03/17 06:27 PM

This trigger is a very long way back in the gaurd bow. Probably deliberate choice, to make more room for trigger finger, to avoid bumping into the floorplate latch. Other triggers arn't as far back.

The trigger finger loop would have to be in the middle of the gaurd bow, like a military trigger, to be close to the bolt knob but i think it would look a bit odd that far forward.

The bolt handle is just the normal straight Mauser bolt handle, no sweep back. The bolt handle/knob perhaps lies a bit closer to the stock, as per NitroX's comment.

Perhaps Rigby would sweep the bolt handle back if requested. Just needs to be heated up near the root and give it a good whack with the hammer !!!

Regards,
GABE93


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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: GABE93]
      #297785 - 25/03/17 07:02 PM

Yes I agree the trigger is well back in the guard. On this rifle. I would have to look at a photo at whatever model was actually being referred to. As it wasn't this rifle.

But I wonder how some guys change from rifle to rifle in actual use with some of these minor details ...

I seem to be able to handle, one day using my M98 .30-06, the next moment, using my .375 M98 with probably a different trigger and bolt position. Then a .303 SMLE or my Mauser M03 with a very different trigger, bolt and safety ... and switching to a shotgun or double rifle with twin triggers, even cope somehow, I actually don't know, switching to my single trigger Valmet shotgun/double rifle. The last one, one two occasions I DID try to pull the rear of the guard I will admit ...

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Rule303]
      #297786 - 25/03/17 07:03 PM

Quote:

Matter of fact the rifle,a 375H&H, was for me, heavier than needed but boy didn't it balance, come to the shoulder and swing well. If I had the money I would have a brace of 4, 275Rigby, 375 H&H, 416 and 450 Rigby.




Mate, you missed out the .350 Rigby.

That battery would all cost you a pretty penny in total!

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Rule303
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297788 - 25/03/17 08:36 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Matter of fact the rifle,a 375H&H, was for me, heavier than needed but boy didn't it balance, come to the shoulder and swing well. If I had the money I would have a brace of 4, 275Rigby, 375 H&H, 416 and 450 Rigby.




Mate, you missed out the .350 Rigby.

That battery would all cost you a pretty penny in total!




Damn I did to and yes I would need a major win in a big lotto payday.

No I have not handled that rifle but have a mates Rigby. And like most Mauser I find the bolt knob to be to far forward for my liking. Does not mean can't operate them, just means not to my liking. I find the SMLE bolt knob to be in the best position. As the finger leaves the trigger it is traveling upwards and backwards. Remember the bolt will be be moving in the same direction. Same in reverse when closing the bolt. A gentle curve to the rear like the CZ550 would help.

Most other bolt knobs are above or very slightly forward of the trigger. Reason for the big dog leg in the P14/M17 bolt. Just my preferences is all and certainly would not stop me buying one.


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Ahmed577
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Rule303]
      #297794 - 25/03/17 10:50 PM

Once gun embellishment was very important to me. You could easily add 40 percent to the cost. Today I can't go past traditional engraving That is PURDEY rose and scroll as an example. A best gun highly embellished is destined to become highly sought after. Thank god some people are prepared to do it.

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NitroXAdministrator
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Ahmed577]
      #297796 - 26/03/17 02:41 AM

As I said in the title, "something different". I don't think anyone could argue the work here is not "well executed" even if they do not personally like the total end result. Or would want to own it.

These showpiece works are meant to be spectacular and create attention and discussion. This clearly worked.

Something to look at.

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297798 - 26/03/17 02:44 AM



I think that floorplate and trigger guard is pretty spectacular. Not all that practical for a rifle for an actual elephant hunt, if one wanted to keep it pristine, but spectacular and well executed.

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John aka NitroX

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Huvius
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #297872 - 27/03/17 02:48 AM

I wonder if setting the trigger back farther in the guard isn't actually a better placement on a dangerous game gun than the standard.
Seems to me that it would be best that there would be zero possibility of tripping your trigger finger on the back of the trigger when working the bolt and firing in fast succession. Placing the trigger farther back means that if your fingertip is anywhere within the guard, there is no doubt that you are in a position to fire.
I think this particular rifle is pretty awesome.

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Huvius]
      #297937 - 27/03/17 04:15 PM

That is something I have done on the last three builds, by cutting two triggers and making one out of them to place the finger piece closer to the rear of the guard by another 1/4 inch. It not only makes for more finger room in the guard but it looks a great deal better as well (to me anyway) One very important advantage, especially on a heavy recoiling rifle is that it puts the finger bow of the T/G just that little bit further forward and reduces the possibility of recoil induced finger bruising.

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justcurious
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: VonGruff]
      #298263 - 01/04/17 11:09 PM

Elephant hide against skin of a skate


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Rell
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: justcurious]
      #298266 - 02/04/17 12:44 AM

Not something I would hunt with but certainly a piece of art worthy of any museum.

Simply stunning.

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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: Rell]
      #298274 - 02/04/17 03:30 AM

What is a skate?

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justcurious
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Re: Something different - Rigby's "Elephant Gun" [Re: NitroX]
      #298275 - 02/04/17 03:34 AM

Wingfish

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