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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

John Rigby rising bite action .303 british
#157484 - 26/03/10 09:42 AM

Hello everyone. This is my first post, so I thought I should introduce myself. More importantly, I thought you folks might want to see a picture of what brought me to these forums. I'm 28 years old and have had the misfortune of my grandpa and dad instilling in me great taste in guns. Sadly, they didn't give me the income to support my thirst for beautiful doubles. The two double rifles are from my from my grandfather's collection. My dad is the current caretaker. So far, I've only been able to afford a few nice double shotguns in need of some TLC. This first rifle is a John Rigby rising bite .303 British caliber. Amoung the 15 doubles in the family's collection, this is the crown jewel in my opinion. This gun settles down on a sight picture like a puppy cuddling in your lap. It begs for medium size game. I hope you enjoy the pictures.

~Wes

Edited by CptCurl (26/03/10 11:33 AM)

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157485 - 26/03/10 09:43 AM

Edited by CptCurl (26/03/10 11:34 AM)

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157486 - 26/03/10 09:46 AM

Very nice indeed.

A sidelever one at that as well.

Not many around like that.

Good to see someone appreciate the finer things in life.

I have a top lever one made just before yours, about 300 from it in the serial number range.

Edited by 500Nitro (26/03/10 09:47 AM)

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kamilaroi
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Reged: 18/12/04
Posts: 1803
Loc: sydney, new south wales, Austr...

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157487 - 26/03/10 09:47 AM

VERY special!

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: kamilaroi]
#157489 - 26/03/10 09:52 AM

I've put a request in at John Rigby and Co. for information on when the gun was made, who the original owner was, insurance value, etc etc. They said it would take several months before they'd have anything to tell me though. I guess they are in the process of digitizing the old micro fiche records.

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157490 - 26/03/10 10:22 AM

The records are in book form (not Microfiche).

1717X was made in 1905.

If you look around the net, find other Rigby Rising third bite guns and compare serial numbers / when they say they
were made, you should get a pretty accurate date from that.

Insurance value - $20 - 30k ++++

Edited by 500Nitro (26/03/10 11:32 AM)

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157491 - 26/03/10 10:31 AM

500Nitro,
What's the name of the book and where might I find a copy of it for sale?

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Anonymous
Unregistered

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157497 - 26/03/10 11:11 AM

PM sent

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157502 - 26/03/10 11:34 AM

Quote:

500Nitro,
What's the name of the book and where might I find a copy of it for sale?

Sorry, I have modified my post.

What I meant is that the Rigby Records are in book / gun register form where they wrote down all the details, not Microfiche.

That's why when you normally request a copy of your guns records you get a photo copy of a page with a whole load of other guns on it as well.

That's not to say that they haven't been microfiched as well
but I have my guns records and they are definately a photocopy of a book / gun register.

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Huvius
.416 member

Reged: 04/11/07
Posts: 3532
Loc: Colorado

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: ]
#157504 - 26/03/10 11:38 AM

Wes,
Welcome to the NE Forum!
Nice to see another enthusiast from (close to) my generation stepping up with an interest in vintage sporting arms. Most of my friends are into fantasy football and pissing their money away in Vegas. Give me a classic rifle anyday!
This Rigby is a real knockout!
I can't wait to see what else you decide to share with us.

--------------------
He who lives in the past is doomed to enjoy it.

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: Huvius]
#157505 - 26/03/10 11:43 AM

WesF

Is it an ejector ?

Is it a selective ejector ?
ie does it have a switch on the fore end where you
can choose whether the gun ejects or extracts ?

It is obviously a best gun but the questions above are why
I was vague on the value.

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JRL
prev-Sponsor

Reged: 02/02/10
Posts: 20
Loc: UK

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157508 - 26/03/10 12:30 PM

March 26th. London.

Dear WesF.

If you follow this link to our website you will find all the information you need about the disposition of the John Rigby & Co. Archives.

http://www.johnrigbylondon.com/archive.html

Best Wishes.

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39264
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157518 - 26/03/10 02:15 PM

Wes

Welcome to the NitroExpress.com Forums, and well done with an excellent introductory post!

What a grand rifle your Grandfather has and what a fantastic collection of 15 rifles.

I hope you can share more of them with us in the future.

"Archiving" them in the Double Rifle Archive allows them to be "preserved" in photo form and maybe description at least, so so many more people can enjoy them in the future. Well done.

Again a magnificent example.

Some of the photos added on to the NE Facebook page.

--------------------
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 (26/03/10 03:43 PM)

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: NitroX]
#157533 - 26/03/10 05:58 PM

NitroX,
You'll have to forgive me if I wrote in a misleading fashion. The collection doesn't contain 15 rifles. It contains around 15 doubles. Most of which are shotguns. Two drillings. And the two DRs I've posted on these forums.

Everyone else,
Thanks for the replies. I'll have to pull the gun out of the safe tomorrow to answer some of your questions.

~Wes

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NitroX
.700 member

Reged: 25/12/02
Posts: 39264
Loc: Barossa Valley, South Australi...

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157535 - 26/03/10 06:03 PM

Well you certainly a top DR among the collection. And a collection of combinations and shotguns is not to be sneezed at either.

--------------------
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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CptCurl
.450 member

Reged: 01/05/04
Posts: 5275
Loc: Fincastle, Botetourt County, V...

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: NitroX]
#157547 - 26/03/10 09:11 PM

Wes, that's quite a nice rifle. I really like the sidelever. Not many are seen with that feature. Thanks for sharing your photos.

Curl

--------------------
RoscoeStephenson.com

YOUR DOUBLE RIFLE IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: CptCurl]
#157550 - 26/03/10 10:16 PM

Thats a sweet rifle, really like the sidelever.

I think i have to complaine among my relatives not to had the decency to collect such fine guns.

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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TH44
.375 member

Reged: 21/02/09
Posts: 733
Loc: West UK

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 450_366]
#157578 - 27/03/10 06:37 AM

WOW! Like others, the sidelever also appeals to me.
The work in the fences and surrounding engraving is excellent, as well as the cutting of the third bite, not a five minute job!
One reason for this forum must be to have others enjoy quality - many thanks
TH44

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Empire375
.300 member

Reged: 18/08/09
Posts: 239
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: TH44]
#157581 - 27/03/10 07:32 AM

WOW. That is a beautiful toy. You are very fortunate indeed.
I personally stand to inherit a Stirling .22 missing its 5 shot mag. Estimated rifle value AUD$10.00.
I think the highlight of the rifle is the side lever. I would love to know what Champlins value it at !!

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: Empire375]
#157583 - 27/03/10 07:37 AM

I found a Holland shotgun with a Sidelever a few months ago.

They seem to be coming out of the woodwork.

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157593 - 27/03/10 08:17 AM

Theres quite a few boss guns out there with sidelevers, if you are looking for one.

Personally im looking after a english .410 hammer double with sidelever, so, anyone got it?

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 450_366]
#157595 - 27/03/10 08:21 AM

Quote:

Theres quite a few boss guns out there with sidelevers, if you are looking for one.

Personally im looking after a english .410 hammer double with sidelever, so, anyone got it?

Yes, Boss did seem to make a few / have a few made that way.

Is the "english .410 hammer double with sidelever," one
of the CHEAP one's produced in the thousands or a rare one like this ? Plenty if the cheap one's around.

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157601 - 27/03/10 08:54 AM

No, not one of the ugly ones, or a belgian, a good uncutt britt.

But not as rare as this, in the range of my economics, around 1500 pounds. (its not cheap for me anyway)

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 450_366]
#157603 - 27/03/10 09:06 AM

Quote:

No, not one of the ugly ones, or a belgian, a good uncutt britt.

But not as rare as this, in the range of my economics, around 1500 pounds. (its not cheap for me anyway)

Nice, very nice.

Yes, I was referring to the Belgian one's.

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157616 - 27/03/10 12:18 PM

Quote:

WesF

Is it an ejector ?

Is it a selective ejector ?
ie does it have a switch on the fore end where you
can choose whether the gun ejects or extracts ?

It is obviously a best gun but the questions above are why
I was vague on the value.

500Nitro,

The Rigby is an ejector rifle. There's no switch on the forend, so I assume it's not a selective ejector. I would assume that a selective ejector would enhance the value of the gun. But, I'm not sure. I've also had conflicting reports on side lever vs top lever. Some guys seem to think the side lever is the cat's meow, where other's say it would be worth more if it was a top lever. Personally, I love the side lever. It's the only side lever gun in the collection and I think it's a pretty cool design.

~Wes

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JRL
prev-Sponsor

Reged: 02/02/10
Posts: 20
Loc: UK

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157622 - 27/03/10 12:48 PM

"The Rigby is an ejector rifle. There's no switch on the forend, so I assume it's not a selective ejector. I would assume that a selective ejector would enhance the value of the gun. But, I'm not sure."

Wes

Remove the forend.

Approximately 2/3 the way along the forend Iron from the knuckle there should be a nut, most often square about 3/16 across flats.

If you undo this nut about 1- 1 1/2 turns (depending on its initial set), then this will turn off the ejectors, it acts to remove the tension from the ejector spring. Do it back up to re-engage them. DO NOT OVER TIGHTEN THIS NUT.

Best Wishes

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: JRL]
#157623 - 27/03/10 12:58 PM

JRL,
there is such a nut. However, it is hex shape. Here are some photos of the fore end.

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157625 - 27/03/10 01:23 PM

Quote:

Quote:

500Nitro,

The Rigby is an ejector rifle. There's no switch on the forend, so I assume it's not a selective ejector. I would assume that a selective ejector would enhance the value of the gun. But, I'm not sure. I've also had conflicting reports on side lever vs top lever. Some guys seem to think the side lever is the cat's meow, where other's say it would be worth more if it was a top lever. Personally, I love the side lever. It's the only side lever gun in the collection and I think it's a pretty cool design.

~Wes

Jealousy mate, you have a top grade firearm there and don't let anyone tell you any differently. And in any case, if they want a top lever in that condition, it would be hard to find.

Sidelever or Toplever, it doesn't matter - in the day these guns were made, most top end guns were ordered by customers
to what they wanted so that is likely it had a sidelever - or he had a lot of guns made by Grant !!!! LOL.

I think yours has selective ejectors.

Top end of my price guide then ++++++ depending on the state of the market if you ever sold it.

Anyway, top gun and well done.

Edited by 500Nitro (27/03/10 05:05 PM)

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JRL
prev-Sponsor

Reged: 02/02/10
Posts: 20
Loc: UK

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157630 - 27/03/10 02:34 PM

Yes that is the one. some are hex some are square.
If you loosen it as described, it will remove the tension from the ejector spring and the rifle becomes extractor only. You have to experiment a little as each gun is different according to wear, but usually 1-1/2 turns is sufficient.

Best Wishes.

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: JRL]
#157636 - 27/03/10 03:26 PM

JRL and 500Nitro,

Thanks a bunch for the information. I had no idea the gun had selective ejectors. Thanks for sharing your expertise with a layman like myself

~Wes

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157638 - 27/03/10 06:20 PM

Value only matters if you want to sell the gun.

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 450_366]
#157639 - 27/03/10 06:25 PM

Quote:

Value only matters if you want to sell the gun.

What about Insurance ?

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157640 - 27/03/10 06:36 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Value only matters if you want to sell the gun.

What about Insurance ?

They never pay you the value anyway, at least not here.

What i ment was if the sidelever adds or takes some 1000$ from the value only matters if you are selling it, and he should keep it (or send it to me)

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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500Nitro
.450 member

Reged: 06/01/03
Posts: 7244
Loc: Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 450_366]
#157641 - 27/03/10 06:42 PM

Quote:

Quote:

Quote:

Value only matters if you want to sell the gun.

What about Insurance ?

They never pay you the value anyway, at least not here.

What i ment was if the sidelever adds or takes some 1000$ from the value only matters if you are selling it, and he should keep it (or send it to me)

Get in the queue !!!

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: 500Nitro]
#157642 - 27/03/10 07:04 PM

lol I suppose I'll keep it and make due! This gun won't leave my family while I breath.

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450_366
.400 member

Reged: 17/01/07
Posts: 1068
Loc: Sweden, west-coast.

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157643 - 27/03/10 07:10 PM

Quote:

lol I suppose I'll keep it and make due! This gun won't leave my family while I breath.

Understandably........ do you have a sister?

--------------------
Andreas

"Yeas it kicks like a mule he said, but always remember that its much worse standing on the other end"

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Paul
.400 member

Reged: 28/08/07
Posts: 1031
Loc: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: WesF]
#157652 - 27/03/10 09:54 PM

It's a beautiful rifle, Wes, better than any in our humble collection. I have a son named Wes, too, but at 18 his firearm tastes haven't evolved much past pump-actions, I'm afraid.

- Paul

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WesF
.224 member

Reged: 17/03/10
Posts: 27
Loc: Montana

Re: John Rigby rising bite action .303 british [Re: Paul]
#158105 - 02/04/10 07:20 PM

At least he's interested in shooting at all, Paul. Give him time. His tastes will develope over time I'm sure.

~Wes

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