London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. has extended its range of Big Game rifles with the Big Game Lightweight. Officially launched at the Dallas Safari Club (DSC) Convention 2024 this rifle joins the ranks of the Big Game and Big Game PH models.
The Big Game Lightweight is chambered in .350 Rigby Magnum, a beloved calibre known for its stopping power and mild recoil, making it an ideal rifle for hunting African plains game or North American big game. Built on a Mauser M98 magnum double square bridge action, the rifle features a three-position side safety and has capacity for holding five cartridges in the magazine box, plus one in the chamber. This lightweight model pays homage to the classic pre-war safari expedition rifles and is based on the models housed in the Rigby Museum.
The new slim profile 24-inch barrel is engraved with ‘J. Rigby & Co. London England,’ in old English font, and is fitted with a barrel band with swivels for attaching a sling. The rifle has quick-detachable swing off mounts should wish to fit an optic, or you can use the express island style open sights which feature a ramp front sight with an elevation-adjustable yellow bead and a fixed blade on the rear sight for 65 yards, plus two folding blades for 150 and 250 yards, complete with windage adjustments.
Vintage pre-war models have been used as a template for the stock: it has a length of 14 1/2 inches, no cheek piece, and larger hand-chequered panels which offer a timeless aesthetic. Grade five wood is used as standard, however you can upgrade all the way up to grade nine. The stock is oil finished and comes with a red rubber recoil pad.
The rifle’s finishing touches include a colour case hardened recoil bar and grip cap, and the new flat, slimmed profile magazine floorplate is engraved with the Rigby ‘double R’ logo. The ig Game Lightweight rifle weighs in at 4.260kg, which is 430 grams less than the Rigby Big Game model.
Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co. commented: “The Big Game Lightweight represents a harmonious blend of timeless elegance, tailored for the modern hunter. Rigby’s dedication to crafting exceptional guns, made to be used is evident in every detail of this rifle. We are confident that this new addition to the Big Game series will resonate with hunters who appreciate the classic charm and capability that Rigby is known for.”
The journey of bringing the Big Game Lightweight to life was led by Nelson Neto Jnr., head of production for Rigby Big Game and Highland Stalker rifles. His expertise and dedication have played a crucial role in ensuring that the rifle not only meets but exceeds the expectations of discerning hunters.
Price: £10,950 excl. VAT.
