John Rigby & Co. Best quality Sidelock, Double Rifle.

Chambered in 500 3 ¼” Magnum, Light Cordite

 

The rifle is in fantastic condition, as you can see by the pictures. The Rigby rifle was made in 1887 and is chambered in a classic and super impressive calibre of 500 3 ¼” Magnum cartridge. The rifle at some stage in the early 1890’s was upgraded from the earlier Black Powder Express to the use the new smokeless Cordite gun powder. The rifle has recently been back to Rigby’s where, unfortunately, there was little detail in their records. The new “Light Cordite” charge was designed to use the heavier 440-grain projectiles (as stamped into the barrel flats) and fires the bullet at 1,920 fps. 

I hunted with this rifle in the Northern Territory of Australia and the Rigby 500 took a very large Buffalo using Woodleigh Projectiles. The Buffalo’s horns had a spread of 52 ½”. 

The rifle is fitted with two of the best and rarest features found on Rigby rifles & guns. The Rifle is opened using the “Push Away, Snap, Underlever” which actuates the Thomas Bissel “Rising Third Bite” and the Purdey Under-bolt. Lockup is tight on the standing breech. Closing the rifle automatically snaps the underlever closed.

The Rigby & Bissel patent is best described by Mr Morris L Hallowell IV:

Bissell Rising Bite - A lockup design for break-open guns, usually serving as a third fastener to strengthen the lockup of a gun with double Purdey underbolts. Designed by J Rigby and T Bissell, patent number 1141 of 1879. A loop-shaped rearward extension of the rib, drops into a mating female recess in the top of the standing breech, surrounds a fixed central buttress and is secured by a rising post at the rear. Often seen on Rigby double rifles of the period circa 1880 - 1920; after which even Rigby discontinued it in favor of the Doll's Head, because it had been exceedingly expensive to build. A marvellous feat of gunmaking. 

Masterly engraved with 80% coverage, the rifle has been perfectly restocked using fancy English Walnut and still has sharp checkering. The original steel butt plate has been retained and the moderate recoil (compared to a full 500 Nitro Express) is comfortable.

The Steel barrels are in great condition and ring true. The bores are wonderfully bright & shiny. The barrel flats show the 440-grain. and the early proof marks.

At some stage the owner (possibly with a war injury) had a special safety fitted. The purchaser can contact me in Australia to acquire reloading components.

 

Andrew N. Hepner Collection