New Mauser vs New Rigby

MS 9x56 · Feb 20, 2026

I knew Rigby used Mauser actions years ago but was not aware they use everything Mauser but the stock now.

SStomcat · Feb 20, 2026

MS 9x56 said:
I knew Rigby used Mauser actions years ago but was not aware they use everything Mauser but the stock now.

IMO not for the Londons best, but then it is probably 3 times the price

Rare Breed · Feb 20, 2026

Hunter-Habib said:
The new production 7x57mm Mauser Model 98 Expert or Diplomat both have long throats permitting the use if bullets weighing up to 177Gr.

The new production .275 Rigby Highland Stalker has a throat which (in it’s unaltered state) is shorter and more suited for weights no heavier than 150Gr. I was told this by a John Rigby & Co. employee in 2024.

True. I had to open up my Rigby throat for my 275 but I could have ordered it that way just did not think about it at the time

Bushog · Feb 21, 2026

The Mauser checkering looks pressed in…. was looking at them today….

MS 9x56 · Feb 21, 2026

Bushog said:
The Mauser checkering looks pressed in…. was looking at them today….

My understanding was that it was lazer etched?

Red Leg · Feb 21, 2026

MS 9x56 said:
Myself I would prefer a pre WWI commercial model of either maker.

I have owned numerous pre-war (either) Mausers (7x57, 7x64, 9.3x62, 8x57, and 9x57), and still have three or four . All beautifully made in either Oberndorf or Suhl or by guild tradesmen on actions sourced right off the military assembly lines. They are light, elegant, a bit too much drop at the heel (designed for open sights) and will keep groups under 2-inches at 100 yards.

I have another five or six post war (second one) custom rifles built on Mauser actions. All but one started life on the same pre-war assembly lines. They are better tuned and were designed for scope use. They will reliably keep groups under 1.5". Two are very accurate with what they like.

I am fond of all of them.

My Rigby Highland Stalker was ordered when they first were available and I stipulated the extended throat. It shoots 156 and 170 gr Norma Oryx bullets loaded by Hendershot into sub-MOA groups. I haven't ever felt the need to fire a 140 through it. It is also rather easy on the eyes.

I would hesitate to say that it is better than the new German Mausers. But, it is a Rigby, and I am very fond of it.

Rare Breed · Feb 21, 2026

I have two but their wood does not come close to yours! Beautiful!

Accidental Villain · Feb 23, 2026

Bushog said:
I’m bumping this thread….

Anyone have insights on comparisons of the rifles being produced currently?

I’m looking at the prices now compared to several years ago and it’s discouraging…..but…

Contrary to what some say here, I`ll say that there are significant differences. Only talking the Magnums of course.

The fore ends are different, that is, the Rigby BG has a somewhat square-ish Rigby DNA fore end configuration whereas the Mauser have a clearly defined U-shape. Maybe not the most significant difference but still, different and significant to me.

The barrel profiles are very different in my view. The Mauser have a profile that resembles the old classic Mauser-E profile whereas the Rigby have distinct signature stepped profile. Both excellent and this is what you expect to see on such fine high end rifles.

The Rigby I believe comes with a factory regulated 1/4 rib, thats a 2-3K feature is`nt it, whereas the Mauser have a cheaper ordinary express sight. Shooting open irons on DG this is super significant.
Also front sight attachment, very different. My points to Rigby.

Don`t know for sure, but I presume the new Rigby BG`s are London proofed? insignificant for all practical purposes, but still..

If you plan to have sort of "Hubble" telescope mounted on top I do believe the Mauser is the way to go. The 1/4 rib on the Rigby will restrict scope objective size.

Also, there are several members on this forum that have posted pics of fairly recent acquisitions, looking good are they not.

MS 9x56 · Feb 23, 2026

Accidental Villain said:
Contrary to what some say here, I`ll say that there are significant differences. Only talking the Magnums of course.

The fore ends are different, that is, the Rigby BG has a somewhat square-ish Rigby DNA fore end configuration whereas the Mauser have a clearly defined U-shape. Maybe not the most significant difference but still, different and significant to me.

The barrel profiles are very different in my view. The Mauser have a profile that resembles the old classic Mauser-E profile whereas the Rigby have distinct signature stepped profile. Both excellent and this is what you expect to see on such fine high end rifles.

The Rigby I believe comes with a factory regulated 1/4 rib, thats a 2-3K feature is`nt it, whereas the Mauser have a cheaper ordinary express sight. Shooting open irons on DG this is super significant.
Also front sight attachment, very different. My points to Rigby.

Don`t know for sure, but I presume the new Rigby BG`s are London proofed? insignificant for all practical purposes, but still..

If you plan to have sort of "Hubble" telescope mounted on top I do believe the Mauser is the way to go. The 1/4 rib on the Rigby will restrict scope objective size.

Also, there are several members on this forum that have posted pics of fairly recent acquisitions, looking good are they not.

I am kind of partial to the Schnabel fore end myself.

Huvius · Feb 23, 2026

spike.t said:
Here we go with the bullshit again....

I'm sure that the pre-war Rigby's were made almost entirely by Mauser - except the 416s.
What makes you think that isn't so?

grand veneur · Feb 23, 2026

The Mauser Magnum bolt action was designed by Mauser by order of Rigby for the cartridge 416 Rigby. The cooperation Mauser/Rigby went quite well until 1939, but that Mauser built rifles for Rigby at that time is unknown to me. However, it cannot be ruled out.

spike.t · Feb 23, 2026

Huvius said:
I'm sure that the pre-war Rigby's were made almost entirely by Mauser - except the 416s.
What makes you think that isn't so?

I honestly can't be bothered going over this stuff yet again...there are a few threads in here about rigby rifles and incorrect (bullshit) information on how they were made...as said above rigby made a deal with mauser pre war to make a magnum action solely for them....why some other calibres introduced at the time had to fit into the standard length mauser actions.....barreled actions were supplied by mauser....basicallythe same as now...then stocked and sighted by rigby...with different barrel lengths etc etc to the clients specifications...the British gun trade also had a hodge podge of small out workers and parts makers that the named makers used to help them out ...anymore please use the search facility

grand veneur · Feb 23, 2026

Google is not helpful in many cases regarding such topics.

Rigby, like many other English gun manufacturers, had until 1939 many orders of working rifles for the empire, so it is certain that many of the orders also went to Germany when production in England became strained. My rifle caliber 11,2 x72 for example was built 1923 by Auguste Schüler in Suhl, but intended for Lyon &Lyon in Calcutta. It is not certain that Lyon &Lyon in Calcutta contacted Schüler directly. The order may have initially gone to a gun trader in Great Britain and then to Germany. In some cases something like this was also possible from Rigby to Mauser. None of this can be traced anymore, as most of the archives of German gun manufacturers were lost or destroyed after the WWII.

Tintin · Feb 23, 2026

Accidental Villain said:
The barrel profiles are very different in my view. The Mauser have a profile that resembles the old classic Mauser-E profile whereas the Rigby have distinct signature stepped profile. Both excellent and this is what you expect to see on such fine high end rifles.

^ The 'Configure' tool for Big Game rifles on Rigby's website currently lists only the 24" 'Lightweight" barrel.

Formerly the 22" stepped profile was listed, from memory, it was an option on the Single Square Bridge variant. It may still be available for the asking?

I have found the Big Game with 24" Lightweight barrel in .416 Rigby an absolute delight to shoot.

Accidental Villain said:
Don`t know for sure, but I presume the new Rigby BG`s are London proofed? insignificant for all practical purposes, but still.

^ Yes the current production Rigbys (both Big Game and Highland Stalker) are London proofed.

Miletic · Feb 23, 2026

Two schools of making weapons.
Bigger rivals.
Top quality on both sides.
Personally, I more like Mauser. The finish of the barrel and some other details are phenomenal to me.
But I would choose Rigby, because I don't have a single piece of his weapon

Javaman · Feb 24, 2026

I visited Rigby’s London shop in October, 2025 and ordered a Big Game in 404 Jeffery in November, 2025, just missing the price increase but getting punched in the face by tarrifs.

I met with Slade who runs the BG line for Rigby at SCI and he took me through their “new” BG stock design:

1. More open grip that moves your middle finger farther away from the trigger while still allowing comfortable trigger engagement.
2. Slightly slimmer fore end with sharper checkering than before.
3. Elimination of the cheek piece.

The “new” stock design is called the Vintage. They say it’s an homage to historical Rigby stock design. I think they are recognizing the modern influence of Heym’s Martini stock and are coming into the current times. Or both.

I can confirm that Rigby does get barreled actions from Mauser as they historically have but do all the final fitting, bluing, assembly and final testing in London and environs. The BG’s are currently done upstairs where I saw about twenty 404’s in production. All London Best guns are built downstairs main floor.

Some pics from the visit below including the grade 7 Vintage stock I picked out. You can see proof marks in one of the first pics.

Final weight scoped will be about 12lbs.

YMMV,

Good Luck

RIGBY · Feb 25, 2026

Accidental Villain said:
Don`t know for sure, but I presume the new Rigby BG`s are London proofed? insignificant for all practical purposes, but still..

The Rigby's are London proofed

RIGBY · Feb 25, 2026

Javaman said:
I visited Rigby’s London shop in October, 2025 and ordered a Big Game in 404 Jeffery in November, 2025, just missing the price increase but getting punched in the face by tarrifs.

I met with Slade who runs the BG line for Rigby at SCI and he took me through their “new” BG stock design:

1. More open grip that moves your middle finger farther away from the trigger while still allowing comfortable trigger engagement.
2. Slightly slimmer fore end with sharper checkering than before.
3. Elimination of the cheek piece.

The “new” stock design is called the Vintage. They say it’s an homage to historical Rigby stock design. I think they are recognizing the modern influence of Heym’s Martini stock and are coming into the current times. Or both.

I can confirm that Rigby does get barreled actions from Mauser as they historically have but do all the final fitting, bluing, assembly and final testing in London and environs. The BG’s are currently done upstairs where I saw about twenty 404’s in production. All London Best guns are built downstairs main floor.

Some pics from the visit below including the grade 7 Vintage stock I picked out. You can see proof marks in one of the first pics.

Final weight scoped will be about 12lbs.

YMMV,

Good Luck

View attachment 748573 View attachment 748574 View attachment 748575 View attachment 748576 View attachment 748577 View attachment 748578 View attachment 748579 View attachment 748580

Beautiful! Congratulations! Please reach out when you have had a chance to hunt with it - I would love to do a feature story as part of the Rigby Community in the Field initiative!

In fact, any of you who own and hunt with Rigby rifles (old or new) that are interested in participating please don't hesitate to reach out to me directly - it's open to everyone!

Rare Breed · Feb 25, 2026

Javaman said:
I visited Rigby’s London shop in October, 2025 and ordered a Big Game in 404 Jeffery in November, 2025, just missing the price increase but getting punched in the face by tarrifs.

I met with Slade who runs the BG line for Rigby at SCI and he took me through their “new” BG stock design:

1. More open grip that moves your middle finger farther away from the trigger while still allowing comfortable trigger engagement.
2. Slightly slimmer fore end with sharper checkering than before.
3. Elimination of the cheek piece.

The “new” stock design is called the Vintage. They say it’s an homage to historical Rigby stock design. I think they are recognizing the modern influence of Heym’s Martini stock and are coming into the current times. Or both.

I can confirm that Rigby does get barreled actions from Mauser as they historically have but do all the final fitting, bluing, assembly and final testing in London and environs. The BG’s are currently done upstairs where I saw about twenty 404’s in production. All London Best guns are built downstairs main floor.

Some pics from the visit below including the grade 7 Vintage stock I picked out. You can see proof marks in one of the first pics.

Final weight scoped will be about 12lbs.

YMMV,

Good Luck

View attachment 748573 View attachment 748574 View attachment 748575 View attachment 748576 View attachment 748577 View attachment 748578 View attachment 748579 View attachment 748580

WOW!!!! Simply outstanding, caliber, Rigby and one of a kind wood!!! Congratulations!!!

Javaman · Feb 25, 2026

Thank you!

New Mauser vs New Rigby

MS 9x56

SStomcat

Rare Breed

Bushog

MS 9x56

Red Leg

Rare Breed

Accidental Villain

MS 9x56

Huvius

grand veneur

spike.t

grand veneur

Tintin

Miletic

Javaman

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RIGBY

Rare Breed

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