Rigby would like to know your caliber preference(s) for a Highland Stalker model without iron sights

What caliber(s) would you like to see offered in a Rigby Highland Stalker without iron sights?

  • Total voters
    424
My choice in a beautiful classic Rigby Highland Stalker would be the .338 WINCHESTER MAGNUM with iron sights. Without iron sights, I would prefer the .300 WINCHESTER MAGNUM.
 
Maybe Rigby asked the question because they know that a rifle properly fitted (stocked) to properly use the iron sights is NOT properly stocked to line your eye up with the crosshairs of a scope. And of course a rifle stocked to line your eye up perfectly, without effort down, the center of a scope is too high at the comb to get down on the sights.
My M70 FWT in 7x57, no sights and stocked accordingly is infinitely better at lining my eye up with the crosshairs when compared to my Ruger M77 African .275 that has iron sights but wears a scope.
There is no comparison, if using the iron sights on the Ruger, the alignment is simply perfect. When using a scope I’m making do at best.
Another example would be the pre “64” M70 30-06 I have. With its original stock there was so much drop at the come that in order to see through a scope in Tally low rings I had to add 1 inch of pad to the stock. Again, it was perfect for the iron sights.
Anyways, I think that’s why the question was asked.
 
I applaud this decision.

I voted for 30/06, 300WM and .338.
All exceptional performers.

I have rifles currently chambered in all three cartridges.
None of them have open sights on them.

I like my rifle slim, trim and light.
No sense in carrying around accessories that won't be used.

I realize I'll be in a minority here,
but there's no point calling a spade a brick, lets call it a spade.
 
RIGBY said:
Rigby is considering developing and offering a Highland Stalker model without iron sights and would greatly appreciate the opinion of the community on what calibers it would prefer in such a model. Thank you in advance for your contribution!
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Iron sights are a close range option. The ideal cartridges that don’t require iron sights are 300 Win and 308 Win. Both are extremely versatile with the use of a suitable, variable powered scope.
 
If offered without irons, then Mount Talley bases on the receiver. It’s silly not to have a scope on a rifle these days
 
Ontario Hunter said:
Interesting. Why would Rigby want to offer a stalking rifle without even the option of iron sights? Save a bit of money? With the increased popularity of present return-to-zero quick detach rings I think retaining the option of iron sights, at least the front sight, makes more sense. I primarily hunt with optics but in bad weather or very rough/steep terrain I will remove the scope and switch to irons.

If economy is the objective, I would suggest tapping the receiver for traditional scope bases, plug them with blind screws, and include a ramped brass bead front sight minus hood. If the front sight ramp is high enough, a quick detach ghost ring rear sight can be attached to rear scope base as needed. Or a red dot sight (which would not require front sight).

30-06 will always be tops for a stalking rifle.
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I dont see the point of iron sights on deer/plains game rifles. I dont have them on any of mine and have never missed them. They also have to be removed in order to fit a suppressor, which is very much the order of the day on plains game/open country rifles.
 
Rigby sighed. I think it is a similar decision to offer Stalker without mechanical sights. I checked the .308win in your offer. In principle, all the offered calibers could be made without sights. If I'm wondering, I would add a little "diversity", so I would add 6.5x68 and 8x68s. I think that would challenge the buyers.
I also think that the offer would be incomplete without .243win. In that caliber, the Stalker would work like a "Stradivarius" violin
 
As far as im concerned, for the most part, no sights=no sale. In a highland rifle though, the argument for optical deflection can be made to justify such an atrocitie. I believe the 7mm Remington Magnum and the 9.3x62 would be good offerings. Not because they're similar, but because they line up nicely in performance. Between the two, you can shoot most any bullet weight from 120 grains through 300 grains. The 7mm covers the flat speed needed for distance while the 9.3 has the power to overtake larger game at more moderate distance.
 
Irresistible look of classic rifle is the reason why I was coming back at Rigby's stand at Jagd&Hund Fair (Dortmund, Germany) over and over again. If this would be a voting for caliber in rifle with sights without doubt I would go for 9.3x62. If Rigby is keen to build a bit more "modern" line then they might consider some modern caliber as well. Obviously, this rifle is meant for long(er) distances therefore I would consider calibers based on best case on market today (.375 Ruger) such as 7 PRC or .300 PRC.
 
Russ16 said:
I think if you're looking at making a rifle set up for optics you should also consider some of the newer cartridges like 7 PRC or 300 PRC.

The reason to get a gun without sights is because it is set up to shoot things at much longer distances, that lends itself to cartridges designed for that.
Click to expand...
Exactly!!! In my mind the higher BC rounds are vastly superior, less wind deflection, less energy wasted bucking in the wind in flight. But, given the choices for voting the 300 Win Mag rules for ammo availability and excellent performance out to a reasonable hunting range of 600 yards.
 
I’m of the opinion that Rigby rifles should come with sights. If however a rifle in a caliber more suitable for longer range plains game hunting without iron sights is to be considered, the calibers that I would prefer would be 300WM and 338WM
 
For me a Highland Stalker takes of deer stalking in the Scottish Highlands. So, 303 Brit would be my vote followed by 300H&H the 350 Rigby Magnum-this can be loaded to duplicate the 358Norma mag.

Of the options given I would go the 8X57. I prefer open sights for the looks. I understand some of the reasons why Rigby would not put open sights on this sort of rifle.
 
To me, a rifle without open sights looks ugly, unfinished and bare. I do have one in 7x64 Brenneke, it is my favorite, light and handels like a dream but is no beauty. I will not buy a chopped Rigby. The only reason I opted for the 300WinMag is its versatility and although I do own one I never had a reason to hunt with it. What the 7x64 with 175GR bullets and/or 30-06 can’t do is out of the ordinary and requires a big bore.
 
It seems we have different definitions of a "stalker." For most of my sixty years hunting in North America I tracked game in snow. That was stalking game. My 30-06 wore only a 3x Weaver scope until recently and also until recently no iron sights. Most game was taken less than 100 yards and often in miserable/rugged environments. Many times I wished I could switch to iron sights at least temporarily. From my North American perspective I do not consider long range shooting to be "stalking." Nor do I consider it to be hunting, not in the purest sense anyway. But of course I'm not hunting a private reserve in the Scottish highlands.

I think it's fine for Rigby to try to compete with North American long range optic-centric rifle market. But like others here I think it would be better to rename it a new model and stick with a caliber that matches the design ... = North American origin (e.g. 30-06, 300 Win, etc). Cadillac would not introduce an all electric commuter car and call it a Coup de Ville.
 
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