350 Rigby

[coreydb]

Welcome to the family! You have a great rifle from which to begin your African safaris! Beautiful kit!

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Thank you all for your warm welcomes and comments! One thing that has been weighing heavy on my mind is the idea of scoping it.
I understand that altering a 100 year old rifle is generally not looked highly upon and is going to have ramifications from a value standpoint. Would I be doing this rifle an injustice by scoping it or could the juice possibly be worth the squeeze in terms of utilization? I appreciate the thoughts/recommendations from folks like you who are more knowledgeable on this stuff than I. As Bob mentioned, I envision this rifle for plains game and big game here in the U.S. If only I would have found this rifle before my Maine moose hunt a few years back…

On an intact vintage rifle like yours, scoping it would prove a shame in reference to its marketability and value should you ever decide to part with it. From a collectors standpoint, those who specifically search for intact vintage Rigby rifles, maybe even more the case for 350 Rigby rifles, they would a tally cringe or maybe even take offense. But, it’s your rifle and as such, do with it as you will, especially if you intend to keep it and know the potential (if not certain) damage it will cause to the value. If you elect to scope it, I would certainly encourage consulting and enlisting the proper gunsmith, and lean towards a mount that might prove more period correct. While it won’t cure the damage in collectibility, it can minimize the impact some.

If mine, and I wanted it scoped, I would likely try to enjoy as is, maybe have a red-dot mount made to fit the rear sight slot allowing use of an optic without modifying the gun, while looking for one that I could swap/buy into that was already scoped. There is a rarity in finding a rifle like that one unmodified, but you will also find ones that were already modified at a discount allowing use of modern glass…which for me I see as a benefit. With my aging eyes, I’m not relying on open sights for a plains game rifle. If I expect to shoot 100+ yards on the regular, I personally need a scope.

 

[Beck]

Hi Everyone! I’m a new member but long time lurker of the forum. My adventure began with my hunting/fishing partner of around 10 years, nearly 45 years my senior. The stories of his several dozen safaris back in the day coupled with my readings of all the classics really sparked the fire of heading to Africa. With a strong interest in historic/quality firearms, I recently began the search for a rifle and came across a Rigby 350 Magnum that I could not pass up. I thought I’d share some pictures. Although my safari is likely a few years out, I can’t wait to practice with the new-to-me rifle!

That's an awesome rifle, I am jealous. Have you chronographed loads yet?

 

[Beck]

I collect rifles, but they are still tools in my mind. I couldn't care less about resale value. That said, I'd scope the rifle, and kill a bunch of stuff with it. I am sure that is blasphemy to some people, but that's my stance.

 

[KSummers207]

That's an awesome rifle, I am jealous. Have you chronographed loads yet?

Not yet. I’ve reloaded for shotguns extensively but this is my gateway to rifle reloading.

 

[Certus]

In the name of all that is Holy don’t scope that! There’s already enough out there drilled and tapped, that can never be undone.
If you want a scoped 350 please find one already done.

Having said that - have fun, practice, enjoy. It’s still entirely usable, just will have reduced range if you’re not great at open sights. If people can get close enough to use an arrow we can get within open sight range (is my point of view). Part of the fun factor is using these older rifles as they were made, with the limitations they give as just part of the consequences.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Not yet. I’ve reloaded for shotguns extensively but this is my gateway to rifle reloading.

@KSummers207
If'n you tell me what bullet weight you will be using and the powders you have I will look up some loads for you.
If you don't know I can do some loads for you in 225,250 and 310 and suitable powders.
Bob

 

[KSummers207]

@KSummers207
If'n you tell me what bullet weight you will be using and the powders you have I will look up some loads for you.
If you don't know I can do some loads for you in 225,250 and 310 and suitable powders.
Bob

Awesome, thanks Bob. I need to find some dies first, but I plan to go with 225g, at least to start. I have, and have access to, a lot of powders so any suggested recipes you have are welcomed. Thanks again.

 

[SFRanger7GP]

There is a lot of truth to Skeeter Skelton's words of "certain guns should not be in the hands of ruffians". I had a large collection of safe queens years ago. One day I decided I was a living example of Skeeter's words. I was being the guardian for the firearms of collectors. So, I sold them all. Since then, when I buy a gun it is for me to enjoy. If I need to modify anything for my needs, I do it and use a well known gunsmith. I need a scope or I have to limit my shots. There are period mounts that will look great on that rifle and that is would I would put on it. Let us know about your pursuit for brass and dies. I lost interest in a new Rigby in 350 over the lack of ammo and components being available. Beautiful rifle and best of luck.

Safe hunting

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

Awesome, thanks Bob. I need to find some dies first, but I plan to go with 225g, at least to start. I have, and have access to, a lot of powders so any suggested recipes you have are welcomed. Thanks again.

@KSummers207
Just google 350rigby magnum dies for sale
There were some yesterday.
Bob

 

[Tintin]

Splendid rifle @KSummers207

If CH4D don't have dies in stock, you can try Roger at Northern Shooting Supplies

350 Rigby Mag Rimless

He's in Australia, but ships internationally.

 

[baxterb]

Here's my .350 Rigby Magnum, created by Lon Paul, using an original Rigby slant box, stepped receiver ring Mauser action and an original Rigby Mauser stock.
View attachment 738131

Bill? That you?

 

[BonUm16]

Bill? That you?

Noticed that too, eh?

Just trying to establish cred before listing in the Classifieds.

 

[KSummers207]

I took the rifle into a well-known, well-respected gunsmith here in the northeast US today for a review. His assessment was similar to several of those who’ve already commented and that is that if it were his, he would not alter the gun by scoping it (which is what I was hoping to do from the start). After some careful consideration and with no disrespect intended for those who disagreed with this sentiment, I feel this overwhelming feeling that he is right. I understand I’m a brand new AH member so please feel free to put me in my rightful place if this is out of line, but I’d be willing to trade this gun for preferably another scoped 350 or alternatively any scoped Rigby, WR, Jeffery rifle at or above 318 caliber. I’ve bought and sold many guns on GI and GB and could provide references should there be any interest. It kills me to go this route with my new rifle but to me, it feels like the right thing to do.

 

[Bob Nelson 35Whelen]

I took the rifle into a well-known, well-respected gunsmith here in the northeast US today for a review. His assessment was similar to several of those who’ve already commented and that is that if it were his, he would not alter the gun by scoping it (which is what I was hoping to do from the start). After some careful consideration and with no disrespect intended for those who disagreed with this sentiment, I feel this overwhelming feeling that he is right. I understand I’m a brand new AH member so please feel free to put me in my rightful place if this is out of line, but I’d be willing to trade this gun for preferably another scoped 350 or alternatively any scoped Rigby, WR, Jeffery rifle at or above 318 caliber. I’ve bought and sold many guns on GI and GB and could provide references should there be any interest. It kills me to go this route with my new rifle but to me, it feels like the right thing to do.

@KSummers207
It's a pity the rear sight isn't dovetailed in otherwise you could remove it and mount a nice red dot to improve shooting.
Bob

 

[Albert GRANT]

please dont alter it ,if you need a classic that you want to scope I will trade you my 375 rebore from a 350 rigby by Paul Roberts

I took the rifle into a well-known, well-respected gunsmith here in the northeast US today for a review. His assessment was similar to several of those who’ve already commented and that is that if it were his, he would not alter the gun by scoping it (which is what I was hoping to do from the start). After some careful consideration and with no disrespect intended for those who disagreed with this sentiment, I feel this overwhelming feeling that he is right. I understand I’m a brand new AH member so please feel free to put me in my rightful place if this is out of line, but I’d be willing to trade this gun for preferably another scoped 350 or alternatively any scoped Rigby, WR, Jeffery rifle at or above 318 caliber. I’ve bought and sold many guns on GI and GB and could provide references should there be any interest. It kills me to go this route with my new rifle but to me, it feels like the right thing to do.

Seems like a member has already offered this solution to you.

 

[KSummers207]

Seems like a member has already offered this solution to you.

Thanks @Albert GRANT . I’ve met with Paul in-person, and we’ve discussed this as an option. Was curious to see from other members if there were any other options offered, including a scoped 350. Thanks.