Finally got a Highland Stalker!

[Aussie_Hunter]

About 12 months ago I was very close to having a Rigby Highland Stalker Chambered in 9.3X62 in my hands but the deal fell through at the last minute (long story). I then managed to get my hands on a Ruger African in 9.3X62 and since then have absolutely fallen in love with the cartridge, I can definitely say the 9.3X62 is now one of my all time favourites.

Finally today I not only managed to get a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3X62 but I got it at older pricing, I'm sure many of you are aware the price of Rigby rifles has just gone up quite significantly, I believe the new pricing is officially effective as of May. In the price rise atleast one model has jumped nearly 20% here in Australia and yes it is a price rise and not because of exchange rates.

All though I still have to wait for some of our fantastic Australian gun law paperwork to be processed, I should have the rifle in about 3-4 weeks. Which should give me just enough time to spend some time on the range with it and work up a few loads for it before I take it on a big game hunt in late June. I'm hoping it shoots the 320 grain Woodleighs as well as my Ruger African does.

Next decision is a scope, I only want a low power 1-4 scope on it as the intention is to use it for big game at short ranges, just not sure what scope to go with. I have a spare Leupold Freedom 1-4 I can put on it but seeing its a Rigby I thought I might top it off with something a bit nicer, any recommendations?

A few photos below but they are not the best quality, I'll be sure to post some better photos as soon as it arrives.

 

[BeeMaa]

Congratulations!!! Let us know how it shoots.

A nice Swaro Z6 would fit the bill nicely.

 

[Andrew62]

WOW!! That's a real beauty!! Congratulations on the purchase!

 

[WAB]

Outstanding. My HS in 9.3x62 is an absolute tack driver. I hope you find yours to be the same! Mine has worn a few scopes; Z8i 1-8x24, VX6i 1-6x24 and Z6 1.7-10x42. I believe that I have settled on the Z6 1.7-10x42 in EAW pivot mounts. I use mine for some longer shots at low light so it is a good pairing. For your application I may lean toward the Z8i 1-8x24. With that scope go with the EAW pivot mounts. You will find Talley low mounts too low for the bolt handle to clear the eye piece (they will work with the smaller eye piece on the VX6).

Definitely stick with QD mounts. The iron sights are outstanding on the HS.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

Outstanding. My HS in 9.3x62 is an absolute tack driver. I hope you find yours to be the same! Mine has worn a few scopes; Z8i 1-8x24, VX6i 1-6x24 and Z6 1.7-10x42. I believe that I have settled on the Z6 1.7-10x42 in EAW pivot mounts. I use mine for some longer shots at low light so it is a good pairing. For your application I may lean toward the Z8i 1-8x24. With that scope go with the EAW pivot mounts. You will find Talley low mounts too low for the bolt handle to clear the eye piece (they will work with the smaller eye piece on the VX6).

Definitely stick with QD mounts. The iron sights are outstanding on the HS.

The dealer said he will send me a set of hexalock mounts, same as the Mauser ones I believe, I haven't looked into them yet. He said they are medium height and should suit nearly all low powered scopes. Do you know these mounts?

 

[Rare Breed]

About 12 months ago I was very close to having a Rigby Highland Stalker Chambered in 9.3X62 in my hands but the deal fell through at the last minute (long story). I then managed to get my hands on a Ruger African in 9.3X62 and since then have absolutely fallen in love with the cartridge, I can definitely say the 9.3X62 is now one of my all time favourites.

Finally today I not only managed to get a Rigby Highland Stalker in 9.3X62 but I got it at older pricing, I'm sure many of you are aware the price of Rigby rifles has just gone up quite significantly, I believe the new pricing is officially effective as of May. In the price rise atleast one model has jumped nearly 20% here in Australia and yes it is a price rise and not because of exchange rates.

All though I still have to wait for some of our fantastic Australian gun law paperwork to be processed, I should have the rifle in about 3-4 weeks. Which should give me just enough time to spend some time on the range with it and work up a few loads for it before I take it on a big game hunt in late June. I'm hoping it shoots the 320 grain Woodleighs as well as my Ruger African does.

Next decision is a scope, I only want a low power 1-4 scope on it as the intention is to use it for big game at short ranges, just not sure what scope to go with. I have a spare Leupold Freedom 1-4 I can put on it but seeing its a Rigby I thought I might top it off with something a bit nicer, any recommendations?

A few photos below but they are not the best quality, I'll be sure to post some better photos as soon as it arrives.

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Congratulations!!! Beautiful gun! I have Swarovskis on all my rifles. I have used just about everything and finally settled on them

 

[WAB]

The dealer said he will send me a set of hexalock mounts, same as the Mauser ones I believe, I haven't looked into them yet. He said they are medium height and should suit nearly all low powered scopes. Do you know these mounts?

I only know them by reputation. I can’t speak to clearances with them.

 

[Fatback]

Beautiful rifle. Congrats

 

[WAB]

By the way, the wood on your rifle may be the best piece of wood I have seen on a Highland Stalker.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

I only know them by reputation. I can’t speak to clearances with them.

ok no worries thanks, I just had a quick look at them online I think I remember them from the last time I was looking at Highland Stalkers, they look like they sit pretty low, should work well with a low power scope

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

By the way, the wood on your rifle may be the best piece of wood I have seen on a Highland Stalker.

Oh Really!? I actually thought it was quite subtle but that's the reason I liked it, I don't usually go for the real fancy pieces of wood even though the fancy stuff is amazing to look at it. I had 3 to choose from and this is the one I landed on. The other 2 were lighter colours, I liked the darker wood on this one, I think it matches my 450 Big Game

 

[Red Leg]

Beautiful rifle. I love my .275.

 

[russ473]

Congratulations really great looking rifle. im sure you will enjoy

 

[WI-2021]

Beautiful rifle! I'd be looking at Swarovski or Leica for a scope. I'd probably land on the z6i 1-6 for your use. The Trijicon Accupoints are also nice scopes at a lower price point, but I think it would be out of place on a Rigby.

 

[Frederik]

Such clean lines I would almost leave it as is and just stalk closer.
Very nice rifle congrats.

 

[MAdcox]

Beautiful rifle, congratulations

 

[Rare Breed]

By the way, the wood on your rifle may be the best piece of wood I have seen on a Highland Stalker.

Awesome their standard being a grade 5 as you know

 

[chashardy]

Beautiful rifle! I love my Rigby Big Game and was looking at a HS at Gordy & Sons in Houston a few weeks ago. Haven't decided to "pull the trigger" on that one yet.

 

[Berettaco]

That’s a beauty for sure! Congrats!
I would mount a nice swaro Z6 or Z8 on it - hard to get any better with that rifle and scope

 

[Northern Shooter]

So ballpark here, how much are these going for? $10,000? $50,000?