Heym versus Rigby

[Aussie_Hunter]

Not sure I agree . My PH was half the price of the Big Game (which had a peep sight fitted) and which was also heavily discounted to boot. Both rifles were brand new .

Interesting, how long ago was that? Atleast in recent years I've only seen a $1000-$1500 difference in pricing between the 2 models.

 

[Aussie_Hunter]

First I’ve heard about Rigby’s and a dislike towards monoliths.

On very old rifles this is true only

 

[V.Veritas]

I had a chance to compare side-by-side a Heym Martini and Rigby Big Game.
Heym had smoother action, it was lighter and had a slimer design. It balanced very nice. Rigby seemed chunkier. However, the Rigby fitted me better and the open sights lined up perfectly for me. So I’ve purchased the Rigby.

 

[BeeMaa]

IMO - The Heym Magnum Express Magazine Rifle represents the finest working rifle production rifle currently made for the price. It would be my first choice every time over a Rigby.

That said, the Rigby PH is an incredible piece as well. It will also hold its value better than the Heym, especially if bought in a Rigby cartridge.

I had a chance to hold both of them at Safari Outdoor in Pretoria in August. I found the same thing that @V.Veritas did…the Rigby felt thick compared to the Heym that was lighter, better balanced and fit me better overall.

BTW - Happy birthday and I hope you enjoy whichever rifle you choose. Cheers.

 

[PCC600]

Interesting, how long ago was that? Atleast in recent years I've only seen a $1000-$1500 difference in pricing between the 2 models.

I got the PH 450 in late 2019 for A$10k ( about US$ 6500) . In 2021 , I paid for the Big Game 416 with long barrel . It came with a Rigby peep sight , engraved escutcheon on stock , upgraded timber and some other extras. It was A$23,000 (US$15k) . The price was about A$3k too cheap due to a pricing error when quoting the price but Rigby to their credit honoured the price . From what I see online I think the prices have moved a fair bit since 2019 . They also seem higher in the US than in OZ .

 

[chashardy]

I have the Rigby Big Game in 416. Beautiful rifle, well balanced and I like the fact that it has a little extra heft. The weight is a big help in reducing felt recoil.
You really can't go wrong with either choice, but if I had it to do over again, I would still buy the Rigby.

 

[Clodo Ferreira]

Hi Kellebilly,

The Heym Martini 404 J everyday and night!!!!
It is, today, the BEST semi custom DGR Mauser. With ALL the key features that made, rightfully, famous the Original Oberndorf Sporting rifles.

Good luck!

CF

 

[AZDAVE]

I would pick the Rigby every time.

 

[Rare Breed]

The Rigby PH is same action as the ‘Regular’ BG. Timber is not as fancy. Less options for upgrades on the PH.

I’d expect the wait will be considerably longer for a Heym.

You are absolutely correct...the weight time for a new Heym is now about three years. You cannot go wrong with either brand as both are excellent. You will find at this level between a Rigby and Heym it is now all about people's opinion given I have had both and found no fault with either. I would be suspect if anyone disagreed with this if they have owned both...strictly their opinion on which they prefer I would challenge the word better for either of them.

 

[VertigoBE]

I think that objectively, the Heym Martini is the better rifle over the Rigby big game. So is the Heym 89b the better double rifle over the Rigby Shikari.

However, Rigby has its name and nostalgia going much more for it, than Heym. It evokes a more emotional response and seems to do (a bit) better on the resale market due to its’ name.

I would be happy with either bolt action. Between the two double rifles I would choose the Heym 89b every time over a Rigby Shikari though.

(But my opinion is not worth much more than anyone else’s)

 

[Keelebilly]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like I can’t go wrong either way. Luckily I live an hour south of Nashville so I can put my hands on both of them at SCI and see what feels better
There have been several opinions recommending using a rigby caliber if I go with a rigby rifle. Is it really ill advised to go with a 404 j in a rigby rifle?

 

[RIGBY]

I turn 50 next year and would like to buy myself a nice dangerous game rifle for my birthday. I’m thinking a 404 in either a heym martini or a rigby PH. I can’t really afford the rigby dangerous game rifle. Any thoughts between those two choices? Is the PH version quite a bit of a downgrade?

Congratulations on the milestone birthday!

We are honored that you are considering a Rigby PH to celebrate, and are confident that you will be very pleased with it!

I would be happy to directly discuss the options with you, or to connect you with a nearby authorized dealer. The closest dealers are in Georgia and Oklahoma.

If you are interested, please feel free to send me a private message with your contact information and we can connect.

 

[Rare Breed]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like I can’t go wrong either way. Luckily I live an hour south of Nashville so I can put my hands on both of them at SCI and see what feels better
There have been several opinions recommending using a rigby caliber if I go with a rigby rifle. Is it really ill advised to go with a 404 j in a rigby rifle?

Absolutely not! Again you are just seeing people’s opinion. For myself my three Safari rifles are a Rigby DR in 450 NE, Rigby HS in 275 Rigby and a MRC in 404 Jeffery

 

[RIGBY]

Absolutely not! Again you are just seeing people’s opinion. For myself my three Safari rifles are a Rigby DR in 450 NE, Rigby HS in 275 Rigby and a MRC in 404 Jeffery

We are honored by your commitment to the brand and hope they serve you well!

 

[SStomcat]

I'll take a .416 Rigby "London Best" made by John Rigby & Co. AND a .404 Jeffery "Martini Express" made by Heym, please.

One thing to consider which breaks the tie, though. Heym has no problem running monolithic bullets through their wares. John Rigby & Co. has a bit more of an dislike towards monolithic bullets being used in their rifles. Something to think about.

Me too — who doesn’t? When I was last at Gordy’s I saw all the Rigby models and nearly pulled the trigger on a .416 Highland Stalker before changing my mind and going for the double (DB).


I was told that Rigby’s London shop does a lot of the finishing in-house: “The rifles are handcrafted at Rigby’s London premises using Mauser actions of various lengths and premium-quality barrels from our select suppliers.” That suggests the rifles aren’t entirely made by Rigby from raw components — they build on proven actions and source barrels — unlike Heym, which I understand manufactures everything in-house. Price-wise, the two sit in different segments.

 

[BeeMaa]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like I can’t go wrong either way. Luckily I live an hour south of Nashville so I can put my hands on both of them at SCI and see what feels better
There have been several opinions recommending using a rigby caliber if I go with a rigby rifle. Is it really ill advised to go with a 404 j in a rigby rifle?

A Rigby is never ill advised, however the secondary market for a Big Game in 416RIGBY vs the same rifle in 404J...there is a significant price difference.

If a person were at W.J. Jeffery & Co and ordering a rifle, would they even consider ordering a 416RIGBY? Of course they wouldn't because they don't even offer their rifle in 416RIGBY. Frankly I'm surprised that Rigby offers their rifles in the 404J.

Tell you the truth, I'd really love to have a Holland & Holland London Best 375H&H magazine rifle.

With the Heym rifle you could have either cartridge and no worries about not having the maker match the chambering.

Of course, it's your rifle and you can (and will) do as you please.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Rare Breed, just a correction on the wait time, for the OP’s benefit. I spoke to Chris Sells again on Monday morning while down from AK doing to fun shooting in Salt Lake area with another forum member. New double orders are looking at 2-year wait which is expected conservative, meaning their hope and expectation is shorter than the quoted 2-year.

For Martini Express bolt guns, the wait is totally different and can be as short as few months for popular chambering.

 

[Wildwillalaska]

Thanks for all the input. Sounds like I can’t go wrong either way. Luckily I live an hour south of Nashville so I can put my hands on both of them at SCI and see what feels better
There have been several opinions recommending using a rigby caliber if I go with a rigby rifle. Is it really ill advised to go with a 404 j in a rigby rifle?

You absolutely should go to SCI. Both makers will have a both with sample firearms to checkout.

AND…if you decide on one at the show, both makers can get you all measured up for proper stock fit and maybe even have some wood options (photos maybe) to choose for your particular rifle.

Rigby will be a Mauser barreled action (barrel design and such to their specs) but the custom options, stock LOP and actual piece of wood are all up to you, and finishing is in their London shop.
Both makers will fit the stock for your frame and needs.

While I’m 100% saying Rigby between the two if you can have only one, and wouldn’t give up my Rigby Big Game Rifle (truly love it) I will likely have to get a Heym Martini at some point. I am planning to attend the SCi convention this year specifically to get measured for Heym 89b large frame 500. Both great makers.

 

[PCC600]

You can’t go wrong with a Rigby. Even the plain basic PH model is pretty flashy. This is my PH in 416 Rigby. I can’t fault her. View attachment 718655

Nice rifle and a very Aussie looking pig .

 

[PCC600]

A Rigby is never ill advised, however the secondary market for a Big Game in 416RIGBY vs the same rifle in 404J...there is a significant price difference.

If a person were at W.J. Jeffery & Co and ordering a rifle, would they even consider ordering a 416RIGBY? Of course they wouldn't because they don't even offer their rifle in 416RIGBY. Frankly I'm surprised that Rigby offers their rifles in the 404J.

Tell you the truth, I'd really love to have a Holland & Holland London Best 375H&H magazine rifle.

With the Heym rifle you could have either cartridge and no worries about not having the maker match the chambering.

Of course, it's your rifle and you can (and will) do as you please.

I agree with you . I think it is weird going to a famed rifle maker and asking for a calibre associated with another maker . I understand why a rifle maker will make almost anything the customer wants . But when I think Rigby I don’t think 404J or 425WR - it is the 416Rigby .