Rigby 450 Double 1908 For Sale

[A.Sharpe]

At $1000.00 was a good deal. Maybe $4000.00 but not $75000.00 . It's not a Purdey.

 

[DUGABOY1]

At $1000.00 was a good deal. Maybe $4000.00 but not $75000.00 . It's not a Purdey.

From the pictures I would not offer more than $2K for it and not even that without being able to look it over in my hands. If everything works, it will take at least another $4K worth of work just to make it worth owning. Even I serviceable shape it is not worth $75K ! Just one mans opinion!

 

[Red Leg]

From the pictures I would not offer more than $2K for it and not even that without being able to look it over in my hands. If everything works, it will take at least another $4K worth of work just to make it worth owning. Even I serviceable shape it is not worth $75K ! Just one mans opinion!

I agree. A Rigby is a fine weapon and that is a "rising bite" which is the best they ever made. Someone would likely pay $50+K for one in original 90% condition. However, even if it was mainly carried and rarely fired, this thing is in really rough shape. For instance, I do not believe the current stock is salvageable from a restoration perspective - you could still shoot it, but the metal is proud everywhere and those drop points are about gone. The action screws have been turned a lot with an inproperly sized bit- that means some amature has been digging around inside. Could be fine - but maybe not. Having had Turnbull do some of this sort of thing for me, a real restoration of this gun will be closer to 10K and that is without a new stock. The proud new owner could be looking at a two-year project and $10 - $20k investment after he purchased it depending upon what is found behind those action plates. Should the barrels not be as good as they appear to be - well that would be a whole different story. And then when you are done, you will have a restored-restocked rifle than might fetch 15-20k.

 

[Velo Dog]

I agree with Red Leg and others here.
Even though the Rigby Rising Bite action is very desirable, I feel that the Westley Richards Drop Lock double rifle is to my way of thinking .. The very best of the best.
And at the moment, www.champlinarms.com lists a Pre-War WR Drop Lock in .577 NE, regulated for the heavy bullet and 100 gr cordite load (very desirable load/regulation in a .577) for $67,500.US - asking price.
I see no reason why a Rigby .450 in obvious need of restoration and re-stocking (at the least), although nothing to turn one's nose up at, should sell for near that price, not to mention more than a fine or better condition Pre-War WR Drop Lock .577 NE, all ready to roll.

 

[Jumbo]

As much as I agree it is a matter of price, it is still a Rigby and with PLENTY history (as borne out by the shape its in!)

Not everyones cup of tea and maybe not an investment as such, but for a rifle to own and enjoy I am sure it would be great.

Having seen it, the stock is pretty buggered and the rifle certainly will need a good clean up and check over before attempting to put it to use, but it is a rifle I would love to own. For me the BIG trick would be how to get the stock into a state that would be serviceable, without replacing it - as in my eyes thats where the value/appeal is! Not sure that could be done!?

But I must say, at the right price, its a problem I could ponder for a long while!

 

[flatwater bill]

A lot of history with this caliber......would like to know what hunts this rifle has been on, what game it has taken, who owned it..................Denys Finch-Hatton, Isaak Dinesen, Abel Chapman...........need an accompanying letter from one of them to raise the price of this warhorse to 5 figures..............FWB

 

[Deleted member 15212]

dream rifle right there!