Rigby double?

[Mike53]

Stopping by a local shop today that deals primarily in high end shotguns, I noticed a double rifle in the used rack appearing to be in like new condition. It turned out to be a .450 3-1/4 N.E. bearing the John Rigby & Co. mark. The price was $17000, which struck me as unusually reasonable for a Rigby double. I did not look at the rifle closely, but it occurred to me this might be one of the California-produced Rigbys made on Merkel actions. Would this be a reasonable assumption? If the rifle is a Merkel, is it still a good buy?

 

[baxterb]

Stopping by a local shop today that deals primarily in high end shotguns, I noticed a double rifle in the used rack appearing to be in like new condition. It turned out to be a .450 3-1/4 N.E. bearing the John Rigby & Co. mark. The price was $17000, which struck me as unusually reasonable for a Rigby double. I did not look at the rifle closely, but it occurred to me this might be one of the California-produced Rigbys made on Merkel actions. Would this be a reasonable assumption? If the rifle is a Merkel, is it still a good buy?

I think you could just get a merkel and be as well, if not better, off.

if inrememebr right, California Rigby tinkered with using a special adhesive (space shuttle tiles?) for the barrels. I don’t know if that was actually done in production though. Or maybe that was Rogue River Rifleworks , which were the folks who made those CA rigbys.

 

[Mark A Ouellette]

a .450 3-1/4 N.E. bearing the John Rigby & Co. mark. The price was $17000, which struck me as unusually reasonable for a Rigby double. this might be one of the California-produced Rigbys made on Merkel actions. Would this be a reasonable assumption? If the rifle is a Merkel, is it still a good buy?

Assuming you are in the USA;
You can buy a Heym for $17,000.
$10,000 should buy fairly nice Merkel.
A next to new K-Gun can be bought for $11 to $12,000

Take your time and be ready to buy the right double for you.

 

[baxterb]

Assuming you are in the USA;
You can buy a Heym for $17,000.
$10,000 should buy fairly nice Merkel.
A next to new K-Gun can be bought for $11 to $12,000

Take your time and be ready to buy the right double for you.

That Heym 89B is hubba hubba.

 

[Mike53]

After researching the matter a bit, I’m certain the rifle in question is one of the “California“ Rigbys. It’s quite nice looking; but apparently, they are not well regarded.

 

[rigbymauser]

After researching the matter a bit, I’m certain the rifle in question is one of the “California“ Rigbys. It’s quite nice looking; but apparently, they are not well regarded.

I think they go by “mexican Rigbys”. How does that sound at the countryclub?..LOL

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

J. Rigby & Co. --- Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle --- .470 Nitro Express

J. Rigby & Co. --- Boxlock Ejector Double Rifle --- .470 Nitro Express for sale online.

www.gunsinternational.com

Was it similar to this one?

 

[JPetroni]

Hi Mike,
Do yourself a favor, take Marks advice and look elsewhere. it will never be a “English“ gun if that matters to you. Although they did use nice wood and the Merkel action is a sound one. I also think that when you pass on, god forbid, or need to sell for whatever reason you or your family will never, in my opinion, recoup anywhere near the asking price due to the muddled history in that unfortunate time of Rigby’s history.

JP