Rigby PH or Parkwest 404 Jeffery?

[BAY]

Going to The Valley in few years for my first safari. A couple buff and a leopard are on the menu. I’ve narrowed my rifle search to a Rigby Big Game PH or a Parkwest SD76 in 404 Jeffery. Close in price range. I’ve shot a few Jeffs and am set on that caliber. I want a new gun, not something modified by a gunsmith. What are your opinions of the PH and Parkwest? One better (I know this is a subjective question) than the other?
This is my first posting. I enjoy the forum!

 

[Muskox]

Same Money get the Rigby.

Parkwest is still gay for Talley mounts, and they suck.

Also resale is going to be way higher for the Rigby.

To quantify that I have had them fail. This is when they were based in Glenrock, Wyoming not SC like they are now.

Weatherby 340

Winchester M70 300

Remington 700 416

They are also ugly, but if you like them and they don't break by all means.

 

[BAY]

Thanks! Yeah those Talleys are hard to look at on an otherwise pretty riffle.

 

[cajunchefray]

Going to The Valley in few years for my first safari. A couple buff and a leopard are on the menu. I’ve narrowed my rifle search to a Rigby Big Game PH or a Parkwest SD76 in 404 Jeffery. Close in price range. I’ve shot a few Jeffs and am set on that caliber. I want a new gun, not something modified by a gunsmith. What are your opinions of the PH and Parkwest? One better (I know this is a subjective question) than the other?
This is my first posting. I enjoy the forum!

It will be interesting following this thread, as experienced riflemen compare the Rigby to Parkwest.
Where do I spend my money?

Its a good problem to have!

 

[RR 314]

Same Money get the Rigby.

Parkwest is still gay for Talley mounts, and they suck.

Also resale is going to be way higher for the Rigby.

To quantify that I have had them fail. This is when they were based in Glenrock, Wyoming not SC like they are now.

Weatherby 340

Winchester M70 300

Remington 700 416

They are also ugly, but if you like them and they don't break by all means.

Color me gay. . . While I prefer Recknagel etc, I am confident with Talley and don’t find them distasteful.

 

[deewayne2003]

You are shopping out of my price range, but I would go with the Rigby.

You're spot on buying a finished rifle, my custom .404J build is now in it's 6th year and I would have saved myself those years of frustration by buying a Rigby.

 

[Killo]

Dakota Model 76 African .416 Rigby
Dakota Model 76 Traveler .338 Win
Parkwest Takedown Dark Continent 300 H&H and 375 H&H
As a left hander I have gone the Dakota Parkwest way, a left handed Rigby would have to be The London Best (Over 50,00 USD)
Maybe some day I will get a Rigby as my son is Left eye dominant as well…

Here are some pics of the 416 and the Parkwest Takedown

Please let us know of your decision

 

[BAY]

Beauties!!!

 

[Redfishga1]

Rigby

 

[RR 314]

Beauties!!!

You must be flying a rainbow flag.

Seriously, very nice!

 

[BeeMaa]

Personally? Neither.

For that kind of money, I’d be getting a Heym Express Magnum Bolt Action Rifle. All parts are made in-house and are specific to the cartridge being used. This means a rifle that is ready to go, right out of the box from a company that maintains the quality from start to finish.

Customization can include but not limited to, special serial number, wood selection, wood checkering pattern, engraving and inlay on any number of surfaces, color case hardening and custom stock fitting.

 

[RR 314]

Personally? Neither.

For that kind of money, I’d be getting a Heym Express Magnum Bolt Action Rifle. All parts are made in-house and are specific to the cartridge being used. This means a rifle that is ready to go, right out of the box from a company that maintains the quality from start to finish.

Customization can include but not limited to, special serial number, wood selection, wood checkering pattern, engraving and inlay on any number of surfaces, color case hardening and custom stock fitting.

Personally, I would buy a pre-Martini in .404 . . . .

R

Thread 'Heym Express in .404 Jeffery'

Jan 17, 2026

Well, it is safe cleaning time! This is a pre-Martini Express. I own/have owned numerous pre-Martini’s and no BS, this is the nicest pre-Martini I have seen. This is especially true for the .404s I have seen. Only reason for selling is (hopefully without sounding gauche) I have been fortunate enough to acquire some truly exceptional rifles over the years and several of what I perceive to be great rifles simply are relegated to a life of solitude in the safes. Some of these rifles deserve to get out and play!

LOP is 14 1/4” over .75” pad.
Barrel is 23 1/4” to action.
Recknagel pivot mount...

• RR 314
• Replies: 21
• Forum: Classifieds

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Not kidding, I think these are great rifles if you can find one locally.

 

[coreydb]

Rigby Rigby Rigby Rigby....

 

[Rare Breed]

Going to The Valley in few years for my first safari. A couple buff and a leopard are on the menu. I’ve narrowed my rifle search to a Rigby Big Game PH or a Parkwest SD76 in 404 Jeffery. Close in price range. I’ve shot a few Jeffs and am set on that caliber. I want a new gun, not something modified by a gunsmith. What are your opinions of the PH and Parkwest? One better (I know this is a subjective question) than the other?
This is my first posting. I enjoy the forum!

I would go with the Rigby which you will find has more brand recognition in terms of value...I have found only real connoisseurs of rifles really get the value of a Parkwest and I am in no way knocking their value by saying that.

 

[Tintin]

I've never handled, let alone used a Parkwest - so can't comment on them. But the Rigby is a pleasure to hunt with, incredibly accurate and is ... well ... it is a Rigby.

 

[BAY]

I would go with the Rigby which you will find has more brand recognition in terms of value...I have found only real connoisseurs of rifles really get the value of a Parkwest and I am in no way knocking their value by saying that.

Thanks Good feedback!

 

[BAY]

I've never handled, let alone used a Parkwest - so can't comment on them. But the Rigby is a pleasure to hunt with, incredibly accurate and is ... well ... it is a Rigby.

Thanks Good to hear about the accuracy!

 

[Wildwillalaska]

I’ve had a number of Dakota (still have a couple) and few Rigby rifles, still have one in 416.

I’d buy the Rigby without hesitation. I would like a 450 Rigby at some point, so will likely get it in the PH model as well.

If I found an excellent deal on a Heym Martini, for me a 450 Rigby or Lott, I’d also give it serious consideration as my 2nd choice to the Rigby. The Heym are great quality rifles as well, for bolt gun Rigby gets my nod simply because the ones I’ve had were superb in every way. Super accurate to boot.

 

[RIGBY]

@Wildwillalaska, we appreciate your strong words of support!

 

[RIGBY]

I've never handled, let alone used a Parkwest - so can't comment on them. But the Rigby is a pleasure to hunt with, incredibly accurate and is ... well ... it is a Rigby.

Thank you for the support!