Rigby would like to know your caliber preference(s) for a Highland Stalker model without iron sights

[BourbonTrail]

I don’t have irons on my 30-06 or my Weatherby. Honestly, I don’t have a preference, but if I were to choose I would say any caliber that I wouldn’t ever bother with irons on. I picked the 275, ’06, and 300WM, but the others would be ok as well. A 6.5x55 would probably be another good candidate.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Rigby is not exploring production of another classic looking British/European rifle. Therefore, it almost seems an oxymoron to consider barreling it in a caliber that is traditionally classic British/European. From what I recall, the concept of a non-iron-sighted, optic-wearing big game rifle was popularized (if not originated) in North America (Jack O'Connor et al). And I presume Rigby is not considering a plastic stock (perish the thought!) for this version of the Stalker. So I think it appropriate to harken back to the North American origins of a sightless scoped blued-metal wood-stocked big game hunting rifle and one of the calibers that evolved with that design. 300 Winchester magnum would seem to be the best candidate. Or possibly 270 Winchester. I see 257 Rigby is leading the poll right now but that just doesn't seem to me to be a good fit. 30-06 unfortunately has its origins as a military rifle specifically designed for iron sights, so it's not the best fit for some semblance of scoped-only "classic." And yes, I believe a scoped big game rifle without irons can be classic ... just from a different era than flag-safety, straight-bolt, double-bridge, fancy grade wood, turn-of-the-last-century British Mausers. I think if Rigby sticks to the appropriate classic era (i.e. Jack O'Connor) for design and cartridge selection, this just might work.

 

[CBH Australia]

Rigby is not exploring production of another classic looking British/European rifle. Therefore, it almost seems an oxymoron to consider barreling it in a caliber that is traditionally classic British/European. From what I recall, the concept of a non-iron-sighted, optic-wearing big game rifle was popularized (if not originated) in North America (Jack O'Connor et al). And I presume Rigby is not considering a plastic stock (perish the thought!) for this version of the Stalker. So I think it appropriate to harken back to the North American origins of a sightless scoped blued-metal wood-stocked big game hunting rifle and one of the calibers that evolved with that design. 300 Winchester magnum would seem to be the best candidate. Or possibly 270 Winchester. I see 257 Rigby is leading the poll right now but that just doesn't seem to me to be a good fit. 30-06 unfortunately has its origins as a military rifle specifically designed for iron sights, so it's not the best fit for some semblance of scoped-only "classic." And yes, I believe a scoped big game rifle without irons can be classic ... just from a different era than flag-safety, straight-bolt, double-bridge, fancy grade wood, turn-of-the-last-century British Mausers. I think if Rigby sticks to the appropriate classic era (i.e. Jack O'Connor) for design and cartridge selection, this just might work.

I asked if they would do a 7x64, I see your point that the .30-06 was not the “Classic scoped only” hunting rifle cartridge so maybe .300wm

I have long thought the .308 is a practical choice for Australia but if we wanted one chambering, one rifle or one cartridge to do all of our hunting a .30-06 makes sense and with hand loads you could tailor it to the game you are chasing.

A .30-06 would suit plains game but n Africa, take sheep in remote parts of the world and cover most of Australia as a “Hunting “ round and simply be the quintessential American cartridge in most states.

 

[Marley7x57]

If Americanized version is being made then perhaps a 270 Winchester, Beaded Cheekpiece and Classic Comb, a solid Red Silvers type recoil pad, barrel mounted sling swivel, 13 5/8 LOP, and a 24 inch barrel. You know, something basic along these lines:

 

[Tau Wilderness]

Oh yes!!!

.338 WM and send it out the smiths workshop with QD scope mounts and the ability to fit a Red dot on the action without it looking like an afterthought.

Iron sights are pretty and romantic, but so is a Land Rover defender. Nice to look at, but always user friendly.

 

[TDB333]

No iron sights on the .300 Win or the .338 Win but acceptable on the .275 R

 

[coreydb]

I believe there must be some context included with the question. Granted; Rigby has a long but exclusive history in its lineup, maintaining quality and exclusivity over quantity and; over the decades, changing hunting market trends. Without any reasoning or context driving the question, perhaps Rigby should simply offer buyers the option of sights/no sights.

 

[Rule 303]

I believe there must be some context included with the question. Granted; Rigby has a long but exclusive history in its lineup, maintaining quality and exclusivity over quantity and; over the decades, changing hunting market trends. Without any reasoning or context driving the question, perhaps Rigby should simply offer buyers the option of sights/no sights.

If Rigby did that, they could provide a threaded muzzle with cap for sound moderators on those rifles without sights.

 

[coreydb]

If Rigby did that, they could provide a threaded muzzle with cap for sound moderators on those rifles without sights.

Yep!!

 

[R eight]

If Rigby did that, they could provide a threaded muzzle with cap for sound moderators on those rifles without sights.

Next thing you’ll be asking for is a stainless steel rifle with pearl inlay in a plastic stock…. In 35 Whelan or 270 Winchester

 

[Rule 303]

Next thing you’ll be asking for is a stainless steel rifle with pearl inlay in a plastic stock…. In 35 Whelan or 270 Winchester

Stainless only if cerakoted in a good deep blue, pearl inlays are for a gay rifle like a Blaser, placcy stock, only if it is the same high quality of plastic Remington use in their rifles. 35 Whelan, My oath. Nothing wrong with a Rigby doing a 270 if they do 308's and 30-06.

 

[pc3]

Next thing you’ll be asking for is a stainless steel rifle with pearl inlay in a plastic stock…. In 35 Whelan or 270 Winchester

Rigby will next be looking to chamber the ".350 Legend" (an answer to a question no one asked for mine ) in Lieu of the .350 Rigby.

Or god help us a Tupperware offering in 6.5 Creedmoor

 

[CBH Australia]

IF Rigby were to ever make a tadeonal looking heavy barrel varmint rifle on their HS sized action what caliber would it be ?

.220 Swift....now how nice would that be ! Varmint hunting with Rigby class....Irons not needed !

Add that to your current order, 2 or more should qualify for a discount.

My mate loves his .220 swift. Maybe a .257 Robert’s or 6.5x55 would also be acceptable chamberings for a high end varmint or long range classic styled rifle.

Maybe a .222magnum, scarce these days but worthy.

And please put a threaded muzzle with a seamless protector. @pc3 won’t be able to have a suppressor so please consider us Aussies.

 

[pc3]

Add that to your current order, 2 or more should qualify for a discount.

My mate loves his .220 swift. Maybe a .257 Robert’s or 6.5x55 would also be acceptable chamberings for a high end varmint or long range classic styled rifle.

Maybe a .222magnum, scarce these days but worthy.

And please put a threaded muzzle with a seamless protector. @pc3 won’t be able to have a suppressor so please consider us Aussies.

In all seriousness what is the classic varmint cartridge from the pre-war era ?

A Rigby "Tiny Ten" classic English Varmint Cartridge;

.244 H&H 100gr bullet at 3500 fps
.242 Rimless Nitro Express
.220 Swift

I think the .244 H&H would be a ripper ! Hard to go past the .220 swift, but the .244 H&H makes sense (but just read it doesn't use standard 6mm pills)

Beautiful timber, in their vintage style, a little case colour hardening you would need a stud at the front to attach a harris bipod for varminting sessions.

 

[Jack Stevens]

In all seriousness what is the classic varmint cartridge from the pre-war era ?
A Rigby "Tiny Ten" classic English Varmint Cartridge;
.244 H&H 100gr bullet at 3500 fps
.242 Rimless Nitro Express
.220 Swift

I think the .244 H&H would be a ripper ! Hard to go past the .220 swift, but the .244 H&H makes sense (but just read it doesn't use standard 6mm pills)

Beautiful timber, in their vintage style, a little case colour hardening you would need a stud at the front to attach a harris bipod for varminting sessions.

Would the .275 H&H fit in?

 

[pc3]

Would the .275 H&H fit in?

Unsure of this round....but was thinking that one day a high class varminting rifle "could" be in their lineup...long range fox rig etc.

Did the pre-war hunters varmint as we know it now ?

 

[400Jeff]

To paraphrase King George V , "A Rigby rifle without irons is like a spaniel without ears".

 

[Grumpy gumpy]

In all seriousness what is the classic varmint cartridge from the pre-war era ?

A Rigby "Tiny Ten" classic English Varmint Cartridge;

.244 H&H 100gr bullet at 3500 fps
.242 Rimless Nitro Express
.220 Swift

I think the .244 H&H would be a ripper ! Hard to go past the .220 swift, but the .244 H&H makes sense (but just read it doesn't use standard 6mm pills)

Beautiful timber, in their vintage style, a little case colour hardening you would need a stud at the front to attach a harris bipod for varminting sessions.

I’d like to see the 242 vickers make a comeback
Gumpy

 

[txtrout75218]

If Americanized version is being made then perhaps a 270 Winchester, Beaded Cheekpiece and Classic Comb, a solid Red Silvers type recoil pad, barrel mounted sling swivel, 13 5/8 LOP, and a 24 inch barrel. You know, something basic along these lines:

View attachment 792555

That is just purdy!

 

[coreydb]

Just offer a "No Sights" sight option during the ordering process. Stalking is a very general term for very diversified and varied terrain, populated with heavy to no vegetation. Yes, Rigby is entrenched in African Hunting History, because they were part and parcel in making it. However, Africa isn't the only hunting ground on the globe where their rifles made a mark. Their question/survey demonstrates (at least to me) serious consideration in making a place for their stalking rifles in the well established scoped hunting rifle arena. They made history in Africa and they can make future global history. Now if only they would offer left handed stalking rifles. 1 out of 10 hunters are lefties and again, yes I will be the first in line for one.