CDorroh
AH senior member
I suppose this post is overdue, so here it is. In the fall of 2016, I placed an order for a Rigby Big Game with a few options of my choosing. After months of waiting I received it in June. I apologize for the poor quality of the photos, but without further delay;
I am very pleased with the fit and finish of this rifle, which is without a doubt, the nicest I have ever owned. In the months leading up to it's delivery, I had acquired the Swarovski Z6i 1-6 that you see mounted on it, and some reloading components. I already had several rounds loaded for it with a few different powders. This is my first large bore rifle, if you don't count my Marlin Guide Gun 45/70. So, off to the range I went. All load development grouping was done from my lead sled. I first fired 2 shots at 50 yards to make sure I was close to being on target, then moved to 100 yards to fire my first 3 shot group.
Needless to say, I was impressed. I had expected good accuracy, but was not expecting that good right from the start. Here are some more groups, each from a different load.
This is the worst group of the day:
4 shots fired off my shooting sticks at 50 yards at a semi-rapid rate:
A picture of the rifle on the lead sled at the farm (aka the range). Natural light really brings out the character in the wood.
I forgot my chronograph that day, unfortunately. I ended up loading some more of the "104" group and making it back out there, this time with my chronograph. It consistently clocked in right around 2400 fps, with a max spread of about 2393-2411 with a 410g Woodleigh Weldcore. That's going to be my load. These rounds also feed through the action as smooth as butter, even when working the bolt quickly.
This is the most powerful rifle I have ever owned. However, I find it surprisingly pleasant to shoot off sticks. I attribute that to the design of the stock, the weight/balance of the rifle, and how well the Z6i 1-6 Extended Eye relief pairs with the rifle.
It's maiden voyage is going to be a black bear hunt the end of this month. Overkill, yes, but I'm anxious to try it out.
The real test will come in 2019, when I take my first trip to Africa for a cape buffalo hunt. I'm currently looking at guides in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
I am very pleased with the fit and finish of this rifle, which is without a doubt, the nicest I have ever owned. In the months leading up to it's delivery, I had acquired the Swarovski Z6i 1-6 that you see mounted on it, and some reloading components. I already had several rounds loaded for it with a few different powders. This is my first large bore rifle, if you don't count my Marlin Guide Gun 45/70. So, off to the range I went. All load development grouping was done from my lead sled. I first fired 2 shots at 50 yards to make sure I was close to being on target, then moved to 100 yards to fire my first 3 shot group.
Needless to say, I was impressed. I had expected good accuracy, but was not expecting that good right from the start. Here are some more groups, each from a different load.
This is the worst group of the day:
4 shots fired off my shooting sticks at 50 yards at a semi-rapid rate:
A picture of the rifle on the lead sled at the farm (aka the range). Natural light really brings out the character in the wood.
I forgot my chronograph that day, unfortunately. I ended up loading some more of the "104" group and making it back out there, this time with my chronograph. It consistently clocked in right around 2400 fps, with a max spread of about 2393-2411 with a 410g Woodleigh Weldcore. That's going to be my load. These rounds also feed through the action as smooth as butter, even when working the bolt quickly.
This is the most powerful rifle I have ever owned. However, I find it surprisingly pleasant to shoot off sticks. I attribute that to the design of the stock, the weight/balance of the rifle, and how well the Z6i 1-6 Extended Eye relief pairs with the rifle.
It's maiden voyage is going to be a black bear hunt the end of this month. Overkill, yes, but I'm anxious to try it out.
The real test will come in 2019, when I take my first trip to Africa for a cape buffalo hunt. I'm currently looking at guides in Zambia and Zimbabwe.
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