Why is it that when it comes to the big British Gun Makers, Rigby are the only brand that offers "affordable" models?

[PCC600]

PCC600, 1st, I like the thought and look of the more plain “old school” box lock.

Also, how much value has your Shikari gained in 3 years. That is how much more would it be to order one in the fall of 2026 vs 2023 ?

Mine was A$76,000 in mid 2023 . Looks like they are now A$99,000 . The 3 year wait time is also now at least a year more . I have side lock double rifles from H&H , WR and Purdey - all fairly elaborate finishes . Have another box lock double and just think the plainer box locks are more attractive . They were the working guns and I think they should look like what they were intended to be .

 

[Altitude sickness]

Of course most of us appreciate them all. 100% engraved CCH sidelocks, fine wood. But there is definitely something to a well maintained but well used, worn plain box lock.

 

[KJE81]

I do question Rigby's direction ...in the long term as fewer and fewer people hunt.More guns chasing fewer hunters.

Indeed when you see the pittance really nice virtually unfired Parker Hale rifles make in today's market...Sad indeed.

However if proposals for Australia become more widespread... Four gun limit ...one could ease the purse strings for a Rigby...

Interesting thread and times we find ourselves in.

Only four guns? I thought Sweden had the thoughest gun laws with 4+2 (basically 6 as the upper limit), to bad to hear that there are stricter countries.

 

[Rare Breed]

So very true. I’m remembering on their web site their first price which has jumped 10,000 pounds since it first came out. Good old supply and demand at work.

 

[RIGBY]

Namely the Highland Stalker and Big Game rifles, both start in the $10,000-$12,000 USD range. No small sum of money by any means but leagues more affordable than the magazine rifle offerings I'm seeing from the other big names (Purdey, Holland & Holland, Westley Richards, Jeffery etc.)

From the pricing that I've seen, if you want to purchase a magazine rifle from one of these other makes, you're going to spend 5x more than the Rigby, if not more.

So why is this? are Rigby not viewed to be on the same level as those above? Are Rigby the only brand in this class that are trying to appeal to the hunters that aspire to own "London best" rifles with more entry level pricing? Do you feel like this pricing strategy cheapens their brand name at all?

In answer to the original question posted, following its “Resurrection”, Rigby purposefully embarked on an initiative to bring aspirational, yet attainable, rifles to the market.

The Big Game, Highland Stalker, and even Shikari product lines are aimed at this goal.

The hope is that this will inspire new and existing hunters to consider the traditional style of gun when planning for their adventures.

Many of the other initiatives that the company has taken are also aimed at connecting with what it regards as the most important group, the actual community of hunters and PH’s.

The Company’s active involvement on AfricaHunting is a part of this goal and we are truly grateful for all of the encouragement and support we have received!

 

[coreydb]

Rigby definitely has the corner on the market for high end rifles. Since they first started making rifles, like Purdy with their shotguns, they had marketing geniuses. Like all multi-century manufacturers, they had their bumps in the road, but when Rigby "fell face down in crap, they always stood up smelling like roses". The trade is doing very well, because they expanded their facilities and (currently) in the process of moving/fitting the new facility. John Dickson and Sons makes beautiful pieces and since their inception, make only London Best guns, but how many people know of them?

 

[Altitude sickness]

I have been looking at Scottish round bodies the last couple days which includes Dickson. I may need to move some guns though to justify one.

 

[Russ16]

I have been looking at Scottish round bodies the last couple days which includes Dickson. I may need to move some guns though to justify one.

A Dickson or MacNaughton is a delight to hold and shoot. Especially a small bore. I had a friend with a MacNaughton 20 bore that was as well balanced as the finest fly rod in the world.

 

[PCC600]

I have been looking at Scottish round bodies the last couple days which includes Dickson. I may need to move some guns though to justify one.

And don’t forget MacNaughton - Dickson’s great competitor .

 

[PCC600]

Rigby definitely has the corner on the market for high end rifles. Since they first started making rifles, like Purdy with their shotguns, they had marketing geniuses. Like all multi-century manufacturers, they had their bumps in the road, but when Rigby "fell face down in crap, they always stood up smelling like roses". The trade is doing very well, because they expanded their facilities and (currently) in the process of moving/fitting the new facility. John Dickson and Sons makes beautiful pieces and since their inception, make only London Best guns, but how many people know of them?

I certainly do . They have also taken the Daniel Fraser brand . The other fantastic contemporary Scottish maker of round action guns was David McKay Brown . This business was recently sold to Buchan Guns.

 

[Mtn_Infantry]

Namely the Highland Stalker and Big Game rifles, both start in the $10,000-$12,000 USD range. No small sum of money by any means but leagues more affordable than the magazine rifle offerings I'm seeing from the other big names (Purdey, Holland & Holland, Westley Richards, Jeffery etc.)

From the pricing that I've seen, if you want to purchase a magazine rifle from one of these other makes, you're going to spend 5x more than the Rigby, if not more.

So why is this? are Rigby not viewed to be on the same level as those above? Are Rigby the only brand in this class that are trying to appeal to the hunters that aspire to own "London best" rifles with more entry level pricing? Do you feel like this pricing strategy cheapens their brand name at all?

Rigby’s Highland Stalker, Big Game, and Shikari models aren’t “London Best”. They’re Rigby’s entry/“budget” offering into the brand. It’s a creative strategy to reach a new demographic of customer thereby growing their name/brand, and revenue by going down stream.

I don’t expect the other brands (except maybe Holland) to follow in Rigby’s steps because they’re not owned by a firearms conglomerate driven by money making. For them it’s about luxury and name recognition. If you go ask Purdey about a discount they’ll tell you, you’re out of your budget and to go look at a Holland then walk away.

 

[Russ16]

Rigby’s Highland Stalker, Big Game, and Shikari models aren’t “London Best”. They’re Rigby’s entry/“budget” offering into the brand. It’s a creative strategy to reach a new demographic of customer thereby growing their name/brand, and revenue by going down stream.

I don’t expect the other brands (except maybe Holland) to follow in Rigby’s steps because they’re not owned by a firearms conglomerate driven by money making. For them it’s about luxury and name recognition. If you go ask Purdey about a discount they’ll tell you, you’re out of your budget and to go look at a Holland then walk away.

That’s a good point. The relationship with Mauser makes it more economical for them to make a highland stalker level gun tan another manufacturer that would have to buy the actions from an unaffiliated maker or make their own.

 

[coreydb]

I certainly do . They have also taken the Daniel Fraser brand . The other fantastic contemporary Scottish maker of round action guns was David McKay Brown . This business was recently sold to Buchan Guns.

So you like Scottish rifles and shotguns too?

 

[Rare Breed]

Rigby’s Highland Stalker, Big Game, and Shikari models aren’t “London Best”. They’re Rigby’s entry/“budget” offering into the brand. It’s a creative strategy to reach a new demographic of customer thereby growing their name/brand, and revenue by going down stream.

I don’t expect the other brands (except maybe Holland) to follow in Rigby’s steps because they’re not owned by a firearms conglomerate driven by money making. For them it’s about luxury and name recognition. If you go ask Purdey about a discount they’ll tell you, you’re out of your budget and to go look at a Holland then walk away.

You are absolutely correct in your assessment. My wife just gives me hell when I share that type information with her. She graduated at the top of her business school class and she reminds me it still takes quite the income to buy Rigbys “entry line”. lol. I list that one with her!!!

 

[Rare Breed]

lost

 

[Rare Breed]

I should not say income just that Rigby “entry level” still costs what we say in the South “a pretty penny” lol

 

[WAB]

Rigby’s Highland Stalker, Big Game, and Shikari models aren’t “London Best”. They’re Rigby’s entry/“budget” offering into the brand. It’s a creative strategy to reach a new demographic of customer thereby growing their name/brand, and revenue by going down stream.

I don’t expect the other brands (except maybe Holland) to follow in Rigby’s steps because they’re not owned by a firearms conglomerate driven by money making. For them it’s about luxury and name recognition. If you go ask Purdey about a discount they’ll tell you, you’re out of your budget and to go look at a Holland then walk away.

Holland and Holland have been down that path multiple times. Rigby is actually following them, although Marc seems to be making a much better go of it.

 

[PCC600]

So you like Scottish rifles and shotguns too?

You bet I do . A Daniel Fraser 303 slant box take down rifle is my remaining goal in the world of firearms .

 

[Pondoro]

Westley Richards have backorders for 5-6 years so they are doing fine catering for the top end market..

I suspect Purdey and Holland & Holland also are doing well..

 

[PCC600]

Westley Richards have backorders for 5-6 years so they are doing fine catering for the top end market..

I suspect Purdey and Holland & Holland also are doing well..

Not so sure about H&H . I think they have lost their way . The “Noble” shot gun they introduced under Beretta ownership is truly hideous . It really is a pity as I am a huge fan of their pre WW2 rifles . I think WR have the “Best” grade market stitched up at present. I am very thankful that Rigby have embarked on their current business plan . Offer aspirational but achievable rifles and then upsell to their “Best” grade bolt rifles and side lock rifles / shot guns. Wonderful how they are harnessing their heritage and hunting community to sell the dream .