The return of a legend: Rigby unveils the new Shikari rifle

London gunmaker John Rigby & Co. is thrilled to announce the latest, long-awaited addition to its renowned line of sporting guns: the Shikari double rifle. This Best boxlock double rifle embodies the spirit of a bygone era, while exceeding the demands of the modern-day hunter.

The Shikari is a modern interpretation of a classic British double rifle introduced to the Rigby range in the late 1890s, which became a staple for colonial game wardens and Professional Hunters. Its resurgence pays homage to a rich heritage of hunting and opens the door to experiencing the thrill of an African double rifle safari with a Rigby in-hand.

At the core of the rifle is a robust and durable Anson & Deeley action that marries proven design with modern functionality. Available in .450/400NE, .450NE, .470NE and .500NE calibres, the action and forend iron are both colour case hardened, with blued furniture.

The rifle’s barrels are regulated to 50 yards with the client’s choice of ammunition. Customers can also specify their choice of barrel length upon ordering. The Shikari features a classic Rigby quarter rib, a front sight block and circle-jointed doll’s head top extension. The forend release is the familiar Rigby grip-catch.

Adorned with traditional Rigby pattern boxlock border engraving and the maker’s name engraved on the barrels, customers can further personalise their Shikari by selecting their preferred Turkish walnut stock blank. Stocks are made to the customer’s bespoke measurements and finished with Rigby’s London Best oil finish.

In celebration of the Shikari release, Rigby is delighted to introduce the Shikari Special Edition. This model shares all the same specifications of the Shikari but offers an upgrade to grade nine Turkish walnut, Rigby pattern boxlock scroll engraving and is presented in a traditional oak and leather double rifle case, handcrafted by Traditional English Guncases (TEG) London.

Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., commented: “With the Shikari, we’ve not only resurrected a classic but reimagined it for the needs of hunters of today. Rigby continues its legacy of delivering exceptional sporting guns, and we are confident that the Shikari will strike a chord with those who appreciate the rich heritage and thrill of hunting with a Rigby in hand.”

For enquiries, detailed pricing, and further information on the Shikari rifle and Shikari Special Edition, please visit www.johnrigbyandco.com or contact Jérôme Lanoue, Rigby’s head of sales by emailing: jerome@johnrigbyandco.com

Editor’s notes:

Founded in Dublin in 1775, the company has more than 240 years of gunmaking experience.
Rigby opened its first London shop in 1865 and continued operating out of both offices until they closed their Dublin shop in 1897.
The company moved to the USA in 1997, but returned to London in 2013 when it was bought by L&O Group, Germany.
Rigby now operates out of a purpose-built premise in Pensbury Place, London.
In 2013, Rigby recommenced their historic partnership with Mauser, which dates back to the late 19^th
The firm manufactures bolt-action, double rifles and shotguns. Products of particular note include the iconic Rising Bite double rifles and shotguns, fully bespoke London Bests, the award-winning range of Big Game bolt-action rifles and the Highland Stalker.
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