doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion Classic & Custom Single Barreled Sporting Rifles @ doublegunshop.com Rigby 275 High Velocity Lightweight

Hello Gentlemen,

I have just acquired my first "Classic" rifle, instigated wholly by this new forum!

Yesterday I knew nearly nothing of "Classic Sporting Mausers", today I fear I have contracted a new affliction.

The rifle is a dainty little thing, it fits and handles like no rifle I have ever handled.

I have learned that it was manufactured in 1929 and that is the "special lightweight" model.

The barrel is inscribed "John Rigby & Co - 43 Sackville St. London"

The receiver is inscribed "Sighted For Rigby's Special High Velocity 275 Bore cartridge Pointed Bullet 140 GRS"

Any other information you can provide would be most appreciated.

Thanks

Mark

Mark,

It looks like a great rifle!

Cartridges of the World, 10th Edition says:
"This round, identical to the 7 x 57mm Mauser, was adopted by John Rigby & Co in 1907 for Rigby bolt action magazine rifles. Rigby was, at that time, the British outlet for Mauser. Rigby's original rifle featured the 175 grain bullet. It its 1924 catalog, Rigby lists three versions of the Mauser, its No. 1 rifle for the 175 grain bullet, and its No. 2 and 3 rifles for the 140 grain bullet, designed for deer stalking. The No. 1 and 2 rifles weighed 7.5 pounds and the No. 3 was built to weigh 6 3/4 pounds."

Very nice rifle, I have a soft spot for the 7x57, there have been a lot of nice rifles made on that cartridge over the years. The Rigby records may be available, if they are it would be fun to learn who it was made for. Enjoy.

Wow--what can I say but "classic"! Looks like it was actually made to kill something. Actually, just about anything....

Wonderful rifle, you will love it. As stated the 275 is the Rigby moniker for the 7x57mm mauser round. A really nice light rifle. Praise be with our Lord that no one installed a scope.
My only critque is if you are sure of year of manufactor as it has modern "looking" lines to the stock which is something that appeared on Rigby's after the last war. I am sure I can be wrong on this, just an observation and a wish to be enlightened.

Thanks for the kind words guys!

Terry that's great info, This is the model "no. 3" or "special lightweight" and currently weighs just better than 6lbs 10oz on my kitchen scale.

Michael, I have been in contact with Paul Roberts, he was able to provide me with the date of manufacture, model, and the interesting tid-bit that Rigby was prucing approximatly 60 magazine rifles per year at that point in time.

Mike it will see duty as my Whitetail rifle and maybe a moose if I get the chance.

BigHorn, thankfully there are no holes on this gun, no Bubba indications at all. I had similar concerns about the stock, but I have been told that reducing the grip from round(or ball) configuration, and omitting the butt plate are part what makes this a lightweight along with the shorter barrel of course.

I have located an original Rigby ammo box, but I would really appreciate any leads on a cartridge, cartridge case or even a photo of the "275 Rigby HV" head stamp.

Thanks

Mark

Nice classic rifle mark. I wish I had a place to run out to and pick up a Rigby as needed! congratulations!