New Find No. 14 Brevex - an Orig Post War John Rigby Big Game Rifle in 416 Rigby Caliber

[buckstix]

NEW FIND No. 14 BREVEX - AN ORIG POST WAR JOHN RIGBY BIG GAME RIFLE IN 416 RIGBY CALIBER

WELL, I FINALLY FOUND No. 14 BREVEX - WHAT A FIND - AN ORIGINAL POST WAR JOHN RIGBY BREVEX IN 416 RIGBY CALIBER - CASED WITH ALL THE ACCESSORIES.

Brought over ...... As you may have noticed, I haven't posted in a while because I have not found any new treasures worth mentioning ... until now ....

I had been diligently searching to add another Brevex to my collection. Its been over a year that #13 was added in September of 2022, I was worried that I was stuck on "unlucky 13" forever. But not so .. and what a treasure this one turned out to be. Near as I can tell its never been hunted and appears unfired. It was purchased by Gastinne Renette for one of their customers back in 1971. Gastinne Renette of Paris is a maker and specialist in the weapons of hunting and luxury. Their quality is on par with Holland & Holland, Purdey and Boss & Co.

Why this gun remained in such unused condition for over 52 years in unknown - perhaps a collected safe queen. Searching internet history shows it was sold by Holt's Auction House in England in 2015. Apparently it remained stuck in "red-tape" export laws for the last 8 years - until finally imported to the the U.S. this year.

Its a real treasure for me to have a an Original John Rigby in 416 Rigby cal., and even more treasured because its a rare Brevex action. Emails with Diggory Hadoke, the Rigby Archivist, was told by Paul Roberts, who was in charge of Rigby at the time this rifle was made, that only four .416 rifles were made on French Brevex actions. (sourced from Giles Whittome) He went on to say that between 220 to 230 Big Game 416s were made on CZ actions and 40 to 50 were made on Magnum Mauser actions, many recycled from .350 cal.

This is now the top treasure in my 14 piece Brevex rifle collection. But I did discover a negative - although the scoped rifle weighs only 11-1/2 pounds, the rifle in the case weighs over 41 pounds. I guess the 30 pound airline travel case is made to protect the rifle in case of a plane crash.

... as always your comment are most welcome ...

The 14 Brevex rifles collected to date ...

 

[Luvthunt]

WOW!

 

[Altitude sickness]

Congrats on the find. Stunning.

I bought a rifle that came with a custom fitted Americase, Flight case with the accessories also. and when I recieved the box at the FFL. I thought my lord what have I bought. Turns out. As you mentioned. The flight case is ridiculously heavy.

So is it safe to assume you are not accepting trades at this time. :>))))

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

Your collection might make you the fourth or fifth best equipped army in the world. Amazing collection!

 

[uplander01]

That’s the right action to get a 416 in from that era. Looks like a beauty, the search and finding what you are looking for is the funnest part. Enjoy

 

[Hunter-Habib]

The French Brevex Magnum Mauser action was second to none back in the day. It’s a real shame that they’re as rare as hen’s teeth. You’ve got a true keeper for sure.

By any chance, are you willing to sell that .505 Gibbs ? Is the magazine capacity 3+1 ?

 

[PerH]

Very fine rifle collection you have and some fine chamberings you have.

 

[93marlin]

OMG! A true treasure! Congratulations on your find and entire Brevex collection... amazing

 

[shotgungibbs]

It's a wonderful collection, but #14 is flat gorgeous! Good for you!

 

[Accidental Villain]

Wow! That is truly a great find indeed!
I’ve seen 4 Rigby Big Game built on Brevex Magnum Mauser actions. The earliest built some time in the late 50’s and the latest being from 1965. That it appears one from 1971 is a real surprise and very interesting. Awesome. The Brevex Magnum Mauser actions are among the very best actions ever!

 

[TTundra]

Always enjoy seeing a new post by you @buckstix

 

[John Telford]

Very nice collection sir. I may have some more info regarding the Carl Labshagne rifle. I believe that it may be one of the few Brevex 500 actions ( yes they do exist) which was built by a South African Gunsmith called Bill Richie.
BTW Doctari’s (Dr Kevin Robertson) 505 was also built on the Brevex action but the 400 series.

 

[Neil Molendyk]

OMG, I now officially suffer from the deadly sins of envy and lust. What collection.

 

[buckstix]

no ... its an M400 action ... metal work by Danie Jobert of South Africa ... engraved by Armon Winkler also of South Africa and the stock was hand carved by Carl himself... ... complete details with pictures were on other Forums ... search "brevex 505 gibbs buckstix" on google

 

[Altitude sickness]

Dismal River Armory

Here’s an action for sale

 

[buckstix]

Dismal River Armory

Here’s an action for sale

its been for sale for a very long time ...... I also have an unfinished action, but getting too old to do anything with it and might be selling it ..... for less than half that price......

 

[deewayne2003]

@buckstix

Love your attention to detail in collecting the documentation and knowing the back story.

 

[264]

Very nice collection. Cheers Mick

 

[Accidental Villain]

Its a real treasure for me to have a an Original John Rigby in 416 Rigby cal., and even more treasured because its a rare Brevex action. Emails with Diggory Hadoke, the Rigby Archivist, was told by Paul Roberts, who was in charge of Rigby at the time this rifle was made, that only four .416 rifles were made on French Brevex actions.

@buckstix You have from a credible source that there only are made 4 Rigby Big Game made on Brevex action? I happen own one..

 

[buckstix]

Hello Accidental Villain,

Thanks for the reply. Lets see some pictures of your Rigby .. what is the caliber? - what is the serial number? Did you get a certificate from Rigby?

Here is what I received in an email from Diggory Hadoke the Rigby Archivist.

I quote:

"... Paul Roberts was in charge of Rigby then and I asked him the number. ...."

"... He told me that he thinks four .416 rifles were made on French Brevex (sourced from Giles Whittome) actions, and between 220- and 230 made on CZ actions 40-50 were made on Magnum Mauser actions, many recycled from .350.
Best, Dig. ..."