Ordered my LAST African Safari rifle at DSC this year...

[Aussie_Hunter]

A couple of photos of the prototype Rigby Shikari 500 NE double which was shown in Brisbane in July . I’m not showing more photos to respect Rigby’s plans and also other people who are inadvertently in background . The prototype is spectacular and finished rifles will be even better .

Yeah Tom sent me some photos, it looks good. Got close to placing an order but decided to go with a new bolt action.

 

[Ontario Hunter]

Oh my, like 71 is decrepit and ready for the home? I made my first and almost certainly last African safari rifle this year ... at age 71. I still have all my own joints and don't need a walker. Expect to be shooting animals with it in my eighties. But no lions ... or elephants. I'm a cloven hooves and horns kinda guy.

Looking forward to seeing the artwork.

 

[Tanks]

Well, the .500NE barrel is done, the .400/450 NE is in progress. Once that is complete I will get pictures of the forends and stock. Delivery is still end of the year. I asked about the Trijicon mount and got these pictures.

Very low profile

 

[Tanks]

I sent this pic to be used for engraving.

 

[KJE81]

Well, the .500NE barrel is done, the .400/450 NE is in progress. Once that is complete I will get pictures of the forends and stock. Delivery is still end of the year. I asked about the Trijicon mount and got these pictures.
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Very low profile

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It looks like a really low profile, and the engraving looks great!

 

[KJE81]

I sent this pic to be used for engraving.

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It will be perfect under the action, cant wait to see how it turns out!

 

[Rare Breed]

I sent this pic to be used for engraving.

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So looking forward to your pictures of this great rifle! Please take great pictures and post finished product so all of us can enjoy!!! If I remember correctly you are taking it first on an elephant hunt?

 

[Tanks]

Lion hunt.

 

[VertigoBE]

Well, the .500NE barrel is done, the .400/450 NE is in progress. Once that is complete I will get pictures of the forends and stock. Delivery is still end of the year. I asked about the Trijicon mount and got these pictures.
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Very low profile

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Yes! Yes! Yes! That's exactly how I would want all custom builders to build the red dot mount. As a piece taken off from the quarter rib, into which the specific mounting plate can be screwed in.

Very nice engraving as well. Will the rest of the rifle have this engraving too?

 

[RR 314]

Did Red Leg scold you for the leather covered pad?

Looks perfect so far!

 

[towserthemouser]

Last year, when I went to SCI, I stopped at Wesley Richards booth as I wanted to place an order for a double and an extra barrel. They said they were all sold outand the earliest I could have one would be in 6 years, 2028 when I would be 71!!!.

That was not acceptable, and I was disappointed. Later on, at the Rigby booth, I talked to Jerome Lanue and he was telling me about his projects at Rigby. One was a development of a boxlock double like Rigby used to make a while ago. He said he would have it all figured out by this year's show.

Well, this year at DSC (wasn't going to wait for SCI) I made a beeline for Riby booth. Lo and behold, Jerome had a sample of one. I handled it and it was like the skies opened and an angel of light shined upon it. Jerome told me that he was planning an initial run of 20 in .500 NE for them, and a few had already been reserved. I asked him if I could have one with an extra .450/400 barrel. He thought about it, and yes he could. He promised to have it ready for me in 2025.

I have a rule, never make a large purchase the same day I see something. I told Jerome I would think about it and would see him tomorrow. The next day I was there right away and ready to commit. We talked about the particulars during which @Red Leg showed up. I offered my credit card for deposit and Jerome stated that a handshake between gentlemen was enough and he would send me a written invoice for deposit at a later date. A handshake deal in this day and age, so refreshing.

I did try to talk @Red Leg into buying one as well, but to no avail.

Since then we ironed out most of the details, I had picked number 11 as my number. I will spend a few days in London in June to get measured and we still need to decide on engraving, but we have time.

Oh, after DSC Jerome told me that all of them are sold now. Any new ones will be at least a 3 year delivery. Below are the build details. I decided to do my Lion hunt in 2025, and use the .500 NE barrel for bait and the .450/400 NE 3" for the lion.

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Congratulations @Tanks on a fabulous rifle. I had the chance to see the vintage 500NE prototype rifle that Rigby used to develop the Shikari when we were in London this summer and it was glorious. This will be a dream setup for you.

I love the idea of adding a second barrel, you will have great versatility with a familiar gun and trigger setup. I also really like the way they did the red dot mount. It looks like we're getting very close to delivery date now, please send photos when you have the rifle, and more photos when it's blooded on a big lion in Africa!

 

[Tanks]

Did Red Leg scold you for the leather covered pad?

Looks perfect so far!

I submit that more often than not they are ordered with a leather covered pad.

 

[RR 314]

I submit that more often than not they are ordered with a leather covered pad.

Believe me, I am completely in your camp!

 

[Rare Breed]

Lion hunt.

450-400 barrels?

 

[Tanks]

450-400 barrels?

Yes. Will use the .500 barrels for bait (buffalo, hippo etc.). I have a lifetime supply of Hornady .450-400 ammo at this point in solids and softs.

 

[Kevin Peacocke]

It is looking really good @Tanks well done. There is something really special about ordering a double rifle and waiting for it, building up all the dreams and plans. Then finally taking delivery and the reality chapter begins. Wonderful!