Rigby Big Game Vs Heym Express vs Mauser 98

[Northern Shooter]

I made an earlier post about premium bolt action rifles and these 3 seemed to be the most popular choices. I'd like to pick up a a real special feeling rifle that feels a cut or two above my Model 70.

For those of you that have owned one or several of these models, what are your impressions? How does one compare to the others?

When it comes to smoothness of the action, craftsmanship, stock design, accuracy (etc), who does it best?

Also open to additional suggestions of other models, I know a few people were big fan sof the Dakota 76.

 

[ay2626]

I have owned a Rigby Big Game in 416 and currently have one in 404J. Also owned a Mauser 98 in 450 Rigby. Mauser makes the barreled actions used by Rigby so they are really identical in that regard. Between those two it will just be a matter of personal preference on if you like the Mauser or Rigby finishing and looks. Have not owned a Heym Express but checked out a few when I was fitted for an 89B. Very nice rifles and definitely in the same class as the Rigby and Mauser. In the larger calibers I would call it a toss up based on personal preference. In 375 H&H I would choose the Heym every day. The Mauser and Rigby are too big and heavy in that caliber. Heyms are built more caliber specific so I think it makes a much more nimble package.

 

[Captain Munro]

Agreed! Personal preference for me is the Heym Martini Express, loved the look and feel.

 

[Northern Shooter]

I have owned a Rigby Big Game in 416 and currently have one in 404J. Also owned a Mauser 98 in 450 Rigby. Mauser makes the barreled actions used by Rigby so they are really identical in that regard. Between those two it will just be a matter of personal preference on if you like the Mauser or Rigby finishing and looks. Have not owned a Heym Express but checked out a few when I was fitted for an 89B. Very nice rifles and definitely in the same class as the Rigby and Mauser. In the larger calibers I would call it a toss up based on personal preference. In 375 H&H I would choose the Heym every day. The Mauser and Rigby are too big and heavy in that caliber. Heyms are built more caliber specific so I think it makes a much more nimble package.

Thanks for the input. I'm leaning towards a 416 Rigby as I already own a 375 and 458.

416 seems the most fitting in a Rigby rifle but I'm open to all 3.

 

[Phil Giordano]

I own a Rigby Big Game in 416, and I can state it's super accurate, smooth, well made, and functional. The wood is gorgeous and the proportions are perfect. It was made by Paul Roberts in London, and to me, it's the perfect DG rifle.
I've shot quite a few Winch 70 and CZ, but never an African 98 ( ...in some way I did, since the action of my Rigby is a Mauser) nor an Heym.
I'm sure that with proper action tuning and metalwork, some rifles do wonderful things, equal (or better?) than mine.
But one of the most special ingredients of mine, something that is not easily measurable - but is unquestionably present - is its great charm.
It's a quality I don't feel in many other guns, especially today, and that's something that really sets it apart.

 

[spike.t]

The heym is very nice...if I was going for a 404 probably be my choice...in 416 I would go for the rigby....but then am a rigby boy......also have looked and played with the m98 in bigger cals and didn't quite do it for me...it is very nice but prefer the feel of the rigby...the m98 in smaller calibres is lovely..and I have a 7x57 in it..

 

[Buffalo310]

Looked long at the 416 Rigby but opted for both the 404 and 450 400 from Heym. Both Rigby and Heym are beautiful rifles. The Heym 404J finish was more subdued which fit more to my idea of a rifle on the hunt.

 

[Huvius]

Very nice 416 on Ralf's site now.

Heym Express by Martini 416 Rigby - Martini Gunmakers Canada

Heym Express by Martini 416 Rigby Rifle is in new condition – only test fired to sight in the scope Barrel 24″ long LOP 14 3/8″ This rifle was enhanced by Ralf Martini Gold inlayed lettering on the barrel, Maker and caliber Two gold bands on barrel rout (gold F on the safty) All screws […]

martinigunmakers.com

Side by side, this is a much finer rifle than the Rigby for less $$

 

[Nyati]

I like the Heym in .375HH, as shown in my avatar, but cannot compare it to the Rigby or Mauser, as I never had a chance to shoot them.

I did try a Dakota at the range, must have been 30 years ago, but still remember it made a very good impression !

 

[ALbowhunter]

I have two Mauser m98 rifles and a Heym Martini Express. One of the Mausers is a 450 Rigby. The Heym is a 404 Jeffery. Smoothness of action, fit, finish, and handling of the Heym is a step above the Mauser.

 

[ALbowhunter]

The Mauser is a fine rifle, and I would buy another. However, if the Heym were available in a cartridge I was interested, I would buy another Heym before the Mauser.

 

[ALbowhunter]

That is a very good price for the rifle on Martini’s website. Not sure how much it would cost to import from Canada, but I believe the total for rifle and importing would be cheaper than buying a rifle with the same enhancements from Heym. Plus, you would get it sooner. The last I heard, the wait was around 18 months from Heym.

 

[Northern Shooter]

Any other rifles that I should cross shop against these three?

 

[Hunter-Habib]

All are good. The folks at John Rigby & Co. don't think particularly highly of monolithic bullets being used in their rifles. Heym and Mauser don't have any problems against monolithic bullets.

I personally like the Mauser Model 98 Diplomat the most. But you can't go wrong with any of these 3 choices.

 

[Aaron N]

Re-sale aside, If you’re going to spend $15-20k on a production rifle, why not go the custom route?

 

[chashardy]

This discussion is a little like asking whether you prefer a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, or an Aston Martin DB 11? Both are beautiful cars. The Mercedes has precise German engineering and technology. The Aston Martin has beautiful hand finishing and workmanship.
Same with Heym vs. Rigby. I own a 416 Rigby Big Game, which I really like, but I've handled Heym bolt rifles in several calibers, and a hunting friend in camp last year had a new Heym bolt rifle in 404J that was really beautiful.
For me, I like the Rigby, but you can't go wrong with the Heym.

 

[spike.t]

This discussion is a little like asking whether you prefer a Mercedes-Benz AMG GT, or an Aston Martin DB 11? Both are beautiful cars. The Mercedes has precise German engineering and technology. The Aston Martin has beautiful hand finishing and workmanship.
Same with Heym vs. Rigby. I own a 416 Rigby Big Game, which I really like, but I've handled Heym bolt rifles in several calibers, and a hunting friend in camp last year had a new Heym bolt rifle in 404J that was really beautiful.
For me, I like the Rigby, but you can't go wrong with the Heym.

Nah unfortunately the AMG GT has now got 4 wheel drive....and it's now the DB12....which is still rear wheel drive...so the only choice.... ...ps both basically same 4 litre v8 AMG engines....just tuned differently...

 

[geoff rath]

All are WAY above my pay grade, sadly.

 

[KIH]

Mauser M98 in 375HH have 5 round mag capacity, Heym have 4 rounds.

 

[R eight]

I own 3 Rigbys . A 375 H&H Big Game DSB, a 416 Rigby SSB PH and a Highland Stalker in 30-06.

All tack drive. Can’t fault anything on any of them. Beautiful rifles. Have no experience with any of the others.