#Risingbite

[rigbyguns]

Rigby’s legendary Rising Bite rifle returns

After an 82-year break, John Rigby & Co. has resumed building the iconic Rising Bite double rifle. So called because of its unique, and uniquely strong, vertical-bolt locking system, the Rising Bite was Rigby’s top model and one of the most famous double guns in the world a century ago. Regular Rising Bite production ended by 1914, after about a thousand had been produced; the costs of manufacturing had risen too far. The last original Rigby Rising Bite rifles ­– a pair, in .405 Winchester and .350 No. 2 calibres – were made by special order for the Maharaja of Karauli in 1932.

To ensure that new rifles are true continuations, Rigby precisely reverse-engineered a Rising Bite that had been delivered to the Maharana of Udaipur in 1902. That pristine action is being replicated in modern, top-quality steel with state-of-the-art technology and a master’s hand and eye.

At its London workshop, Rigby now has 21 Rising Bite rifles in production in .470 and .500 Nitro Express calibres. Many have already been reserved by hunters, collectors and enthusiasts. New Rising Bite rifles will take up to three years to make, and prices start at £95,000.

Under Marc Newton, Rigby’s Managing Director, the revival of the Rising Bite is being supervised by Ed Workman, Rigby’s head of production.

Marc Newton said: “These rifles are extremely special, very hard to make, and a once-in-a-lifetime purchase for collectors and connoisseurs of Rigby guns. I am delighted we have launched this exciting project and would like personally to thank everyone involved, particularly collector Davis Peterson and historian Steve Helsley, both in the United States. The Rising Bite brings all of the finest elements of the gunmakers’ skills to bear on wood and metal. That we are once again producing this benchmark rifle firmly cements John Rigby & Company in the London gunmaking premiership.”

The new Rising Bite will debut at Safari Club International 2016 in Las Vegas.

*Please note: these images are of an original Rising Bite, not a new model.