You never know what you’ll find at Gunbroker.com. While a lot of the shotguns there don’t interest me, every now and then something special pops up–like this.
It’s a John Rigby & Co hammerless sidelock built on a Rigby-Bissel rising bite action with a snap-action underlever and Purdey-style bites.
To open the gun, you push forward the lever that wraps over the triggerguard. After the gun is fired, doing this also cocks the hammers.
Overall, this SxS shotgun is stunning. But what really impresses is the engraving. Fantastic. Just look at how tight and well laid out it is. Check out how much depth it has.
John Rigby & Co is the oldest gunmaking firm in continuous existence in the English-speaking world. (Yes, Beretta is older, but they speak Italian.) Founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 1775, Rigby patented their legendary Rigby-Bissel rising bite action in 1879 and built them regularly until 1910.
In that time, about 1,000 guns and rifles were built using the patent (this side-by-side is the 205th they built). While the rising-bite was famous for its strength, it required extensive hand–which made it very expensive to build. Rigby reintroduced their rising-bite action in 2015 and the company is still building them today. Prices start at £95,000.
Excellent Vintage Rigby Rising Bite 12 gauge Side-by-Side British Shotgun: Rare and beautiful Vintage Rigby “Third Rising Bite” Sidelock 12 bore double game gun. Gun # 15441 (ca. 1884) is an English “BEST” and is about as good as it gets. Lightweight at just 6 lbs, 8 oz. using the smooth-topped “Snap” action with the legendary Bissell’s 1879 patent Third Rising Bite (usage # 205) and Purdey double underbites. About as strong an action there is – the same lock-up used on their legendary double rifles.
Features trademark beveled Rigby “Dipped” lock plates and the Old English script lettering that Rigby is known for. Perfectly laid out deep-cut scroll and signature carved Fern fences and action body are as about as good as it gets! Fore end is splinter type with perfect borders and desirable Rigby’s “Patent” throw lever.
CONDITION: Excellent as tastefully and professionally restored without sacrificing that aged-in look coveted by vintage collectors. Original 30” fluid compressed steel barrels with maker’s name and London and Dublin addresses in bold script on the top rib. Nitro proved barrels have 100% of their restored deep rust blue.
BARREL LENGTH: 30″ CHAMBERS: 2 3/4″ BORE DIAMETERS: L. .735 R. .739 MIN WALLS: L. .025 R. .025 (one small spot near muzzle on underside @ .021 likely an old dent repair) CHOKES: L. .015 R. .000 (true Cylinder)
Original, highly figured French walnut stocks are excellent as lightly re-oiled – no cracks/dings. Checkering is sharp & near perfect with a VG, nicely aged, original horn butt plate. Straight grip stock measures: 14 1/8” x 2” x 3” at heel.
Mechanically excellent, timed screws are VG and everything is tight and functioning properly. Cased in an English made, custom-fitted all-leather case with stitched corners, wool felt lined with shot card and trade label all of which are excellent (case alone is worth $600). Has several accessories which include a near perfect vintage sling complete with forged sling-hooks to match the factory loops on the gun – rare find indeed!
Also, has vintage A&F “New York” marked snap caps in excellent condition. I’m the owner, so I’m open to trade offers on Manton / Purdey double muzzleloader shotguns; flint or Percussion in shootable condition. Here’s a chance to get ahold of a real-deal Rigby classic from the heyday of English gun making! NOTE: This is the only Rising Bite Rigby shotgun on the market today! Don’t miss out!