Rick Schwertfeger keeps tormenting me with erotica from John Rigby & Co.’s launch of their Highland Stalker rifle. It’s doubtless a bit of cold-served revenge for my nagging him to purchase a CZ Mannlicher .22. Note for the record that I am leading him into the temptation of spending around $500. The rifle he’s dangling in front of me runs a little over $8,000.
Ain’t it grand and glorious though? It’s not just the rifle, of course. It’s the Highlands; the mist; the wind; the tweeds; the whisky, the red deer, the hunting lodge — every bit of it.
Hailed as a traditional deerstalking rifle, the new Highland Stalker is inspired by the same smaller calibre rifles Rigby produced at the turn of the 20th century that were used by iconic British adventurers such as Karamojo Bell and Jim Corbett. Rigby regards the Scottish Highlands as the birthplace of stalking and the title befitting the rifle.
Everyone knows Rigby for large calibre hunting rifles, so the notion of introducing a new small calibre edition required considerable thought. After the phenomenal response to last year’s commemorative Corbett rifle, Rigby realised there was a demand for vintage-looking rifles. For that reason it was decided to model the Highland Stalker on the look of the original .275 Rigby, which was the ubiquitous rifle of its time. After three years of R&D, Rigby is extremely proud of the result: the Highland Stalker’s striking slim lines and rounded grip shape gives it a very traditional feel plus its lightweight frame makes it ideal for the hill. Rigby has redefined tradition, ensuring the Highland Stalker will become a modern icon in its own right.
Immerse yourself in a traditional Scottish hunt with our Highland Stalker rifle. #RIGBY #HIGHLANDSTALKER #REDEFININGTRADITION #BLAIRATHOLL #GARRONPONY #GHILLIEFilmed by the incredible Pace Brothers.
Posted by John Rigby & Co. on Sunday, April 8, 2018
Rigby unveiled its latest creation – the Highland Stalker – to the sound of traditional Scottish bagpipes in front of a huge crowd toasting its arrival with a dram of Rigby whisky at IWA OutdoorClassics, which was held in March 2017 in Germany.
Bestill my heart…
The sound of bagpipes, indeed…
Reno Sepulveda says
Beautiful and totally practical.
Also, I noticed the word “regulated” whe referring to the iron sights which reminded me of the proper way to interpret the word in the 2nd amendment. The word refers more to training and competency than rules and restrictions.
JimC says
Correct. Well-regulated = competent.
deuce says
Right you are, Reno.
Paul McNamee says
Elegant simplicity or simply elegant?
Either way.
JimC says
Just the right mixture of the wild and the civilized.
Greg Marshall says
Always thought “regulated” in the context of firearms meant “made to work as designed”, as in regulating the barrels of a double rifle or drilling. (or my childhood Savage 24 which I still own)
JimC says
Right — doubles are “regulated.”
“Made to work as designed” is a good way of looking at the term in its original context.
RLT says
That is a fine rifle. I’m in the market for a new gun myself…but looking for an old single-shot 20 or 12 gauge. For where I live, a better forage / walking around the woods gun you will not find.
And the fact that they go for $60-150 doesn’t hurt either!
JimC says
Just like in the old days, a smoothbore is mighty versatile.
Thomas Eley says
It helps if you order matching bleeks, hunting vest, hunting coat, and stalkers cap and wear them. Check out Al Flaherty’ Outdoor Store on the internet. He’s in Canada. The thing about this match outfit is that it forces you to by an $8,000 rifle or $4,000 shotgun. The, like a little lagniappe, you feel better so you shoot better! I guarantee!
JimC says
The look-good/shoot good principle. It’s real.
J.F. Bell says
Somewhere, way back in one of the safes, I have an unfinished large-ring Mauser with a tragic backstory. The going idea of our senior faculty at the time was that it’d become a ’60s-vintage American Classic. The more well-read among you will read that, correctly, as utter butchery visited on a perfectly serviceable military rifle.
It’s chambered for .243 Winchester now. Too light and unforgivably modern for a proper big game gun. And yet I read these things and wonder if maybe there isn’t a chance it could be a sort of mini-Stalker with a little work.
Almost makes me wish I hadn’t sworn off Mauser work.
Eccentric Cowboy says
I feel your pain pard. Just started working at an awesome place, and behind the gun counter there are a few rows of mighty fine looking rifles, shotguns and pistols batting their eyelashes at me and hiking up their skirts. It’s not easy to resist such temptation, especially day in and day out!
JimC says
Congrats on the gig. Glad to hear you landed somewhere cool.
Brian H. says
So if you play the “Mohican Gael” at the same time you’re watching the Rigby vid…it synchs perfectly. My old man worked in Scotland for awhile. Made him an Brit geek-anglophile for life. It’d be a-ma-zing to go there to hunt and fish. New Zealand is a near same blood sport field but without the history and tweeds (of course it has it’s own history, good waxed cotton works everywhere, not (needing) to mention whiskey). Oh and yeah, sweet rifle. Next you’ll show us some reborn .318 Westley Richards.
JimC says
I will re-watch with the Gael running.
deuce says
THAT is a very sweet weapon. Now where did I set that eight grand…
Dave Allen says
The rifle is exquisite in its workmanship and simplicity of its function! Especially so since we hunters and riflemen have had so many stainless barrels and synthetic stocks forced upon us. Watching the hunters with those fine Rigbys in the Highlands after the red deer and listening to the pipes made my day. Thanks Jim
a note; Just sent in my federal and state taxes for considerably more than the price of the Rigby. Would much rather have sent that money to John Rigby and Co.
JimC says
Certainly would be $$ better spent. Glad you enjoyed.