Rigby's Big Game vs Heym Express

[Milan]

I emphasize "My feeling."

You are more than entitled to your feelings, especially where I share them, as I do in this case. However, you don't qualify your statement about Rigby as also being a feeling, but rather, you present it as a fact. That's a debate we could have, but my guess is you would find that the Rigby people were and are trying, as much as anyone can, to ensure that the quality matches the name. They have not always succeeded with every rifle - every new venture has its ups and downs - but I think it is both wrong and unfair to suggest they set out to revive a name and ride it.



I guess I've learned my lesson. In future, when I'm buying a gun, I'll make sure to consider the whole package and not just the stock. Then I'll make sure to say that even though I really like beautiful wood on a stock, the gun also has to shoot well, otherwise people will think I'm I don't know what I'm talking about. Or something. But you know what - that Rigby really can shoot, and has taken at least two buffalo, a hippo and a couple of giraffes, as well as some odds and ends like a Natal red duiker. How lucky am I!

Oh boy. I must have struck a chord somewhere. Never my intention. Let's see if I can address the sore points:
Starting with "My feeling" and putting things in a paragraph was meant to say the feeling applies to all statements in that paragraph. So not trying to present facts. Sorry. Just my opinions. Now, maybe Rigby's intention was to succeed with the product (let's assume that even large corporations like Remington do not set out to build a "bad" product). I can even go as far as saying they build a magnificent product (btw that is also just my opinion). Happy? I just like that Heym even more so. That's all.

As to the stock, I was simply trying to imply, that I would take Heym with cheaper stock over a Rigby with expensive stock, even though I liked the look of the wood on a Rigby better. Again, I was not implying you or anyone else don't know what they're doing when picking beautifully stocked rifles. Sheeesh.

And lastly, my posts on public forums are never aimed at anyone in particular. If they are, I will say so. Even, this section, while reply to you Hank2211, is meant to clarify my opinions for anybody else inclined to be offended. And yes, lucky you. I wish I had a Rigby...

Milan speaking of wishes. I see that we share the same birthday except mine is exactly 20 yrs earlier. Want to trade?

Aaaah....No. But thanks. I myself wish I was 20 years younger still.

 

[Riksa]

Thanks for the answers. Good to get opinions of many while trying to form my own decision. And I'm sure I would be happy with either rifle, it's just which one overall would make more sense (to me) and where to focus when actually trying these rifles in the Spring.

@Hank2211, I think I saw somewhere some data about the accuracy of your rifle (my memory might also be playing tricks...). How did that shoot? Are you using factory ammo with the Rigby and if yes, which one has worked best in terms of accuracy?

What about others, what is your experience when it comes to accuracy of these rifles? And yes, I know that extreme accuracy is not so important for dangerous game, but frankly for me it is somewhat important. It's mental, but I shoot better when I know I'm behind an accurate rifle.

And I have to admit that the history part in Rigby is pushing my buttons. Getting Rigby rifle in .416 Rigby and hunting Lion and Elephant with that would certainly be nice.

 

[Red Leg]

A bit off the specific DG rifle question, but my modern Rigby is a Highland Stalker. However, like every Rigby rifle, past or present, that I have fired or observed, it shoots. And to think it does that with a tacky/fancy stock.

100 meters/ .275 Rigby/ 170 gr

 

[Hank2211]

Oh boy. I must have struck a chord somewhere. Never my intention. Let's see if I can address the sore points:
Starting with "My feeling" and putting things in a paragraph was meant to say the feeling applies to all statements in that paragraph. So not trying to present facts. Sorry. Just my opinions. Now, maybe Rigby's intention was to succeed with the product (let's assume that even large corporations like Remington do not set out to build a "bad" product). I can even go as far as saying they build a magnificent product (btw that is also just my opinion). Happy? I just like that Heym even more so. That's all.

As to the stock, I was simply trying to imply, that I would take Heym with cheaper stock over a Rigby with expensive stock, even though I liked the look of the wood on a Rigby better. Again, I was not implying you or anyone else don't know what they're doing when picking beautifully stocked rifles. Sheeesh.

And lastly, my posts on public forums are never aimed at anyone in particular. If they are, I will say so. Even, this section, while reply to you Hank2211, is meant to clarify my opinions for anybody else inclined to be offended. And yes, lucky you. I wish I had a Rigby...



Aaaah....No. But thanks. I myself wish I was 20 years younger still.

I am perhaps a little sensitive today . . .

 

[Hank2211]

Thanks for the answers. Good to get opinions of many while trying to form my own decision. And I'm sure I would be happy with either rifle, it's just which one overall would make more sense (to me) and where to focus when actually trying these rifles in the Spring.

@Hank2211, I think I saw somewhere some data about the accuracy of your rifle (my memory might also be playing tricks...). How did that shoot? Are you using factory ammo with the Rigby and if yes, which one has worked best in terms of accuracy?

What about others, what is your experience when it comes to accuracy of these rifles? And yes, I know that extreme accuracy is not so important for dangerous game, but frankly for me it is somewhat important. It's mental, but I shoot better when I know I'm behind an accurate rifle.

And I have to admit that the history part in Rigby is pushing my buttons. Getting Rigby rifle in .416 Rigby and hunting Lion and Elephant with that would certainly be nice.

Riksa, I'm not sure I posted anything like what @Red Leg did about accuracy . . . but I will say that the rifle shoots better than I can, which might not be saying a lot, but I have never doubted that if I did my job, it would more than do its job. I've used Federal Premium loaded with Barnes TSX and I believe the same in TBBC. All 400 grains. We don't get a lot of choice in Canada, especially for calibers like this.

I agree that you should not let people tell you that because it's a dangerous game gun, accuracy isn't that important. A reasonable amount of accuracy - given the trajectories of these bullets - is not only necessary, it shows that some care has been taken in the making of the rifle. And that's important. Note as well that I shot a red duiker with mine. I could have used my .300, but didn't want to destroy the trophy. And there was some distance involved in that shot. So, as they say, stick to your guns!

 

[Milan]

I am perhaps a little sensitive today . . .

No worries. We all have our days. Enjoy your Rigby.

 

[sierraone]

Since it seems that this thread has become concentrated on accuracy, I am 99 percent sure that either the Heym or the Rigby (unless a factory lemon) is capable of shooting a tighter group than I can. Since I am admitting this personal fault, I will gladly accept a donation of either rifle for Christmas!

 

[Hank2211]

Since it seems that the post has become concentrated on accuracy, I am 99 percent sure that either the Heym or the Rigby (unless a factory lemon) is capable of shooting a tighter group than I can. Since I am admitting this personal fault, I will gladly accept a donation of either rifle for Christmas!

If admitting faults got me a rifle, I'd have more than filled up the house ages ago!

 

[tarbe]

This could turn into a Raquel vs Sophia fight!

 

[BobT]

I voted Rigby but I really can't say why other than nostalgia. I'm quite sure I would be happy with either one.

 

[lockingblock]

Rigby.

100% Rigby

Why? Because Rigby actually answers email.

When I was shopping for a big rifle, years ago, I emailed...called...left messages...Heym wouldn’t even respond.

Then, more recently, I was looking to buy another...a few very simple questions about options...and crickets again.

I was willing to pay full price, wait for delivery...I just wanted the common courtesy of a response.


Rigby, on the other hand, very polite, quick response, clear features, prices, photos...excellent customer service.


What I wonder....Mauser. In their catalogs from a year or two back, in the downloads section, they had some very nice rifles...an “English Classic” version. I never saw one in person and the local dealer in the US had no idea....but that’s really tempting.

 

[sierraone]

@lockingblock ...You are absolutely correct. When you contact Rigby, a person will respond, whether by phone or email. I have never had a reason to contact Heym, but some AH members have ordered double rifles from them and based on their posts they appear to have good communications. But then again with a $20,000 + purchase in the process, they better have!

 

[Riksa]

Rigby in London has been very responsive. Their reseller in Sweden was a dissapointment in communication. Heym reseller in Finland has been good too. And in this price level the communication and all service is very important. You simply don't spend the money just to get poor service.

 

[The_Wanderer]

Rigby- History, Class, Craftmanship. To throw a spanner into the works have you considered a Mauser 98?

 

[Riksa]

Rigby- History, Class, Craftmanship. To throw a spanner into the works have you considered a Mauser 98?

I have, but that didn't do the trick for me. A nice rifle (and I'd be happy to own one), but I'd still prefer Rigby over that one.

 

[matt85]

i voted Heym

ive handled both rifles and don't feel either would perform poorly. the Heym rifle did feel like it might be a bit more durable but that might have just been those particular rifles. I also prefer the looks of the Heym bolt action rifle over the Rigby. Heym has taken pretty good care of me both before and after I ordered a double from them. my only gripe about Heym has to be the wait time... been waiting 14 months for my rifle.

-matt

 

[Milan]

Mauser was the first I looked at. Unfortunately, they did not have any rifles here, only a catalogue. Plus the price at the time was on par with Rigby. So then I think I'd prefer Rigby. Really, I'd be fine with any of them...it would be nice to be able to try all 3 properly.

 

[Tokoloshe Safaris]

Which ever one you buy be sure it feeds correctly. It would also be nice to actually shoulder the rifle. You also might think of resale.You never know what the future holds.

 

[neckdeep]

I have handled the Heym, it is a very nice weapon. The barrel contour in 375 is a bit heavy but is perfect in 404. I came very close to buying one in 375 but didn't. If I needed a 404 it would be the one. don't know anything about the Rigby

 

[Accidental Villain]

No doubt in my mind. The Rigby. Some ears ago I had a deadly wounded bear on top of my shoes and because of the optical wonder on top of my rifle I was not able to fire a finisher. No scratch on me and I`m still here in one piece but I promised myself then and there that I would NEVER EVER hunt DG again with optics. Stricktly open iron sights here. So I´m very particular about what I`m using. I`ve handed both rifles. The Heym I was handling had traditional Express sights (I guess you could have it delivered with a quarter rib?) The express sight is a good option but a quarter rib is definitely better. The best quarter rib is in my mind Rigby`s.