SCI 2016-Marc Newton: John Rigby & Co.

Every now and then, like the blind pig finding an acorn, we stumble across an opportunity to experience something special in the world of firearms with historical significance and importance. Such was the case for me at the recent 2016 SCI Convention. The circumstances that unfolded were somewhat unexpected and it was a great honor and experience.

I was meeting with my friend Marc Newton at the SCI Convention. Marc is the Managing Director of John Rigby & Company. Marc’s team of London craftsmen had begun working on a .275 Rigby restore and refurbish project of mine a few months ago. As my timeline was not pressing, I had previously asked Marc to move my project to the warming platter while they continued to focus their attention on completing the 2^nd of the World Heritage Rifle Series being donated by John Rigby & Company for the SCI’s 44^th Annual Hunters’ Convention. Rigby was building a donation piece to celebrate the Indian subcontinent while representing the .275 Rigby and Jim Corbett. Jim Corbett is of course a writer, conservationist, and hunter known for killing man-eating tigers in the Kumaon region.

The World Heritage Rifle Series is a five year collaboration between SCI and premier rifle makers. It consists of five custom built rifles that represent the very best of the gunmaker’s craft. They represent one of the five hunting continents of the Americas, Africa, Asia, Europe, and Oceania. The 1^st rifle built in the series was to celebrate Africa and was built by John Bollinger Sr. and Jr. The 2015 auction sale of that rifle raised $140,000.00 USD for SCI projects. The 2^nd rifle to be crafted for the series, as shown above, is being built by John Rigby & Company honoring Asia. It is built on a classic single-square-bridge Mauser action with a 25 inch Classic Rigby barrel. The rifle has jungle themed engraving of illustrations taken from Corbett’s books. It was scheduled for auction during the 2016 SCI Convention.

I had intended to meet with Marc, enjoy the beautiful work done on the John Rigby London Best Corbett Commemorative Rifle and perhaps chat some about my build project. I knew that Jim Corbett’s personal .275 Rigby that was presented to him by Sir J.P. Hewett KCSI, Lieutenant Governor of the United Provinces, in gratitude for killing the man-eating tigress of Champawat in 1907 would also be present. It’s worth noting this tigress had killed a reported 436 people. This is the same rifle that Corbett used in 1926 to kill the infamous Rudraprayag leopard that had killed more than 125 people.

As luck would have it I would not only have the opportunity to lay my hands on Jim Corbett’s personal .275 Rigby but also another of his fine personal rifles. While chatting with Bill Jones he asked if I would like to handle Corbett’s .450/400 double rifle. This rifle was used by Corbett in Africa and India. It had been used to kill many man-eating tigers for the Indian government. It was also used to kill the Thak man-eater shot by Corbett in 1938, the last man-eater to be killed by Corbett. As a smile tore across my face with a rush of excitement I of course could hardly contain myself. The display case had already been opened and the Jeffery boxlock was resting in my hands before I could wipe the silly grin off my face.

While rifles are a tool made from a piece of wood and steel being able to see, feel, and hold history in your own hands is something that is always difficult to describe. It is an experience that never dims and is always one that I never forget. This was one of those moments for me as I rubbed the stock, caressed the action and barrels as if they were alive, and threw the rifle to my shoulder and looked over the sights. A sight picture and experience that will be forever ingrained in my memory. It is something that I wish everyone could experience. I snapped a few pictures to photographically capture the moment with the .275 Rigby and the Jeffery .450/400 double but the photos do not do the experience justice.

The Rigby booth was alive and active during the convention. Rigby did a spectacular job presenting their work and hosting those who stopped by their booth. I received word that the auction for the John Rigby London Best Corbett Commemorative Rifle was a success. The rifle sold for $250,000.00 USD at the 2016 SCI auction where it was jointly purchased by husband and wife Brian and Denise Welker. The rifle was auctioned with a best-quality English leather case and accessories, a beautiful credenza built by Julian and Sons, a set of Corbett books commissioned by Rigby, and an original oil on canvas by David Southgate of the “Last Moments of the Champawat Man Eater.”

A very successful convention for John Rigby & Company and all those who were a part of the event. Jim Corbett National Park in India will be receiving a donation from the proceeds of the Corbett book sales. Rigby purchased the painting from Mr. Southgate who will be donating proceeds from the sale to tiger conservation in Jim Corbett National Park.

The picture above is of Noel Maxx artistically posing with Jim Corbett's rifles at the SCI Convention Rigby booth. Noel is holding two of Corbett’s wonderful and well known rifles. The rifles are the Jim Corbett W.J. Jeffery boxlock in .450/400 3” used to kill many man-eating tigers and also the .275 rifle Jim Corbett was presented for shooting the man-eating tigress of Champawat by Sir John Hewett. This rifle also accounted for many man-eaters by Corbett. Noel is a huge fan of Jim Corbett and Rigby and came in touch with Marc Newton of John Rigby and Company.  Noel lives in Texas and is a hunter conservationist.

Another treat for those who stopped by the John Rigby & Company booth was the opportunity to see the debut of the Rigby Rising Bite double rifle. Production of this double had stopped in 1910 due to the rising cost to manufacture the rifle. Rigby has now resumed building this iconic double rifle.

Special thanks and recognition:

Ryan Harris, Owner of Global Safari Films. Ryan operated our camera to capture several images on our behalf. http://globalsafarifilms.com/

Various Jim Corbett .275 Rigby & Rigby Rising Bite close-up photos and auction winner photo courtesy of John Rigby & Co/Copyright John Rigby & Company, London, England, http://www.johnrigbyandco.com/

Auction photos Jim Corbett Jeffery .450/400 NE close-up photos courtesy of James D. Julia Auctioneers, Fairfield, Maine, www.jamesdjulia.com

Carter’s W.A.R. - Wild Animal Response

A few months ago I spoke with my good friend Ivan Carter regarding a new undertaking of his in collaboration with the Outdoor Channel and Shockey Productions. We discussed various aspects of the project that sounded quite interesting. I believe it will be an exciting production of great value. Those of us who believe in wildlife conservation through hunting and the challenges to wildlife in Africa will be able to relate in some instances and also learn more.

Just last week I was speaking with Ivan again. He noted that the first episode of Carter’s W.A.R. - Wild Animal Response will air on the Outdoor Channel December 28, 2015. Ivan was completing filming of the last and final episode for season one. The final episode of the series will be exploring the lion cattle conflict in various parts of Africa.

Ivan mentioned how this project started to take on a life of its own and sadly how he saw and experienced some very harsh realities. Realities that strengthen one’s resolve to do as much as possible to try and help expose the issues and support those engaged with the solutions on the front line.

Reflecting, Ivan shared that possibly the most memorable and at the same time humbling thing about filming this series was getting to know the incredible people on the front line. These individuals fight the fight every day often pushing hugely long hours on small budgets. He noted that it was and is an honor to represent these people. Ivan hopes that by highlighting what’s truly happening it will in some way translate into support for those engaged in the battle.

Here is a quick glimpse into the new series. Carter’s W.A.R. - Wild Animal Response is the untold story of one man’s quest to save his homeland—the world's most wild continent. Africa is dying. She is dying from the unrelenting poachers butchering elephants for their tusks and rhinos for their horns, to her exploding human population that is pushing itself into conflict with dangerous animals. One man in the middle risks his own life to expose the truth and make a difference. Watch as wildlife detective and professional hunter Ivan Carter takes you inside the real Africa. Journey to the front lines of the wars being waged against its wildlife and those fighting for it. Can Carter's quest to save Africa succeed? Tune in to Carter’s W.A.R. - Wild Animal Response to find out.

carters WAR season 1 trailer from Ivan carter on Vimeo.

Skinning Bear for Shoulder Mount

Learn how to skin bear for a shoulder mount to properly prepare for your taxidermist.  This information has been provided by our friends at Dick's Taxidermy.

You can view other videos from Dick’s Taxidermy on our Blog video Page or by searching YouTube.

Skinning Bear Paws

Learn how to skin bear paws to properly field prep them for your taxidermist.  This information has been provided by our friends at Dick's Taxidermy. 

You can view other videos from Dick’s Taxidermy on our Blog video Page or by searching YouTube.

2015 Safari Rifle Challenge World Championships: Final Report

The 2015 Safari Rifle Challenge drew to a close and was another great success enjoyed by all! This year’s First Place-Overall shooter was Sam Shaw from Washington. Sam did a great job and shot his way through the competition using his Winchester Model 70 Safari Express in .416 Remington Magnum. His rifle was scoped with an older Redfield wide view in 1 ¾ X 5. Sam fed his rifle with 75 grains of 3031 ignited by Remington Large Magnum Primers pushing 350 Grain Speer Hot-Cor Mag-Tip bullets at 2400 FPS.

 The Match Director, Jay Sheffield, provided an update with photos that I have posted below:

Well the 5th annual Safari Rifle Challenge is in the record books. We had 73 registered participants from Montana, Idaho, Texas, Florida, California, Missouri and even a few guys from Canada. All had come to compete for both fame and glory. Top shooter was Sam Shaw of Brewster Washington with a score of 181, second place was John Harma of Montana (178) and 3rd place to NRA Western Region Director Brad Kruger of Sandpoint Idaho (177).

Shawn Joyce of Diizche Safari Adventures stepped up again this year and provided us with several boxes of great gear and is also the title sponsor of our first place trophy. Jeff Sipe of Montana Rifle Company was letting all of the competitors shoot any of the display rifles including their monstrous Flat Brake 505 Gibbs model with all ammo provided FREE by Norma USA. Randy Anderson of Vortex was on hand to discuss their line of optics and donated some outstanding binoculars and scopes for our lunch time raffle. Andy Larsson of Skinner Sights donated several custom rifle bags as well as the winner’s choice of any custom sight in the catalog. Ruger apparel and products were flying off the table, as were the whole series of Mark Sullivan hunting videos!

Our local high school clay target team members worked tirelessly throughout the day moving equipment, patching targets and generally keeping the match moving smoothly. Our shooters showed their appreciation of that effort by purchasing $600 in raffle tickets to support them. These kids recently returned from the state shoot with several 1st and 3rd place trophies in trap, skeet and sporting clays!

Here are a few photos of the event and I will try to post some video later. The crowd favorite "charging buffalo" was cable driven with remote control forward/reverse and variable speed. Set at its highest speed it was coming at you so fast from 35yds that many folks never got off their second shot. The 40 yard shot at the small water bottle on the ground was made more challenging by the 1 gallon jug that was released before the shoot command and was now sliding towards you at 20mph for your second shot. A few folks got wet when it was shot point blank! The crossing elephant was quite challenging and of course the "charging water jug cart" is always popular. Champion/ATK provided all of our self-sealing targets and those various circles, diamonds and large hanging balls took an absolute pounding. They truly can be shot literally hundreds of times and yet remain totally serviceable.

For those that are curious, this was the 2015 course of fire:

Stage 1 Checking Zero, Distance is 45 yards. Round count is 2. Scoring will be the actual number shown on the paper target. Starting position will be with an empty rifle, safety off, pointed at the target in a normal shooting stance. On the shoot command you will load and fire one round then reload and fire the second round. After firing, muzzle will be pointed up during scoring and during your return to the gun racks.

Stage 2 Sliding Jug and Small Bottle, Distance is 20 and 30 yards. Round count is 2. Scoring will be 10 points per bottle/jug that is hit and explodes. Starting position will be low ready with 2 rounds in the rifle, safety on, finger off the trigger. On command, shoot the small water bottle then the sliding jug. Muzzle up, return to gun rack.

Stage 3 Charging Buffalo, Distance is 35 yards and closing. Round count is 2. Scoring will be actual points earned on the paper target. Starting position will be low ready with 2 rounds in the rifle. On command, fire two rounds at the charging buffalo. Muzzle pointed up during scoring and return to the gun rack.

Stage 4 DuraSeal Diamonds, Distance is 30, 10 and 20 yards. Round count is 3. Scoring will be 10 points per 5 inch target hit. Start on the right hand side of the range with one round loaded, safety on, low ready position. On shoot command, fire at the 30 yard target then with empty rifle, muzzle up, move quickly to the middle position. Load and fire one round at target then with muzzle up move to the third position, load one round and fire. Muzzle up and return to gun rack.

Stage 5 Charging Jug Cart, Distance is 20 yards and closing. Round count is 2. Scoring will be 10 points per exploding jug. Two shooters with 2 rounds in gun. Low ready position, safety on. Shoot the jug on your side of the cart then be the first to shoot the middle jug. Muzzle up and return to gun rack.

Stage 6 Crossing Elephant and DuraSeal Ball, Distance 20 and 25 yards, round count is 2. Scoring is actual number on paper target, 10 points for 5 inch DuraSeal ball. Starting position is low ready with 2 rounds in the gun, safety on. On command, you may aim at the crossing elephant but do not shoot until it is PASSING BETWEEN THE ORANGE CONES. Then fire second round at the hanging DuraSeal ball. Muzzle up during scoring and return to gun rack.

Stage 7 Fast Blast, Distance is 15, 35 and 45 yards. Round count is 3. Scoring is 10 points per exploded jug or DuraSeal hit. Starting position is two shooters with 2 rounds in their guns, safety on, low ready. On command, shoot the 45 yard jug then 35 yard jug. Reload one round and shoot the orange 3 inch DuraSeal diamond. Muzzle up and return to gun rack.

Stage 8 Pandemonium, Distance is 25, 30 and 40 yards. Round count is 3. Scoring is 10 points per target hit and 10 points if a shooter explodes the 2 liter bottle. Starting position is two shooters with 2 rounds in gun, safety on, low ready. On command, shoot the 25 yard hanging DuraSeal ball then the 30 yard hanging DuraSeal diamond. If you hit both DuraSeal targets then speed load one round and be the first to shoot the 40 yard bottle. Muzzle up and return to gun rack.

Stage 9 Long Shot, Distance 80 yards, round count 2. Scoring is 10 points for hitting the 1 liter bottle with your first shot, 5 points if it is your second try. Starting position is one round in gun, safety on, low ready. Shot must be taken off hand. Reload and fire again if necessary. Muzzle up, return to gun rack.

Next year, the 2016 Safari Rifle Challenge World Championships will again be held in Libby, Montana at the Libby Rod and Gun Club. The event is always held on the second Sunday in July. There is a large community fund raising concert every year on the second Saturday so they piggy-back with that to give shooters something else to enjoy while they are visiting Libby, Montana. Jay Sheffield (Match Director) puts on an exciting and enjoyable event.

If you have not had the opportunity to attend one of the shoots in beautiful Libby, Montana, then we hope you will make plans to do so in 2016. If you want to be added to the (confidential) email list, just drop Jay a line at safaririflechallenge@yahoo.com

We hope to see you next year!