Description:
Jack O'Connor's personal .416 Rigby Magnum on a Brevex Magnum Mauser action with metalwork by Tom Burgess and stock by Bob Johnson. Supported by detailed documentation, serial 66179 is a magnificent piece of hunting history which can rightfully command the rack-center position from any of the world's the finest firearm collections. O'Connor used this rifle to take his only elephant, finest lion and last Cape buffalo. Features include a 24-inch barrel with ramped front sight, "sweated on" barrel-mounted sling swivel stud and island rear sight with adjustable fixed leaf. The stock begins with an ebony forend tip that transitions into a properly shaped and dimensioned forearm, and the butt has a gracefully scalloped and shadowlined cheekpiece. Checkering is fine, a borderless pattern that wraps around the forearm and panels the grip, each area in turn accented with arrows. The pistol grip ends in a checkered metal cap and the stock concludes in a one-inch pad mounted on a widow's peak plate. The action itself features a jeweled bolt body and follower, straight bolt handle with two checkered teardrops, two position wing safety and a Canjar trigger. Weight is 10.4 pounds and length of pull is 13.5 inches. CONDITION: Overall condition is at least 95%, with some evidence of field service. The bore shows strong and bright. DOCUMENTATION: Copy of letter from O'Connor dated 3/1/73 regarding the preliminary sale of this rifle to the present owner, stating his intentions to use the rifle on safari later that year. (In fact, the rifle had been promised to another who delayed picking it up. Just after this letter was written, the fellow wanted to close the sale and Jack agreed. Some years later, the current owner tracked the rifle down and managed to complete his purchase.)
The purchaser will receive a letter detailing specifics and history, and the following inclusions. PUBLICATIONS: Photocopy of Outdoor Life 1/70 feature "Elephants on the Zambezi" which chronicles bringing this rifle into play on elephant. It also mentions the scope, a Weaver 2.5x that still remains mounted and capable of service. Photocopy of Outdoor Life 2/70 feature "Cliff-Hanging Lion" covers the .416's use on his best lion and also makes reference to the Weaver scope. Photocopy of Outdoor Life 1/70 column "One-Rifle Safaris" that makes several references to the rifle. Photocopy of Hunting Guns 1991 (annual by Outdoor Life) feature "A Full House On Lions" with references to the rifle. Photocopy of Gun Notes, Volume 1, and a "letter" circa 1970 from O'Connor to Truman Fowler (who published Elmer Keith's "Safari") stating he had only owned two .416s (meaning Rigby Magnums). The subject rifle is the second of those. True copy of Gun Digest 1970 which carries the story "The Killing Power Controversy" and a one half page photo treatment of the subject rifle that details features and handloading information. PHOTOGRAPHS: Spectacular color 8x10 print of O'Connor, the rifle and his last Cape buffalo. B&W 8x10 print of the rifle resting across the boss of the last buffalo (Zambia, 1969). Color 8x10 and 5x7 prints of Jack with his only elephant. Although taken with the .416, he is holding his wife's rifle in the photo. Color 5x7 print of O'Connor with his finest lion. In this image, Jack is cradling the rifle. Wonderful 8x10 print of O'Connor and his best lion, the rifle appearing in detail in the foreground. Several (color and B&W) studio images of the rifle, no doubt intended for publication. B&W 5x7 studio print of Rigby (brand) ammunition which appears in the O'Connor's book "The Hunting Rifle". AMMUNITION: Rigby - 28 vintage rounds of yellow/black box .410-grain solids. Rigby - 7 vintage rounds of brown box hollow points. HANDLOADS: partial box of .378 Weatherby Magnum formed to .416 Rigby with Jack's handwritten (faint) loading information. Also two boxes of current Federal ammo and Lyman dies. Price firm. Layaway considered. Photo package by request.
Condition:
Used, Minor Wear
Brand:
Custom
Caliber:
.41 (other)
Location:
MT
Trades Accepted: Fine bolt & double rifles, handguns, hunting books
Shipping Notes: See Description
Each item is listed at the lowest acceptable price and will remain firm.
When specifically indicated in the listing description, layaway purchases are welcome - subject to an agreeable timeline. (Usual terms are 1/3 plus shipping down, with 1/3 at 30 days and balance at 60 days.) Other suggestions will be given every consideration.
Wire transfers are accepted.
Personal checks are accepted ( a 10-day bank hold is required).
No sales tax is required.
California purchases are welcome.
Unless specifically approved, p
