Distinctive aesthetics
The Rising Bite shotgun is characterised by the unique Rigby patent Rising Bite action, well-regarded for its unique strength and distinctive style. The patent dates back to 1879 and was the brainchild of Thomas Bissell, a gunmaker who collaborated with John Rigby on several projects and made guns for him in the mid-to-late 1800s. The vertical bolt secures the barrels tight to the action face and provides a third bite in addition to the traditional double bolt.
Replicating history
The first new pair of 12-bore Rising Bite shotguns were unveiled at Safari Club International (SCI) Convention in January 2019, at the same event where four years prior Rigby’s Rising Bite double rifle was also unveiled.
After two years in production, the first pair of Rigby Rising Bite shotguns were displayed to the public, before being delivered to their owner. They feature exquisite engravings of birds in flight by engraver Geoffrey Lignon, with supporting Rigby scroll engraving.
The Rising Bite shotgun
Available in 12, 20, 28, 32-bore and .410, each Best sidelock ejector features Rigby’s signature dipped edge lock plates, chopper lump barrels in a choice of barrel length, a traditional English straight-hand grip with hand-chequered butt, inlaid with a silver oval. Traditional “Rigby Scroll” pattern engraving with carved folding leaves on fences, plus every order includes a custom fitting service. Engraving and wood upgrades are available on request.