Is This The BEST Big Game Rifle?

Welcome to Ron Spomer Outdoors! Is This The Best Big Game Rifle? We will fully break down the 416 Rigby and uncover the truth about this big game rifle.
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Who is Ron Spomer
For 44 years I’ve had the good fortune to photograph and write about my passion - the outdoor life. Wild creatures and wild places have always stirred me - from the first flushing pheasant that frightened me out of my socks in grandpa’s cornfield to the last whitetail that dismissed me with a wag of its tail. In my attempts to connect with this natural wonder, to become an integral part of our ecosystem and capture a bit of its mystery, I’ve photographed, hiked, hunted, birded, and fished across much of this planet. I've seen the beauty that everyone should see, survived adventures that everyone should experience. I may not have climbed the highest mountains, canoed the wildest rivers, caught the largest fish or shot the biggest bucks, but I’ve tried. Perhaps you have, too. And that’s the essential thing. Being out there, an active participant in our outdoor world.
Produced by: Red 11 Media - www.red11media.com/
Disclaimer
All loading, handloading, gunsmithing, shooting and associated activities and demonstrations depicted in our videos are conducted by trained, certified, professional gun handlers, instructors, and shooters for instructional and entertainment purposes only with emphasis on safety and responsible gun handling. Always check at least 3 industry handloading manuals for handloading data, 2 or 3 online ballistic calculators for ballistic data. Do not modify any cartridge or firearm beyond what the manufacturer recommends. Do not attempt to duplicate, mimic, or replicate anything you see in our videos. Firearms, ammunition, and constituent parts can be extremely dangerous if not used safely.

[@MBCGRS]

My father was a PH a long time ago... He brought me a 416 Rigby for my 21st birthday. He loved the caliber & was still shooting it in his 80s. Every time I take that old girl for a walk, it reminds me of him...

[@doubled6595]

The timeless controlled round feed Mauser 98 African rifle, quintessential walnut and blued steel beauty. Gorgeous.

[@JamesJones-cx5pk]

That's a beautiful rifle. Thanks Ron. I turned 50 this year and bought myself an o/u shotgun. It came with a beautiful Turkish fiddleback walnut stock. So your viewers will know. I ordered a two screw sling stud from Tally for $30. It comes with two pieces. I drilled and used a few small chisels to make it flush. It ads a touch of class.👍

[@GoetzFamilyAsia]

I went hunting in the Czech Republic in the 90s with a Ruger No. 1 with Mannlicher stock and 20" barrel and caliber 7x57mm. I shot a roe buck there at 180 m. 7x57 is a good hunting cartridge. I also had a pre-war Mauser in 7x57 (1937) and an FN Mauser in 9.3x62 caliber. Sako are good weapons too. Back then, I had a Sako 375 H&H converted to the 404 Jeffery caliber by a Nuremberg gunsmith. I had a Ruger #1 in .416 Rigby too. I am a German from Franconia and now live in Thailand.

[@jamesedwards6269]

I’ll drooling over that stock. ❤❤❤

[@kareldebures7006]

A beautiful rifle that I most definitely envy the owner of! An owner who has excellent taste!

[@johnkertzman3223]

The best part of that rifles is that it's american-made by a bunch of great people at Parkwest arms! I recently visited them to have them work on a older Dakota that was having some feeding issues and the guys happily fixed the problem I was having and replace the firing pin spring. If it wasn't for the fact I have a Cape buffalo hunt to pay for next year, I would have went home with a brand-new 416 Rigby. They're awesome people that make an awesome Rifle!

[@darrellr6854]

That is a very nice rifle. Honestly Ron, what I would really like to see, and your really good about it, is the history of some of these rifles you show on your channel. I know some of these rifles have been around for a long time. Sure it's extremely expensive but they have history, animals taken, close calls, owners that that have been through wars, depressions, what have you. I can imagine that would be tough to research but dang, that would be a really good video.

[@firethecoach8800]

Forgotten weapons ians amazing and does such a good job with his vidoes

[@johngeddes7894]

There’s a video of Billy Rolles, a game guide, being guided by John Andersonn somewhere in Alaska, and the actual clients are husband and wife, and her dad. She shoots a grizzly bear that runs into the thick 8’ tall brush, and no blood trail for the first hundred yards. When Andersonn finally locates the bear, he steps into right where the sow was lying down and she charges him. He was 5’ or less from her, but he was ready. Big medicine .458 Lott style. You don’t necessarily have to go to Africa if you thrive on dangerous game.

[@davejohnsonism]

Beautiful rifle!!! In my favorite Africa caliber. I have a custom Ruger #1 in 416 Rigby, and I love it. My stock is not even close to as nice as this one. Gorgeous!!!

[@JT-py9lv]

I sure miss Dr. Howell. I got to know him in his later years when he was living in Quemado, NM. Before he passed away, he gave me a few gifts. I surely appreciate the one on one conversations I had with him. Thanks for the reminder Ron.

[@susangolden4001]

I find your videos very interesting and educational. Am especially interested in how you have explained BC and related relevant data about numerous calibers. This episode on the 416 Rigby is especially good. The rifle is one of the most beautiful, practical examples of craftsmanship I have ever seen. It's actually my favorite big bore caliber I would love to have in my arsenal. The example you hold in your hands is truly a work of art. Almost to beautiful to shoot. Thank you for doing what you do. I have actually purchased some of my rifles because of the data you have provided. Thanks again. J.Au-en

[@aceoswell9849]

Ron, I was hoping you would shoot a 3 shot group for us, lol. Beautiful rifle

[@jimparker7778]

I'm loving that beautiful blue

[@ultrahighgain412]

Man that is one beautiful rifle. I’ll never have a need for a dangerous game cartridge like the .416, but I definitely can appreciate it.

[@larrysayers1377]

Great video. Love it when these great, well made and beautiful rifles are showcased

[@williamgaines9784]

The stock alone probably cost more than any of my rifles. Not heading to Africa anytime ever. The finish on the rifle action and rings is beauty, also.

[@bobkat1663]

Great Show Ron as always.

[@GARDENER42]

Depends on how big the 'big' game is. 375 Ruger fits the bill for me 90% of the time. Need more - tis 458 Lott. Mine are barrel/bolt/magazine combinations which fit two of my three Schultz & Larsen rifles. Can't say recoil's an issue for me, as I only ever notice it's results in the mirror. I'll stick with detachable magazines thanks - never unintentionally dropped one in 47 years of war & peace.

[@dozer1642]

At 2:41 when that bullet fell over, I jumped. 🤭 That is such a beautiful gun.

[@dozer1642]

I did it again at 8:09😂

[@chrisfisher3900]

Love all the case hardened pieces

[@heinrichstoltz1356]

A lovely rifle in an absolute legend of a caliber. Love the .416Rigby, it can do everything that a hunting rifle needs to do.

[@mikeyncali]

Ron is the bob ross of rifles all day

[@user-rn5lq1wk7f]

Just beautiful!

[@idahoron]

Great review on an outstanding firearm.

[@mattmcclure9371]

Absolute jewelry Ron, BEAUTIFUL rifle.

[@charlesperry1051]

That is a beautiful rifle. I don't have anything close but I do have a Remington 798 in .375 HH Mag. I changed out the stock trigger for a better one. I don't remember the name of the trigger as it was almost 20 years ago. I have a 1-5 scope on it. It is fun to shoot standing. It is not fun to shoot from a bench rest.

[@ShaunZimmerman668]

That's the remington imported from zastava right? If so as I think they are really nice firearms. Mauser action and great build quality! Never shot a 375 HH Mag but have a 30 06 and a 7mm Rem Mag

[@SamuraiAkechi]

​@@ShaunZimmerman668yes, that's Zastava Wonder if there are other affordable Mausers in production.

[@charlesperry1051]

@@ShaunZimmerman668 It is a very nice rifle. I was not happy with the trigger but otherwise it is a well made firearm. I installed a Boyds trigger and it has been great. Sadly, that trigger is no longer available for Mauser actions.

[@nestorpetriw3340]

Africa brings out the classics. My primary rifle for DG back in 2013 was a Heym Express Rifle in 404 Jeffrey with a Ruger RSM in 416 Rigby as my backup. The Heym was exceptional, producing several lifetime memories. The Ruger was a good rifle for the latter part of the hunt.

[@paulsimmons5726]

That rifle’s a piece of art. If I ever win the lottery, that’s on my list! Thanks for sharing!

[@mikem9331]

A beautiful classic!

[@jongruen7854]

A beautiful piece, it is like a work of art.

[@kearneydillon4803]

My recoil "ceiling" these days is my 375 Ruger. I take it in grizzly country with few worries. I had a friend with a CZ 550? in 416 Rigby. I shot it 2x. Pretty sure a filling came a bit loose.

[@rogerpaulsen8321]

A quality piece of walnut, meticulous bluing, my M70 Super Grade. I also have one in blond Maple. The grain is almost like ghost flames. Gorgeous

[@hedge7743]

Yessir. That's a dream rifle! Thanks for sharing. Where are you hunting?

[@Bayan1905]

The .416 Rigby was good enough for Harry Selby, and he killed a lot of big game with nothing more than a custom Mauser in that caliber. I always wanted a .416 Rigby, you can load it down some to take some of the starch out of it.

[@johngeddes7894]

You can get a Ruger African in .416 Ruger for less than $2k, and their investment cast action is way more robust than those old Mausers built with mild steel. I like Mausers, but since learning that, my respect for Ruger has really been on air. Those components aren’t just cast, they are lost wax cast in a centerfige with 4140 cast steel. I don’t personally know of any action as stout as the M77 Mk II or even Hawkeye. Or there’s the Model 70.

[@hispeedbullet2661]

I have Ruger Hawkeye in 375 Ruger. It is very accurate, feeds like a dream and made several one-shot kills on game in Africa last month. Cannot recommend that rifle highly enough.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

I have a bit of a holy grail version of the Rugers. Mine is a #1T in .458 Winchester Magnum. It was built in 1976. That's a bit special to Ruger aficionados. So, power beyond comfortable if one wants. Handloads can run from super mild to lightning bolts. Falling block can be operated quickly with a little practice. As an alternative, I have its little brother, a #3 in .45-70 Gov't that is almost as versatile in a much lighter package. Bicentennial thunder and lightning. Love 'em.

[@JW...-oj5iw]

@@johngeddes7894 ... Please explain what you mean by "centerfige".

[@johngeddes7894]

You mean the constant battle with iphones trying to type anything that doesn’t get skewed? Here you go: C e n t r i f u g e, as in spinning quickly. Don’t know the RPMs. But grain orientation in this process exceeds even the hot drop forging process. You can research the rest yourself, being in the comment bin.

[@sturisa]

that's a beauty Ron, thanks for showing it!

[@curtismatsune3147]

Beautiful in every way. I particularly like the compact scope.

[@shawnhulke7385]

That one is something to die for, absolutely gorgeous. He must be the envy of all those others in camp!!! 😊

[@64samsky]

That is a beautiful rifle!

[@michaelwilson9986]

Nice one.. Actually read an article on them last night. Glad to see em back. As for other reviews... Mauser M18 Savage Impulse N Any M70

[@TODinWY]

I absolutely LOVE the color-cased action. Are you shre the ebony dots don't just hide steel cross-bolts?

[@blairsimpkins3505]

I have an early 2000-ish Dakota Custom lefty in .376 Styer. A lot of guys used to crap on Dakotas for some flaws, but they always made it right. These days you have to pay $6,000 for a "Custom" push feed rifle with a plastic stock. The $7,000 Dakota with XXX wood and CRF is a bargain.

[@MehulKamdar]

I know the preference in the US is for rifles that kick straight back. As an old timer from India, I learned to shoot in a way that would be blasphemous over here, from even older timers who had hunted during the golden days of Indian hunting. I was taught to face the target with my knees slightly bent, to allow the rifle to kick up and rise and disperse some of the recoil energy when it went upwards, to operate the bolt handle while it kicked upwards and to bring it back down onto the target with the forearm and with the bolt back into battery. It is very easy and effortless and doesn't take time as I've been told here by many excellent hunters and shooters. Just a little different... PS I was told here that the Brits rifled their barrels so that they rolled away from the shooter's face - I never checked, but I didn't feel the slap on the face that sometimes hurts new and learning shooters here. Like driving on the right or the left, I guess there's different ways to skin a cat. And, I hope you got yourself a nice big cat trophy on your hunt. Good hunting, sir!

[@butchgeagan9768]

Beautiful rifle. Well thought out, as well.

[@AbelGuerra-xz3pc]

Dang beautiful rifle

[@malthus101]

A very beautiful gun, inspiring! Well done.

[@marklomax7452]

Hunted buffalo in South Africa in really thick stuff and involved crawling to get in position- with 24 inch CZ. When I came home I had that barrel bobbed to 20 inch. Old length hung up on everything.

[@SlickCat]

That rifle is a work of art. 👍

[@will76888]

Beautiful rifle! Nice review! Maybe in my next life!

[@wolfganglanz8345]

The beauty under the big game rifles😁👍

[@poisonPpaully]

Beautiful gun it would make a great rabbit or squirrel gun 🙈🤦🏼‍♂️

[@glockparaastra]

Beautiful!

[@chrischiampo7647]

1886 Winchester In 50-110 350 Grain or 500 Grain Hawk Bullet It’s Sufficient For African Game As Well Ron 😀😊❤️😀❤️😊 6000 Ft Of Energy 😀

[@TacticalTerry]

Dang that's some yeeahaw kind of energy!

[@jackdundon2261]

I can attest to the effectiveness of the mercury-Tube in the stock, it helps take my .375 ultra mag a lot. (Still hurts to shoot though).

[@peterhert9350]

Bought a Rigby-Style Interarms Mark X Express in 7mm Rem Mag . More than happy.

[@TMFShooting]

Excellent '' Another Great Video 💯 Thank You Ron💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥💥

[@davidfist7801]

Definitely envious of that rifle!

[@stevejorgensen5274]

Had two 416 Rigbys at one time. Sold one to a friend of mine a few years ago. A 400 grain bullet at 2400 is mild. When you up the 400 grain to 2600 and it is possible with that big case and the low pressure the factory Rigby is loaded to. Then that is when the Rigby get friendly. Nice rifle but that much case color is a bit much for me. What are you going to get to shoot with it Ron?

[@kurtwise7356]

Beautiful wood! I'd be afraid to take it in the brush tho!

[@charlessmith4242]

* One other point about the level comb on a dangerous game rifle, not only does it help with the recoil, but the shooter's sight picture will remain the same no matter where he may cheek his rifle. The only decision would be, does the owner want the sight picture to work best for the scope or the iron sights.

[@NoHomo1776]

Ron is hip, ya dig?!

[@SamuraiAkechi]

All those newer fancy Mausers cost an arm and a leg to anyone who isn't a CEO, even in moderate calibers like .30-06. However, if I could lay my hands on a rifle like this, I'd hold on it for the rest of my days

[@iskandartaib]

Beautiful piece of wood.

[@galenhisler396]

That's a beauty love that wood wouldn't mind having one in 270 win 🤠

[@arturwelland7136]

Seeing as youve handled a bunch of high end rifles, id love to hear your thoughts on how a savage impulse compares to the classic European straight pull rifles. Obviously the Blasers and the like sre much prettier and ooze quality, but is the performance THAT much better?

[@charleswinter2639]

I have a question. I am a fan of t/C encore. I even have a barrel in .416. It is super accurate. I also use their muzzle loader. My favorite is a .243 with a fluted barrel. What a tack driver. What’s your thought on Encored? I can’t get anyone to answer me. Thanks. I love your videos

[@jeremiahthompson43]

That is a beautiful rifle!!!

[@adriaanels6568]

I do not think that any serious hunter of big game, which is shot at close range will ever want to use a scope. Lovely gun.

[@cliffordcloete]

A real beauty fore sure

[@spacecat7247]

That's a really nice looking rifle. Great tweaks too. Mercury recoil retarder? It's the first time i've ever heard of that. I've got a feeling that sucker cost a buck or two.

[@HikeHuntHaul]

Beautiful rifle 😃👍🏻

[@bobjohnson7207]

The cartridge is a perfect match for such a fine rifle.

[@FAtE_454]

Anyone else think it looks like a model 70?

[@denisd7025]

Does the barel is floatting ? If the sling is attached to the barel, does it affect the accuracy ? Does this gun is for short distance shooting ?

[@isam950]

For the box mag I have been tinkering with a 3d printed dubble action mag release that might be cool but idk how to get it into the industry.

[@BorealEDC]

My store has 16 feet of replacement magazines for all of you common hunting rifles. They almost never break or malfunction, but are almost always lost. I prefer an internal box magazine for that reason, nothing to lose. Also, some magazines like the stainless Sako 85 magazines are $200.

[@baconandeggs9141]

This rifle has class. Really tastefull

[@anthonymagill3714]

Class piece of timber

[@12namleht]

There was a bank back in the 80's that instead of paying interest for a 510 year CD...would let you get a Weatherby.. I got a safari grade Weatherby chambered in 416 Rigby...because it was different. Had to load my own ammo because no one had any.

[@user-eg8hb8xt3j]

That is a beautiful rifle . That wood !

[@chrisgunsandguitars1403]

Wow!

[@johnpennington7868]

Ron, given the constant changes in reloading data, new cartridges, new powders, etc, how do you navigate in the new age of reloading?

[@erroneous6947]

Imo I’ve never had a box mag fall out, but I have had them rattle quit a bit.

[@Minimumholloway]

What a beautiful rifle

[@kenaidog6974]

Shouldve kept the Dakota name. Recoil reducer belongs in the buttstock to balance weight of the barrel. Silver's pad is a must for a classic look. My Heym Express holds 6 big Rigby's.

[@blairsimpkins3505]

No recoil reducer is better. Now I know why my Dakota is heavy.

[@teddy2guns404]

Great rifle I live in a Alaska. Bet it would be great rifle up here

[@rodneyharouff5739]

nice rifle! nice price too!

[@josiel152]

my shoulder hurts just looking at the 416 Rigby cartridge

[@jimparker7778]

Does not kick much more than a 375 H&H

[@tracyclaystowell6431]

nice rifle.... Really would like to see you shoot it. Clay

[@stevefavia]

I cried a little when you laid that beautiful rifle on the table!

[@blairsimpkins3505]

I have one and it's been dragged all over from Africa to Montana. Yea the stock is scratch up the blueing is faded but it kills, dead.

[@jonenglish6617]

That is one handsome rifle

[@Lutz101]

The affordable Winchester Model 70 Safari Express ($1,800) is the best big game rifle as it has a Mauser type CRF action with claw extractor, three-position side-swing safety, coned breach, and iron sights. Even the Mauser 98 Magnum Diplomat ($16,146) doesn't have a coned breech.

[@johanneskolenbrander8288]

As a gunmaker I wonder if you ever pulled the brl on any of your Winchester 70 brl’ed actions and point you out one of the weaknesses of their ‘controlled round-feed’ Win.70 post or pre 64 and other similar clones for the likes of Kimber, Dakota & others, if compared to the flat-breech Msr 98 design! For one: the Msr 98 & its clones don’t need the cone on the breech as they usually feed fine the way they are if properly built & reworked for the particular chambered caliber and that way always keep a full & intact treaded tenon! Your ‘coned-breech’ Winchester on the other hand had to cut into at least 1/2 of the tread-tenon to allow the extractor sliding in far enough for the bolt-face to properly head-space; essentially reducing the effective tread-tenon length to 1/2 that of the Msr 98! So which design do you think is the strongest & safest option?

[@Lutz101]

​@@johanneskolenbrander8288 Didn't say the M70 had the strongest action (the Weatherby Mark V is stronger than any Mauser 98 variant), but it's strong enough. The coned breech makes the M70 more feed reliable in adverse conditions and preserves accuracy by preventing damage to soft-point bullet tips.

[@johanneskolenbrander8288]

@@Lutz101 Well, I’m not going to further argue the Win70-M98 issues, as obviously your mind is set on that! I guess all gunmakers and dangerous game hunters are and always have been wrong for over a century? At least let my educate you here a bit on that particular misguided Wby subject ? During my 48 yrs of gunmaking/gunsmithing trade experiences, were too many times I’ve heard Roy’s favourite & rather ludricous claim, aswell as their factory favourite sales-pitch! It is in actual fact a total sham & largely hear-say wives tales, increasingly spread even further over these past decades usually by mostly the inexperienced, paper-pushing ‘wannabee’ connoisseurs & hobbyists inside this industry! I guess you own a few of them? If so and if well used, then just check closely at any Wby bolt as in actually how many of their ‘micro-lugs’ are actually touching/bearing (ie lugs which show actual wear marks and which usually take all of the pressure) and you’ll soon notice that mostly only 2-3 lugs are touching, if that! In my time, I’ve come across several were 1 or 2 lugs (3 in one case) were sheared off after firing: most likely after firing hotter handloads, but depending on which lugs, most of the time the guns still operate, so go figure! A bolt properly set up in a lathe, while using a micrometer dial gauge, will tell you the story! Next they have one of the weakest extractors in the industry: prone to break on regular occasions with only the slightest resistance! This is especially problematic amongst their so-called dangerous game rifles chambered for standard magnums and especially so for their bigger magnums, including their .378/ .460Wby line, with their skinny extractors to cater for that huge battle tank case-rimm size! Most common users to get into trouble are either the handloaders, while using cases which aren’t properly full-sized and are subsequently harder to chamber! Once chambered with some force & especially combined with an aged rifle not properly maintained, which have rough/damaged/dirty chamber-walls, the extraction will usually fail with both unfired rnds or fired cases as usually the extractor-rimm is prone to brake and leave you with a stuck case! Over the years, I can’t even recall how many rifles I had through my shop with those particular problems! Maybe need to rethink it as for which purposes to use such rifle and definitely not the ideal rifle for those who lack the necessary expertise in hand-loading & or are slack in their gun-maintenance by taking their buddies advice that rifle-bores don’t need cleaning and shoot way better if left alone! Just my 2 cents worth: take it or leave it!

[@quartzmatter]

Nice

[@user-fx6ou3oe3l]

I have a win model 70 in a 300 win mag that has the same similarities I just love it shot many deer with it’s a great gun

[@northerntier87]

Whatever happened to th 8 Rem mag it looks sweet.

[@billhendon1017]

She’s a beauty!

[@eriksforestryvision8751]

My wife isn't looking... what a beautiful rifle! Lol

[@RumblestripDotNet]

Somewhere in Texas John Wayne Taylor just saw a new grail rifle.

[@terrysmith-zt8ls]

At 6:20 Ron said you might not want a controlled round feed for a African hunting rifle? I thought that's where it's needed?

[@49walker44]

I could watch you present beautiful custom rifles all day. Please make this a regular feature especially the post war, both 1&2, when some beautiful high quality sporters were made from surplus rifles and aren't usually included. Thanks for your work, I grew up with Keith and company so I especially enjoy your channel, it harkens back to simpler days.