I have Rifle magazine #192 from 2000 containing lane Simpson's article entitled, "Harry Selby's .416 Rigby. It has a few good pics and a few dimentions, but I need more, including top and side views of the action, views of how the barrel begins its taper at the end of the barrel band rear sight base etc. If you could recommend books, magazine articles etc. I would greatly appreciate it. I will post in Big Bores as well.Thanks,
Matt

I forget who owns it now but I think it's in Arkansas, I'd just call him, I'm sure he'd help you out if he knew were making a replica. I might have the name at home or someone else. Does the article mention it?

Harry is a member here and he may have some pics he'd be willing to share which would be interesting.

There was an NRA American Rifleman article on this rifle several years ago entitled "Harry Selby's Rigby". It had some nice pictures and gave some of it's history. I had this issue saved but cannot find it now so I can't give you a date. If I can find it I will PM you.

The name of the fellow that owns it is Frank Lyon (acording to Lane Simpson's article). I may have to resort to atempting to get in touch with him.

Found it! Joe Coogan is the author. Titled "Just Enough". Sweet pix!

American Rifleman October 2002. "Winchester Model 1886" on the cover with a snowshoed trapper. Pages 58, 59, 80-85.

Pack-ratting pays (and this forum remains da bomb!)

quote:

The name of the fellow that owns it is Frank Lyon (acording to Lane Simpson's article). I may have to resort to atempting to get in touch with him

I just checked some old emails from HArry and that is the guy. I'd ring him in any way possible as I doubt you'd get the info you want without being willing to fly to Arkansas with your calipers in hand. See my other post re pics

I have been watching this thread from the beginning,and have known the name and facts about the current owner ,Frank Lyon. I have been reluctant to chime in and name him because I was hesitant to invade his privacy, that said ,since his name is out in the open, I would indeed suggest you contact him and tell him of your interest. You will meet no finer fellow nor a more keen sportsman than Frank. I consider him a good friend ,and see him several times a year at sporting contest across the South and Southwest. Frank has been fighting some Serious health issues over the past 3 years and I am happy to say he looked much better at our last meeting. Joe Coogan in fact worked for Frank for several years in the late 90's and first part of this decade. I beleive Joe was involved in the management of one of Frank's sporting properties, The property is the legendary SE Arkansas Duck paradise "Wingmeade Plantation" formerly owned by Edgar M.(Monsanto) Queeney. This the famous shooting ground mentioned in numerous Nash Buckingham Stories of years ago.Buckingham and many of his Notable Memphis Sporting pals frequently travelled by train to gun the flooded timber as Queeney's guest.

Paul Melton

Another PM sent with my email. Thanks
Matt

I wonder why Harry ever parted with such an important heirloom.

Probably sold it for the same reasons that they sold Karamojo Bells 275rigby. Robert Ruark had purchased Bells rifle back in the 1950's then had an engraved silver plate put in the stock That said essentially from Robert Ruark to (Harrys son) Selby. Selbys son was Ruarks godson I believe.

Talk about historic rifles,Bell,Ruark and Selby!

John,

I might be wrong, but I'm gonna guess to Harry it was a working tool, we all are fascinated by it and envy its history, he has the history independent of the accessories that went with it. To him it was just a rifle, however good.

I do not know Harry, but I'll stake a steak dinner on that being the case.

Red

quote:

Originally posted by Dago Red:
John,

I might be wrong, but I'm gonna guess to Harry it was a working tool, we all are fascinated by it and envy its history, he has the history independent of the accessories that went with it. To him it was just a rifle, however good.

I do not know Harry, but I'll stake a steak dinner on that being the case.

Red

IIRC, Harry said that he was happy to sell the 416 to someone who would enjoy it and take it out to shoot and show it off to others who would enjoy it.

I got the impression that Harry felt the rifle would live on in the hands of the rifle nut who purchased it rather than sit in the back of his safe. He felt that is was "going to a good home".

quote:

I might be wrong, but I'm gonna guess to Harry it was a working tool, we all are fascinated by it and envy its history, he has the history independent of the accessories that went with it. To him it was just a rifle, however good.

You are about right. It was what was available in Nairobi after his double was damaged and apparently there wasn't a whole lot. There was no real mystique about the round or rifle. It is basically Harry's having used it and Ruark's connection that has made the combo 'historic'

I'd love to see some pictures posted here.

quote:

Originally posted by BaxterB:
There was no real mystique about the round or rifle. It is basically Harry's having used it and Ruark's connection that has made the combo 'historic'

Adding to the history of the rifle are the facts that Harry was the longest continusly employed PH in Africa(50 years IIRC) and during that long and storied career he was never injured by an animal and he never had a client injured by an animal.

quote:

and he never had a client injured by an animal.

You think they don't have shovels in Botswana?