I have been thinking about buying a Ruger in 416 Rigby and I did some searching on them here and got lots of good info. One thing I read is that the earlier ones had a thicker and heavier barrel. Some said it did not balance as well. Should this be something to look for. Is one better then the other?

All of them are a bit heavy for caliber, early or late. In either series, the barrel is the same profile, for all calibers, in that series. for example, a 375, a 416, and a 458 made today would be the same profile, so the 458 would be the lightest... and it's a little heavy, for me.

great rifles
jeffe

Hello,
I own three of the rifles and have the 338 Lapua on order and the rifles are a bit on the heavy side compared to other offerings (not many others out there!!) but the matter of thick and thin barrels may be stemming from the very early, non CRF version M77's in 458WinMag,
which had very large barrels similar the ones found on the Ruger No 1's in 458WinMag.
I used heavy barreled bolt guns for many a year in matches and the weight of my rifles is not a problem for me. Perhaps I just do not know any better. Even though the weight is a negative at times, I have always found that the super light rifles are hell to shoot off hand when you are out of breath and somewhat nervous from the "chase" whereas the heavier gun will "settle" much quicker. Just my experience and good luck whichever way you go.

GeoffM24,

I’ve got one of the first RSM rifles chambered in 416 Rigby it has an extremely heavy barrel and is controlled round feed. The barrel contour is on par with that of a Ruger No.1 Tropical. I also have two of the newer RSMs in 375 & 458 and a friend just recently purchased an RSM 416 Rigby, they all have much lighter barrels than the earlier models.

Regardless of the differences in the weight of the earlier models the newer ones are still relatively heavy. All of the newer RSM rifles that I’ve handled out weigh any CZ 550 of similar chambering.

IMO the tradeoffs are:

1. The older models are heavier and therefore will soak up more recoil but they are very muzzle heavy and will not balance as well.

2. The newer models are trimmer and feel better in the hand but won’t soak up as much recoil.

In reality like Jeffeoso said above the newer ones are still heavy for caliber and will soak up plenty of recoil. If your going to buy a 416 RSM (and I think they are great rifles) just go buy a new one. You’ll be happy with your purchase.

Best of luck,

Matt V.

Thanks that is what I was looking for. I like the looks of the slimmer barrel more as well.

An easy way to tell, is the earlier, heavier barreled versions do not have a barrel band swivel....the slimmer, later versions do.

quote:

Originally posted by congomike:
An easy way to tell, is the earlier, heavier barreled versions do not have a barrel band swivel....the slimmer, later versions do.

However there is a fat-barreled version (second generation) that was transitional between the first and third (current, .750" muzzle diameter) generations and it had the barrel band front sling base out on the barrel ahead of the forend tip also,

Three generations or versions of the RSM, so far. The first two generations had the 0.810" muzzle diameter. Third generation has 0.750" muzzle diameter, I repeat, and I have measured all three in .416 Rigby.

Even the first genertion had a barrel band sling base, but it was inletted into the forearm and stuck out below the forend stock in the usual position for one that was simply screwed into the stock.

Another distinction:
First two generations of RSM in .416 Rigby were 24" barreled. Third generation is 23" barreled.

One is not better or worse than the other. I recommend looking at the "best deal" or "best wood" unless you can compare the two barrel contours side by side for a decision regarding which one fits you better.

For what's worth, I like the .750" muzzle diameter(current) model.

Happy Holidays,

B

RIP thanks for the information...I did see one of the heavy barreled ones with a barrel band swivel...thought it was added later. Hope everyone is having very merry holidays!