I have had the hots for a 416 Rigby lately and have thought about building one. Then I thought, since I really don't need it, that maybe a factory rifle would fill the need. I went to Collectors Firearms and they had two Ruger RSM's. One of them looked older and more used and the other was "as new". I noticed right off the bat, that the older one was about 1 lb. heavier and looking at the barrel profile, it was obvious that the barrel was a larger in diameter. Anyone up on what variations Ruger has made on these rifles, and is one more desirable than another aside from the weight factor? How do they rate overall for accuracy? The older rifle was very smooth, but as said, it had a few miles on it. I have also heard rumors that it was being discontinued although a local dealer has heard nothing on this and checked Sport South who had several in stock. All feedback appreciated.

I really love them. I have had 3, recently sold one and recently bought another. The added weight (I think they run a bit over 10 lbs) really helps tame the full house 450 grain loads I have been playing with.
Don't overlook the CZ for the Rigby. It also helps tame the full-house loads and can be smoothed out very nicely. I bought one recently which had the AHR #1 treatment and it really handles the "fast-as-I-can cycle" smoothly. I think it is a must do for the 550's as none of my others are that smooth yet. Maybe after another 500 rounds.
I don't believe you can go wrong with either rifle.
Your source sounds like a good one and yes I too heard they were going to cease production.
I know the wood on my newer production Rigby is not as nice in figure as my older model.
Frank

I ordered one as soon as Ruger announced them since I already had a Ruger in 458 and it was a smooth accurate rifle. The 416 came with beautiful wood and it was heavy. With factory ammo mine would keep 3 shots in an inch and a half at 100 yards. I pushed the loads up to 416 Weatherby velocity (2700 fps) and it made a real kicker out of it. I didn't try to shoot for groups, just to sight in. It was a smooth good feeling rifle. The only thing I killed with it was a couple of white tail does but one of them was standing on the other side of a 6 inch elm tree. You will like the RSM.

Unfortunately, Ruger in all its wisdom has decided to discontinue the Ruger Safari Magnum. When first produced these rifles had a heavy barrel and the front sling swivel was located in the forend of the stock. The second generation has a slimmer barrel and the front sling swivel is located on the barrel. I have one of the first generation models and it's a great shooter. Kind of on the heavy side, but that helps with the recoil.

Had an RSM in 416 Rigby and since I really DON'T like Ruger bolt guns I replaced the objectionable aspects and tried to like it. I slimmed the stock and replaced the bolt handle with a straight teardrop one. This gun had been MagNaPorted and it really was a pleasure to shoot. I also have a CZ550 with a Brockmann Laminate that has been customized. To make a long story short the Ruger is long gone but took my last Elephant with the CZ.

Labman,
You skipped a generation.
There are three Ruger RSM generations.

First: As you said with fat 24" barrel about .820" at the muzzle with front sling base on a barrel band but buried in the forearm wood, sticking through the stock.

Second: Same fat 24" barrel but with traditional barrel band sling base out on the barrel beyond the forearm tip.

Third: 23" barrel with .750" muzzle diameter, traditional barrel band location for sling, a slimmed down version of the second gen.

First and second generations in .416 Rigby: 10.75 pounds average

Third generation in .416 Rigby: 9.5 pounds average

As far as I'm concerned the 40 calibers should not weigh over 9.5 lbs. and the early Rugers were too heavy to pack around in a hot climate for 10 to 14 hours a day..None of the .416s seem to have enough recoil to justify that kind of weight, but it would depend on how you intend to use them.

I shoot full house loads in my 8-3/4 lb. iron sighted .416 Rem. custom. I shoot mostly 450 gr. Woodleigh softs and solids and recoil seems much less than the .458 Win. and a lot less than the 458 Lott., but recoil is a personal thing and mostly depends on how much one shoots his big bores, and how long one has been shooting big bores.

I just hope Ruger comes out with that wonderful Ruger Hawkeye African in the 416 Ruger caliber, and I bet they do..That will be the berries IMO.

lee440

P.M. Sent

Steve

quote:

Labman,
You skipped a generation.
There are three Ruger RSM generations.

Thanks - I learned something new today, but then again I've learned alot here on AR.

Steve, PM answered!

I have one of the later models, about 10.5 pounds with scope and loaded. I shoot it mostly with 370 NF and H4831 and I honestly can't remember a group of three shots that has gone over 3/4 inches, it has shot many .5 and one .234 at 100. Mine is one of the later ones, probably had it 5 years and I wouldn't part with it. Great sights, pretty and shoots great

You'll enjoy the 416 Rigby, either Ruger or CZ. It's a wonderful cartridge.

Get some good brass and load up some 350 grain tipped TTSX bullets to 2800 fps. R-17 or H4350.

Put on a good scope with 4" eye relief on its high power (e.g. Nikon African 1-4, Minox 1.5-8).

You're good to go, impala to buffalo.

Here are three RSM's
Top: 1st Gen 500 Jeffery
Middle 3rd gen 458 Lott
Bottom: 2nd gen 416 Rigby

They all shoot great. I'd go for the 2nd gen in 416 Rigby with a scope it sits at 11 lbs ready to go and balances very nice. With a good neoprene sling I can carry it all day without problems.

They ALL Rock!!!!

Brad