I just got a peek at a nice .416 Rigby built by Jules Labanchni on a Brevex action Mauser. Anyone know of any info on him?
I was told he worked for the Pachmayr Co in Calif,at one time.

Top Turpin's (TSquare here) book discusses him some. Just reading it last night. Would love to see an updated issue too.

Jules was a great guy and a gunmaker to the Hollywood set. He was a one-man shop - stockmaker, metalsmith, and engraver all rolled into one. He did some really excellent work.

I wouldn't put Jules in the same category as David Miller, D'Arcy Echols, Joe Smithson, Steve Heilmann, or a few others, but he turned out a very fine custom rifle. He died around 1981 or 82.

TT

A picture would be cool.I have a jules rifle also. There is NO info out there,Even his step son is looking for information. Mine is a very nice 257.Once a person sees the checkering,you could spot one a mile away.

quote:

Originally posted by ty_falcon:
A picture would be cool.I have a jules rifle also. There is NO info out there,Even his step son is looking for information. Mine is a very nice 257.Once a person sees the checkering,you could spot one a mile away.

I a quite sure there is a picture in Elmer Keith's "Safari" and some older Gun Digest annuals.

here's the link...
http://www.gunsinternational.c...cfm?gun_id=100168207

Hey Ty, post pics of yours too please. I always like seeing distinct styles.

Red

Pictures of mine are on page 2 of sporterized military rifles. Look for ID help.

quote:

Originally posted by AfricanHunter:

quote:

Originally posted by ty_falcon:
A picture would be cool.I have a jules rifle also. There is NO info out there,Even his step son is looking for information. Mine is a very nice 257.Once a person sees the checkering,you could spot one a mile away.

I a quite sure there is a picture in Elmer Keith's "Safari" and some older Gun Digest annuals.

I got around to looking up the info. In "Safari" 2 rifles by Jules are pictured.
On page 91 is .458 shown 3rd from the top in a group of rifles and page 96 has a b&w of a .416 Rigby he did. I didn't quickly find anything in the Gun Digest annuals I have now.