Does anyone know of a stock maker that has the old Rigby style stock patterns. I’m looking for the rounded pistol grip Prince of Wales type with the short forend. I’d prefer to get a semi inletted shaped stock that I could finish myself, any help appreciate. Attached a pic of what I’m looking for.
There is an old world craftsman located in Medford Oregon, his name is Reto Beuhler. I believe he was or is a subcontractor for Gibbs Co. Rigby patterns? I don't have a clue. But his number is 541 664 9109. He has a pretty good Austrian accent. Anyway he is the real deal gunmaker, emigrated here a few years back. I don't think he just drops his tools when the phone rings either.
Last edited by flintlocke; 01/14/20.
Well this is a fine pickle we're in, should'a listened to Joe McCarthy and George Orwell I guess.
There is an old world craftsman located in Medford Oregon, his name is Reto Beuhler. I believe he was or is a subcontractor for Gibbs Co. Rigby patterns? I don't have a clue. But his number is 541 664 9109. He has a pretty good Austrian accent. Anyway he is the real deal gunmaker, emigrated here a few years back. I don't think he just drops his tools when the phone rings either.
I checked his website. I’m sure I have the wrong profession to ever own his art, but he’s very talented.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
Until you talk to him, I don't think you should be intimidated by the quality of his work. My buddy had an Alex Henry .450 BPE that was dropped, and broke the exposed hammer. Reto welded the hammer and re-case hardened it...perfection...a 12,000 dollar rifle back in the game for 300 bucks. But, as Reto said, "Oh, I chuss luff verking on such a fine olt rifle."
Well this is a fine pickle we're in, should'a listened to Joe McCarthy and George Orwell I guess.
Until you talk to him, I don't think you should be intimidated by the quality of his work. My buddy had an Alex Henry .450 BPE that was dropped, and broke the exposed hammer. Reto welded the hammer and re-case hardened it...perfection...a 12,000 dollar rifle back in the game for 300 bucks. But, as Reto said, "Oh, I chuss luff verking on such a fine olt rifle."
Oh, besides being a world class treasure, he is a true gentleman.
Until you talk to him, I don't think you should be intimidated by the quality of his work. My buddy had an Alex Henry .450 BPE that was dropped, and broke the exposed hammer. Reto welded the hammer and re-case hardened it...perfection...a 12,000 dollar rifle back in the game for 300 bucks. But, as Reto said, "Oh, I chuss luff verking on such a fine olt rifle."
Thanks for the encouragement. I’ve got a good friend just north of Medford. It’d be a worthwhile stop to visit Reto if I’m in the area. The man is clearly very talented, and I can easily appreciate great craftsmanship.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
Retro is as good as they come and undoubtedly as good as any who ever worked at Rigby
Then I definitely need to meet him, even if I don’t end up a customer. I’d love to apprentice with him (and harness my OCD) if he was stationed somewhere besides southern Oregon! That’s assuming a lot, but a guy can dream.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
I’ve seen photos of his retro Oberndorfs. He is very talented.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
Might want to check with RJ Renner as well, his work is really nice.
I’ve seen his website and he does do a decent job of imitating the old school rifles. Only problem you need a factory stock to start with and then it’s bout 1000$ to shape a stock that is already inletted and fit to your rifle. Seems a bit high. And he can only do so much with the original shape. The real problem is I have handled and shot a Pre War Mauser with the trim British style. No way to put the rifle to your shoulder and not be looking right down the sights, handled like a fine shotgun. After that I can barley stand to pick up my other rifles. They fit like a high dollar crow bar and weigh about twice as much. Ignorance is bliss as they say I’d advise you stick with the crowbars unless your willing to pay some $$ for a real stock lol. Surely someone somewhere has a pattern to be copied. There are several duplicators that will copy a pattern for 200$. I know I am simplifying the process but I can’t see paying several thousand dollars to shape a stock when the blank cost 500-600 dollars and they use a machine to get it close. I’ve been quoted anywhere from 3500-6000 for a stock and you supply the wood? You can buy a whole used Rigby a real one for 10k and they will throw in a bolt barell and a trigger for free lol. The old Husqvarnas have a very close approximation of a Rigby and might be the best bet. Find a good piece of walnut and have a copy made and then go from there.
In my frugal but appreciative opinion there’s a “get what you pay for” return on your dollars spent. It’s then up to the guy spending his coins to decide just how much certain details matter. For a bone stock factory rifle I can gladly accept a certain level of fit, and then shop for above average wood grain. If buying a custom rifle the wood figure and color would be entirely up to me and again, on a cost/return scale, and sometimes less than exhibition grade can look more appropriate for the job. But if looking at a custom, regardless of style, and extra enhancements and embellishments, the rifle should have perfect inletting and fit. And perfect fit comes from hundreds of hours of hand work that I haven’t seen a duplicator match. A classic build with beautiful wood is very possible, but still looks like an upgrade from the same basic concession as a factory rifle. Only the handwork masters can build true works of art and their prices represent their man hours and talent. I VERY much appreciate their work, but have a safe full of “best I could find” factory rifles. I have the attention to detail to appreciate the airtight fitting and sharp edges. I just can’t scratch that itch right now.
Socialism is a philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery. --Winston Churchill
