For the interest of this forum and to broaden our horizons, here is a copy of a post I placed on another, more appropriate venue. I want to share it here because I have had favorable comments from some of my other classic rifle posts here in the Lounge. This rifle is astonishingly rare.

John Rigby & Co. 40-70 Bottle Neck Single Shot Rifle #15130

This is a rare and beautiful little single shot rifle made by John Rigby & Co. in 1880 and chambered in the American round .40-70 Sharps Bottle Neck. The chamber and bore remain in excellent, like new condition.

There is quite a story of how the correct cartridge was identified, but it is indeed the 40-70 SBN and not altered by later hands.

The photography is mine, with the exception of the last seven photos of the rifle, which were done by James Julia Inc. for their October auction (in which I was the lucky bidder).

The chamber cast is mine, of course.



































































The next seven photos are by James Julia, Inc. and came from their auction listing:

















Now a photo of my Cerrosafe chamber cast:

Note: I don't intend to keep you in suspense on how the caliber and chamber were identified, here is the follow-up post from the other forum. This was posted on November 25, 2012, so date and time references should be considered in that context. Obviously, references to other forum members are references to people on the other forum and not members here at the S&W Forum.






I had planned to discuss my path to identifying the chamber when I add information about shooting the rifle in the coming week. Your skepticism sparks me to do it now. Believe me, I shared your skepticism, and even more. Let me take you along the path to discovery. Everyone please forgive me, because this will be a somewhat lengthy post.



BACKGROUND:

This rifle first came to my attention in September 2011 when I saw it listed for sale on the website of Safari Outfitters in New York. At that time I archived the photographs and the verbal description for my records. It was (wrongly) identified as a .450/.400 2-3/8" BPE.

Here are a few of the images from that ad, followed by an image of the verbal description. You can plainly see it is the same rifle (serial number even legible in 3rd photo):













Although I was interested, I wasn't in a position to make an attempt on it at that time. The rifle didn't stay long on the Safari Outfitter's website. I suspect somebody was sorely disappointed upon trying to chamber a .450/.400 2-3/8" cartridge in its chamber.




THE JULIA AUCTION:

I next encountered this rifle listed in the James Julia, Inc. October 2012 auction (from whence it eventually came to me). There it was featured with a much more detailed verbal description and better quality photographs. The Julia photographs are the last seven photos of the rifle in my initial post.

Here is a partial quote of the verbal description:

When I saw the Julia listing I recognized the rifle as the one I had seen a year earlier. I searched my records and found the photos and description I just posted above.

Malcolm MacGregor is the gent who writes descriptions for Julia's antique firearms. He is a respected authority and quite knowledgeable. So it certainly gained my attention that he identified this .400 rifle as a 10.15x63R Serbian Mauser.

Before the auction I spoke with Mr. MacGregor by phone to discuss this rifle at length. He assured me he was confident in his identification of the chamber and pointed to various dimensions in support of his opinion.




RESEARCH:

Based on that conversation, I set out to research the cartridge.

My first "view" of this strange Serbian military round came from Cartridges of the World:



A Google search gave me some dimensional information for the 10.15x63R Serbian Mauser:











THE RIFLE IS MINE; HANDS-ON INVESTIGATION:

I bid on the rifle, and it became mine. Upon taking delivery the first task was to make a Cerrosafe cast of the chamber and first couple inches of the bore. You have seen this photo:



Here's where the mystery begins. The cast did confirm a groove diameter of .411", but as to all other matters, the cast only raised questions. The first big issue is case length. My cast measures 2-1/4" or 57mm:







Well, right off the bat that rules out the Serbian Mauser round, with its case length of 62.48mm. But it also rules out the .450/.400 2-3/8" BPE. Both cases are clearly too long for this chamber; and besides, the head of the .450/.400 is all wrong.







MORE RESEARCH:

I went back to all the references I have. First I looked for a British cartridge consistent with my chamber cast. None was found. Next I looked for a European cartridge for a match. Nothing! My mind was fixated on English rounds because of the maker, but I was also fixated on European rounds because of Mal MacGregor.

Mal MacGregor opined that the cartridge could be formed from 11.15x60R Mauser brass (.43 Mauser). I got CIP dimensions for that round:










FORMING A CARTRIDGE:

I determined the dimensions of my cast, including rim diameter, head diameter, shoulder diameter, and length to shoulder were very similar, so I decided to try to make one or more cases from this round. I ordered 20 rounds of Bertram's .43 Mauser brass, which arrived in due course.

At this point I anticipated having a set of custom reloading dies made for the round, so my goal was to have one or two fired cases to submit with my chamber cast. Somehow I had to make a .43 Mauser case fit into this chamber.

I went through quite a few gyrations, using many of the various dies I have on hand:
1) Reduce the neck only in a .44-40 sizer;
2) Further reduce the neck only in a .303 Brit. sizer;
3) Reduce the neck still further in a .225 Winchester sizer;
4) Expand the neck using a .450/.400 NE expander;
5) Trim to length;
6) Reduce case body slightly using a .375 H&H sizer

In the end I had a shortened and necked .43 Mauser case that would slip in the chamber. BUT THE DAMN ACTION WOULDN'T QUITE CLOSE!

I discovered that the rim and head protrusion of Bertram's .43 Mauser brass is slightly thicker than the rim called for by my Rigby. It obviously wasn't much, but something needed to be done. I don't have a lathe to take material off the front of the rim, as should be done. So I decided to file the rear of the case head. After a few minutes of filing I had a case on which the rifle would close. Fortunately, the primer pocket was still deep enough to seat a primer flush.

Next I cobbled together a loaded round, using a cast bullet I reduced in size appropriately. I fired it into a dirt bank and had a fired case! I duplicated this effort and ended up with two fired cases.

Here's a lineup:

The cartridges, left to right:
1) Head of Bertram .43 Mauser case;
2) Un-altered Bertram .43 Mauser case;
3) My formed and fired case; and
4) The head of my formed and fired case (notice it is smooth from filing).

So at this point I know I can make brass to work, but I also know it takes a lot of time, effort, and expense. I still want to know what is this chamber!










EPIPHANY AND SALVATION:

Now networking comes to the rescue. I had been lightly corresponding with our member, Huvius, about this rifle and the cartridge mystery. At this point, having actually fired the rifle, I again expressed my profound inability to identify the cartridge and asked if he had any ideas. On November 8 he sent me a PM in which he said:
Like I said, I had been fixated on English and European rounds. I hadn't even considered any American rounds. Immediately I pulled Cartridges of the World and found this entry:



This source also lists approximate dimensions, and it looked like I had a match. So I started research for the 40-70 Sharps. I found nothing in the way of standard dimensions, but I did find that Buffalo Arms Co. listed RCBS dies and formed brass for it!









BUFFALO ARMS CO.:

I got Buffalo Arms Co. on the phone and explained my problem. The gent said, "We have a guy here named Seldon who researches these things. He's an expert. People send chamber casts and fired cartridges to him for identification." That afternoon my chamber cast and a fired cartridge were headed out to Sheldon. Several days later he called me and said without a doubt it is the .40-70 Sharps Bottle Neck. I ordered a set of dies and 60 rounds of brass, all of which arrived last Monday. The Buffalo cases are formed from Starline .45-90 cases and appear to be of fine quality.

You can't imagine my excitement when I compared the formed cases from Buffalo to my fire-formed cases. To the eye, an exact match! The Buffalo cases slip right into the chamber. The action closes smoothly and tight!

Here, you take a look and compare them:


My two fired cases are in the center, flanked by two out-of-the-box Buffalo Arms Co. cases on each side, all standing on top of a glorious set of RCBS dies.

So at this point I have brass and dies, but I don't have any properly sized bullets. All the .40 caliber bullets in my inventory are .411". The chamber of this Sharps won't quite accept a bullet of that diameter. I have on order some swaged .399", 330 grains paper patch bullets from Buffalo which should be perfect and which should arrive in a day or so.

My next report will be after firing at the range! Huvius, thanks again!

WAKE UP, IT'S OVER! Thanks for your patience with this loooooong post.

Curl

I seem to have left this thread on an anticipatory note. Remember, that was a month ago. Be assured I now have bullets and everything up and running. I am in the "load development" stage now. Just yesterday I loaded 16 "try" loads with four different powder charges - my second batch of "try" loads. Here's a photo of one group from yesterday's effort:



They are lovely cartridges, aren't they?

I don't know why i'm even responding here. Adjectives just haven't been invented yet to express a coherent thought about that rifle. I love the way it has that little "disk" area on the left top where the left hammer would rest on the firing pin area plugged up so elegantly. Does that mean this action was for a double gun but made into a one of a kind single shot instead. But is their room for two barrels side by side anyway? I have to look at it again. Man, what a rifle?
Just took another peek. Looks like an action for a very elegant small caliber double rifle made into a S.S. bigger caliber.

No it's strictly a single shot action from the start. It's tiny and wouldn't accommodate even a .22LR double.

The action filer just went to great effort to make it look that way. It's outstanding in exactly the details you comment on.

The skill required to file up that action is beyond comment.

my guess is they used a SxS hammer assembly and did the rest just to make it more symmetrical and allow easier customization for those "sinister types"

Wyatt,

As a followup, I have a tiny John Rigby & Co. double rifle built as a .360 (what the Brits called the ".360 Miniature"). It's the smallest double rifle action aside from a .22LR, but it's still larger than this single shot action. Here's a peek for comparison:




There you do see provision for a firing pin on both sides.

Maybe I'll post that rifle too, but I don't want to give this handgun venue a classic rifle overload right here at Christmas!

No! That lock will not work on a double rifle. The hammer nose is cocked way towards the center of the action so it will work on a single shot. Everything is different and every part is hand made for the specific purpose.

Cool!

I have a Shiloh in .40 - 2 1/4. Looking forward to reading your range results.

What is the twist rate? My rifle is 1:18. Most moulds sold now cast bullets too long to work well. Everyone wants 400+ grains, but the original factory loads were 330-370 grains. The Saeco 640 is a good mould for a.lighter/shorter bullet.

Good luck and enjoy!

Buffalo Arms sells .399" swaged paper patch bullets in 330 grains and 370 grains (along with heavier offerings). I am experimenting with the 330 grain bullets, but I may need to try the 370s because my first "try" batch shot way below the sights. A heavier bullet should raise the point of impact.

With the current "try" group I am using a slower powder. We shall see how it prints.

I'm loading smokeless loads using equivalent black powder pressures. Sometimes loading nitro-for-black requires a heavier bullet because of the lighter powder charge.

I haven't measured my twist rate, but will do so and give a report.

Again, WOW!!!

Anytime your heart desires to enlighten us heathens with more pictures and your excellent commentary, you go right ahead.

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James L. "Jim" Rhiner

Outstanding rifle and information. Thanks for posting. Larry

Your posts are never missed. The quality and detail is only overshadowed by the rarity of the firearm. Keep them coming.

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H Richard
SWCA1967 SWHF244

What a wonderful thread!!!!!!!!!!!
We needed something like this to remind us of what a great hobby we share. An elegant rifle indeed!!!

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Forum consigliere

Well Cap, you're up to your old tricks!

That's just top notch all the way around--fantastic rifle, great post. The research part of your work with these wonderful old guns must be very rewarding, especially that moment when it all comes together.

And those first few shots have gotta be a hoot...

In an earlier post I mentioned how tiny this action is. To put that statement into perspective I just moments ago shot this image, using a very familiar object as a comparative prop.



Remarkable, isn't it?

Simply gorgeous! An extremely elegant firearm that is welcome here, anytime!
Thank you for sharing.

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War Eagle! '10 BCS & '13 SEC

Cap
An exceptional rifle and an exceptional story. One of the attractive things about collecting is solving the mysteries that come with objects as rare as this. In solving the caliber and source of components problem you have provided a great step-by-step for others of us who have made a "I don't what this is, but it is too pretty for me leave here" purchase.

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Guero

Thank you Cap. I am dizzy from your elegant and professional story and hope now to read the shooting results. What a beautiful rifle.

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NOT SO FAST,, NOT-- SO-- FAST

outstanding. both rifle and presentation. if you are trying smokeless, are you trying 5744 and trail boss? 3031 has been used in the past also. never had 40/70bt but had sone in 40/70ss. might be some loads that would cross over.

Very nice single shot rifle. I love the single shot rifles and the quality of work on this gun is truly amazing. I would consider this gun a work of art. Its cool that you buy something like this and strive to shoot it, sort of living the past of this piece. Looking forward to seeing some of you're other guns and a range report. Larry

Great thread and gun, Curl. Looks to me that your taste in fine firearms and your attention to detail haven't faltered in the least. We are fortunate to have you among us.

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Wayne
Torn & Frayed

What a gorgeous rifle. Thanks for sharing.

Absolutely fabulous. I love single shots of all designs, and that one is amazing!! At those prices though I'll just have to be content with my C. Sharps long range express.

Omg! Beautiful

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Dyin ain't much of a livin

What a great post; thanks so much, Curl.

Unless you have looked over one of these British single shot or double rifles, you cannot truly say you have ever seen a top quality gun.

I've seen a few at gun shows over the years and they really are spectacular.

You have again come up with an amazing rifle to post about Cap. Thank you!

Are there British resources that can help with shipping and background information on the gun? It would be fascinating to hear more about who ordered it, where it went, etc. From the photos it appears to have been carried in the field but very well cared for. The figuring on the wood it incredible!

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Even older, even crankier....

Wow, outstanding , Thanks for sharing.

Great article / post on a true work of art. Thank you.

I see that 6-1/2 years have gone by. It's past time for an update on this wonderful rifle. Let me give details of getting it up and running.




For loads I started out with 330 grain paper patched (PP) bullets. They shot low. I figured the easy fix was a 370 grain PP bullet to bring it up. They still shot low. These were with nitro-for-black loads.

My next thought was to try black powder loads, thinking the extra recoil and ejected mass of the BP load would bring the muzzle up. That didn't work either. The rifle shot low with everything I could feed it. Somebody had monkeyed with the rear sight, leaving it filed too low. The existing front sight is so low to the barrel that a new front bead was not an option. In frustration I set the rifle aside for several years.

Fortunately I know "Mike", a master gunsmith in Arkansas. It would be impossible to exaggerate his skills. Mike and I talked about my problem, and he agreed to make a new rear sight.

Mike gave me a homework assignment: Load plenty of ammo and fabricate a rear sight blade out of beer can aluminum super-glued to the existing sight. Trim the beer can sight until I get the right elevation on target, and deliver the rifle to him with the beer can sight still glued on. That would give him a benchmark to work from and make his job much faster and easier. I was also told to fire the rifle at 50, 100, and 200 yards so we could know how the bullet flies. This would help with the 200 yard leaf.

Actually, the beer can rear sight was much easier to make than I expected. With little effort I sighted the rifle in as I was told to do. I did everything else and carted the rifle to Friendship, Indiana in June 2017 to deliver it to Mike together with 40 rounds of ammunition.

My load is:
* 70 gr. of GOEX Olde Eynsford 2F, the powder compressed just below the base of the neck;
* a beeswax foundation wad set on the powder;
* a 3/16" thick grease cookie;
* 330 gr. swaged .399" paper patched bullet;
* WLR primer;
* 2.925" OAL.

This load is accurate and does not foul the barrel. It chronographs at 1521 fps.

Here's what they look like:





Did I mention Mike has one hell of a pair of hands? It wasn't too long before Mike let me know the job was complete. He sent me an email with some photos of the completed rear sight and a 100 yard target.





The sights and 100 yard target looked fine to me!






"Load - Whatever Roscoe had managed to cobble together." Isn't Mike a complementary little Kiwi? - I'll say!

On the phone Mike started instructing me on how he wanted me to fine tune the sights by filing, if necessary. My response, "What if I drive out to Arkansas to pick up the rifle and we shoot it there?" Mike thought a visit would be fun.

Early August, 2017 a friend and I saddled up and rode to Arkansas for several days of shooting, telling stories, and drinking IPAs in the evenings. The little Rigby was splendid. The 100 yard leaf was perfect. Mike did a little filing on the 200 yard leaf to make it perfect. We had a great time shooting the Rigby and several other rifles each morning.

Here are a few photos from the visit:



Mike at his bench "cobbling something together" - actually the final filing on my 200 yard leaf!







At the range shooting his glorious .450 Fraser single shot.





And finally, with an IPA at hand, Mike demonstrates his sure-fire Arkansas method of pleasing his kitty:






It was a fantastic visit!

When I got home I loaded another big batch of ammo to do some practice and to take to an October match. Here's a 100 yard target I shot in September:




When October rolled around I had a grand time at our Stalking Rifle Match shooting the little Rigby. I didn't set any records, but I had great satisfaction shooting this marvelous little single shot rifle.

Life is good, and vintage firearms make it so much better!

Curl

Great story! thanks for the follow up!

Ivan

Fantastic thread. Amazing rifle. Amazing story.

Thanks for posting.

Regards

That is not just a rifle.

It's a work of art. Timeless beauty created from wood and steel.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire thread with update and pictures of that splendid rifle. Thank you sir for taking us on the journey. Please take care and enjoy your wonderful piece of fine old craftsmanship that looks absolutely gorgeous.

What a glorious story!! That is just a fabulous little rifle! Thanks so much for sharing this with us. Words fail me.

Best Regards, Les

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SWCA 3084, SWHF 495, PGCA 3064

outstanding rifle, beautiful photography, and great thread. Thank you !!

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John

Wow! Just Wow! Awesome thread and exquisite rifle! Thank you!

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Hue 68 noli me tangere

It's difficult to overstate how cool this story is. Really amazing.

Magnificent rifle with truly stunning wood grain, and a most interesting history of your dealings with the piece.

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Oh well, what the hell.

Captcurl - first you find a remarkable piece of work, then you have the nerve to disassemble it, narrow slot English screws, walnut to die for and all, then conduct a relentless search for the right ammo to shoot it, then make the ammo, then find someone willing and able to make sights for it to make it shoot right, then put together a fascinating thread to share the tale with us.
Outstanding! Thank you!

i am humbled to say the least . absolutely fantastic .

In an age when firearms are built to the aesthetic and workmanship standards of a piece of Tupperware, and folks buy (consume?) them like every other piece of plastic in their lives it is so great to read this posting.

That rifle is a work of art, from one of the high point eras of Western civilization.
Consider the life experience this wonderful firearm has given you, and indirectly all of us.
And, obviously you are a great steward for possessing this firearm for what I hope to be a millenia of enjoyment for the
future.

Best Regards,
Jim

330 grains in excess of 1500 fps? That would make a helluva plains rifle!

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Even older, even crankier....