The Falling Block Rifle

The resurgence of a timeless classic

A living testament to the enduring allure of traditional guns, the Rigby Falling Block rifle heralds the revival of a legacy. With a heritage rooted in the late Victorian era, this masterpiece captures the very essence of the innovation and craftsmanship that once defined Farquharson rifles of yesteryear.

After three years in the making, the rifle is built around a true Farquharson action, identical to the original patented John Farquharson design of 1875 and a strong match to the historic Rigby-made Farquharson rifles in the company’s historic ledger books, allowing hunting enthusiasts to delve into the golden age of hunting, while embracing the advancements of the modern day.

The inception of the Rigby Falling Block rifle stemmed from the creation of the innovative .416 No. 2 rimmed cartridge released in 2019, which smoothly transitioned Rigby from crafting the .416 No. 2 double rifle to envisioning a falling block iteration. This evolution enhanced Rigby’s modern hunting collection, blending the timeless charm of the original Farquharson design with the contemporary refinement seen in the Rigby/Farquharson model.

At the heart of this journey to the rifle’s return is actioner Mark Mitchell, whose extensive industry experience and affinity for Farquharson rifles intertwined seamlessly with Rigby’s vision. Mark Mitchell, Rigby Falling Block actioner, added:

“The drawings and the designs that I used for inspiration were from a .500 Rigby Falling Block rifle. I changed it slightly and used modern manufacturing methods. I came up with the design we had but it’s got pretty much all of the features of the original, like the retracting striker.”