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This rifle is chambered in the venerable .270 Winchester and based on a modified, pre-WWII, standard length Mauser action with a new bolt shroud and 3-position, Model 70 type safety along with a sliding “stalking” safety to the right of the action’s tang. The one-piece bottom metal has an inside-the-bow release for the floor plate and holds 5 down in the magazine. Modern replacement trigger by Timney.  

The barrel is 23” (outside the action) and bears 1982 London proof marks along with the maker’s name with the 13 Pall Mall St. Address (ca. 1969-1985) and a sling attachment on the bottom of the barrel.  

The rifle has a nicely figured walnut stock with a right-handed modern shaped, shadow-line cheekpiece and a 13 7/8” LOP over a leather covered pad. The stock’s full pistol grip and forend are capped in ebony. The pistol grip and forearm have point pattern checkering with two panels on the pistol grip and a wrap around the forend and both have Mullered borders. The stock is also fitted with a single recoil bar, a blank stock oval, and a rear sling stud.  

The action has a nicely engraved, bold scroll pattern and a bolt knob with 5 checkered panels and an engraved tip. The recoil bar and bottom metal are engraved in a corresponding bold scroll pattern with “Rigby .270 Win.” and the serial number inlayed in gold. The bolt shroud and Redfield 1” rings are color hardened and the rings appropriately engraved with the maker’s name and rifle’s serial number. The Maker’s name is engraved in Olde English Script on the top of the barrel and there is a single gold band ¾" back from the muzzle.  

The firm fell out of the Rigby family hands in 1951 and was purchased by Richard Marx in 1968. In 1970 Mr. Marx contracted with J. Roberts & Son to build bolt action rifles on behalf of the Rigby company. This rifle was made by J. Roberts & Son prior to Paul Roberts’ purchase of the firm’s name and ledgers and change of addresses that would come starting in 1984 and 85.  

The rifle has a few little handling marks but remains excellent overall in the Maker’s lightweight canvas case.  

The .270 Winchester was introduced by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. In 1923 and remains today, one of America’s most popular cartridges. While the .270 Win was tailor made for North America’s whitetail, mule deer, and antelope, it has long proven to be as good as any other medium bore cartridge for small to medium sized game found worldwide.  

English made bolt action rifles are quite hard to find chambered in American cartridges, especially small to medium bore sizes. With its relatively low recoil, the easy to shoot .270 Win. cartridge pairs nicely with the slim, racy shape of an English made bolt action rifle. A rare find and a very nice one at that.  

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