Guns International #: 100446966

B. Searcy P.H.Express .450 Rigby, 25” bl.

B. Searcy & Co., 26293 Twenty Mule Team, Boron, California, .450 Rigby, built in the ‘90s using a South African Vektor Double Square Bridge Magnum Mauser Action. Barrel length is 25” with 1 in 16” twist.  Although B. Searcy, as a custom gunmaker, has only been around since 1975, their reputation is already world renown, and with reason.  The company uses only the finest materials and employs the finest craftsmen in all the trades involved, creating their masterpieces. 

For this rifle, they started with a double square bridge Express Magnum action by Vektor of South Africa. The custom-rifled barrel has a ramped Holland and Holland front sight which is a fine bead and alternate flip-up twilight sight.  The island rear sight consists of an adjustable leaf with shallow V, preferred for dangerous game.  The barrel also features a band front sling swivel and a large hidden recoil lug 6” forward of the receiver.  The action is fitted with a 2-position wing safety resembling the Model 70 safety in style and direction of operation with a contoured bolt sleeve.

The double square bridge has been fitted with Talley bases for Talley detachable rings.

Under metal consists of straddle hinged floor plate with center bow release and trigger guard… both modestly engraved in Searcy tradition bouquets of roses. The bolt handle of the stainless steel jeweled bolt is engraved with a pleasing 3-panel checkering pattern.

Inscriptions:  The receiver bridge is inscribed: “B.SEARCY & CO. BORON, CA.”  The serial number, 512, is located on the left side of the front receiver ring and the chambering designation, 450 Rigby, is on the left side of the barrel over the chamber area.

The near-exhibition grade stock is highly figured English Walnut with tiger-stripe or fiddle-back, running full length showing on both sides and shaped in pure classic styling. The grain is laid out proper for big bore strength. Other features include a classic cheekpiece with a sculptured shadowline, generous wrap-around point pattern checkering with 2 cross bolts, Ebony forend tip, Ebony pistol grip cap, and an unused inlaid gold monogram oval, weight 9 lbs. 15 oz. (without scope), 14" LOP over a 7/8" dark brown leather pad. Checkering diamonds are sharp to the touch.

Although built heavy to sustain recoil, this rifle comes to hand quickly as a true Big Game rifle with perfect balance, with the sights aligned dead-on.

About the 450 Rigby cartridge: According to Cartridges of the World, Frank C. Barnes states

“In its standard factory loading, this cartridge throws a .480-grain Woodleigh soft-nose or solid bullet at 2350fps. This gives it quite a trajectory and terminal-performance edge on the 450-470 group, and it far surpasses the somewhat overstrained .458 (Win Mag). The case is basically the same one that the .416 Rigby uses, with a sharp shoulder for good and consistent resistance to the striker blow, and with a .458-inch bullet. Similar in size to the .460 Weatherby (and the .458 Lott), this improved design is unhampered by a belt and thus gives smooth, quiet and sure feeding from the magazine. This will be a good choice for the person wanting to take only one rifle to Africa.”

According to the Blue Book, 34th Edition, B.Searcy’s  bolt action rifle has a starting price of $15,000, with many options available.  With all the bells and whistles on this rifle, the MSRP would be $21,750 without scope and mounts.  The custom firm is fully engaged in building what will undoubtedly be the heirlooms of tomorrow.

Price $17,500.00 with Nikon African scope 1-4x20 with renowned Nikon clarity and especially built to withstand the heaviest recoil.

Shipping $50 to any of the lower 48 states. Buyer must furnish current FFL copy for shipping. Buyer has 3-day full refund non-firing return privilege.  Payment by wire transfer, money order, certified check or personal check with delay for validation.

Seller is the author of The Rifleman’s Rifle (Winchester pre-64 Model 70s) and will furnish a Letter of Provenance that this rifle is from his collection.  Feedback can be checked on ebay under seller’s login rcrwin70roger.