As a Rigby owner, I must say it is satisfying that a book now exists to chronicle this great firm. That’s good. However, this 196-page effort is not a complete and meticulous work, such as one would expect from someone like Donald Dallas.

Instead, “Rigby. A Grand Tradition,” is merely a “down payment” against “several [forthcoming] books” on Rigby. This according to the introduction by authors Calabi, Helsley and Sanger. That’s bad.

Why? Because rather than writing the story complete, they have apparently decided to trickle it out over an indeterminate period of time. Presumably at $45 per hardcover installment. That’s a marketing risk because their limited audience has the chance to lose interest in the game. Especially when they only get part of the story with each bit of pudding.

And then there’s the frustrating part: No serial number/ledger information is provided. This time. You have to wait for that. In book form or on some yet-to-be-posted website. At additional cost, I’m sure.

KR thanks for the review. It will save me from buying it as I had planned.

I don't know. There's so little money in writing gun books that I'm grateful for anything an author takes the time to put out.

At the end of the day, $45 X 3 isn't going to put a dent in my lifestyle and the knowledge and pleasure I gain from the books will be well worth it.

BTW: $45 X 3 is still cheaper than the new Westley book!

OWD

Thanks for the information. This may slow me down from purchasing the book too, at least for now - or until I get a Rigby.

This is a double-edged sword sorta deal.

You're right, at least there's a book written about your gun's maker. I am flabbergasted that there hasn't been a William Ford or Frederick Beesley book written. I've even tried to cajole a couple authors to get started by offering to bankroll some of the process.

Having said that, I wouldn't be too excited if a 'partial' came out, as you explain the Rigby is. $45 x 3 isn't so much the issue - it's the trickle effect. In fact, I'd gladly pay $150 for a single complete book than to see a maker's book come in pieces.

Updates, corrections, and some enhancements, like done to the Boss book or currently being done to the Purdey book is one thing, but to not even have serial numbers in the first version....I think the author should have waited.

Just my $.02.

Fellow Enthusiasts:
Forgive me if my review tends to dissuade you. Please don't let it. By all means, if you have an interest in Rigby BUY the book. It deserves your attention.

I'm just disappointed that it's not complete as it stands.

And... much like the Westley book (which is outstanding) the Rigby book goes into the people who've used Rigby guns through the years - rather than rendering a dedicated immersion into the technology and craft of the guns themselves. Perhaps more later?

Still, as someone who has lived by the pen, I hesitate to diminish the life of this work just as it begins to breathe. Please get your copy and judge for yourself.

I bought a copy for a friend. The content is a bit lightweight but it is an entertaining read and nicely presented.

Kensal, I´d have to disagree, the Westley book in my opinion is not outstanding, it is OK, the photos are wonderful but the content is light weight, I would have expected more detail on the history of the family, the workers etc and also it should have been written by someone more "impartial", the whole comes across as a giant advert, best, Mike

Kensal,

I bought the Rigby book for less than $27.00 through Barnes and Noble with free shipping. I think that it is a fine book for a rainy evening to look at some great pictures and read some interesting stories about Rigby guns and their owners. If the next volume is also less than $27.00 I will be well pleased.

Just got the book for $26 including shipping through Amazon.

I agree with the frustration we feel when we don't get enough of "the guns themselves". It is interesting that a certain potentate owned a type of gun, but not at the expense of the history and development of the gun itself. I have "cruised" through both books and was left wanting more about the guns and their development and history of same. Westley Richards had a big presence in the U.S. , offering their expertise and products to many U.S. makers of the finest guns made here and anywhere. No mention that I could see of any of this. I am hoping more Rigby writing comes out, and Westley Richards has much more to say as a company and a prominent maker for 200 years. The interaction of Westley Richards and the many makers in Britain is a story , too.

Finally, I applaud the people who take the time to write books. They give us, for the most part, a hard copy of things we wonder and dream about. I do hope we can hear more on the two makers in question. I often buy firearms related books on subjects I am not the most interested in. I guess it's my small expression of thanks for their efforts and dedication.

I write quite a lot about Westley Richards in my new book "The British Boxlock Gun and Rifle", which is with the publisher Merlin Unwin at the moment. Lots of guns and close up inspections of them in that one!

Unwin's are currently negotiating with Safari Press for a US printing of the book - fingers crossed they take it up.

Sorry for the shameless plug but I thought it was at least 'on topic'.

Thanks for the information on the book, I've been considering buying that one. I wish Safari press would give the table of contents on their books, that really helps when thinking about buying it.

Small Bore, let me know when it comes out and I´ll buy a copy, can you sign it for me ? best, Mike

Dig,

I assume there will be a UK version of your new book before any US edition. Yes/No? My copy of the Westley book is "in the mail", so I look forward to that. I also hope that Dallas's book on Dickson appears soon.

Best,
Rand Millican

The UK version is confirmed and in production. It will launch in October. I will also have a launch in October in Houston at Joseph's - the gun shop we are collaborating with. I'm sure we will nail a deal with a US publisher. Happy to sign copies, of course.

Dig,
Just ordered your book from amazon.co.uk with 1 October the estimated shipping date. Always prefer a true first edition. Look forward to it.

Regards, Tim

That would be the first copy! Very forward thinking.

Dig, now there two orders. I'm counting the 121 days until expected delivery.