John Rigby (gunmaker) facts for kids
John Rigby (1829–1916) was a very important person in the world of firearms. He founded a famous company called John Rigby & Company. This company made high-quality rifles and shotguns.
Who Was John Rigby?
John Rigby was born in 1829 and lived until 1916. He was not just a businessman; he was also an amazing shooter. He became famous for making some of the best rifles and shotguns.
A Champion Marksman
Rigby was a world-class marksman, meaning he was incredibly skilled at shooting rifles. For 28 years, he led the Irish team at a big shooting competition. This event was called the Imperial Meeting. It was first held in Wimbledon and later moved to Bisley. His skill showed how well his rifles could perform.
Leading a Famous Factory
In 1887, John Rigby took on a big role. He became the superintendent of the Royal Small Arms Factory at Enfield Lock. This factory was very important for making weapons for the British army. Rigby helped develop the British service rifle. This rifle used a special type of ammunition called the .303 British calibre.
Designing Famous Rifles
John Rigby also designed some very powerful rifle cartridges. These included the .450 3¼-Inch Nitro Express and the .416 Rigby. These were used for hunting large animals. He also worked with a German company called Mauser. Together, they redesigned the G98 rifle. They made it able to use even more powerful ammunition called magnum cartridges. Rigby's work greatly helped make his company's name famous in rifle making.
