Rigby unveils collection to support rhino project

John Rigby & Co has unveiled a collection of a dozen Best rifles, designed specifically to support the Habitat for Rhino conservation project.

The project was founded 10 years ago by Pauline and Robin Hurt and has reintroduced a thriving population of white rhinos to the Gamsberg region in Namibia. Through anti-poaching initiatives, monitoring and community engagement, the rhino population has shown an 80% survival rate for the 10 calves born in the region over the past decade. 

The Hunts were awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Conservation Award at this year’s Great British Shooting Awards (Champagne for all!, 6 March). 

The 12 new Best rifles will help generate funds for the project. Each rifle is chambered in .350 Rigby and sports a grade 7 walnut stock with the Habitat for Rhino logo — personally designed by Pauline Hurt — inlaid in the floor plate in multi-colour gold and metal. 

With prices starting from £48,000, each rifle will also be individually engraved with the name of one of the rhinos from the project. 

John Rigby’s managing director Marc Newton said: “Our longstanding tradition of supporting wildlife conservation takes a poignant step forward with these rifles. The collaboration with Habitat for Rhino is a testament to our commitment to making a meaningful impact in the realms of wildlife conservation.”