The Rigby Campfire Podcast

In the final episode of our Campfire Podcast for 2025, Managing Director Marc Newton sits down with gunmaker Olivier Leclercq to look back at 12 years of Rigby’s revival. Olivier and Marc take us back to the earliest days of Rigby at Pensbury Place, when the company was little more than a vision, a box of paperwork and a handful of determined people. He and Marc reflect on the events of December of 2013, when Marc and his mentor Patty Pugh were moving boxes into the workshop on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, wondering what on earth they had taken on - and hoping they were doing the right thing. Twelve years on, with Rigby firmly re-established as one of the world’s most respected gunmakers, Olivier shares stories from those early days in the workshop and the moments that shaped the company into what it is today. He speaks about the camaraderie of the early team, the pride taken in every rifle that leaves the bench and the responsibility of being custodians of a historic brand with a future to protect. The conversation also explores the balance that defines Rigby: traditional tools and time-honoured methods, paired with an innovative, forward-looking ethos. From engineering and artistry to training the next generation, this is an honest and personal look at what it takes to build and sustain a legacy. Warm, reflective and fitting for the run-up to Christmas, this episode is a reminder that Rigby’s success today is rooted in shared belief, hard work and the people who have stood by the brand from day one.

In the latest Rigby Campfire podcast, Marc is joined by Martin Levis, Rigby’s Head Stock Maker and a man renowned for his craftsmanship, sommelier-like instinct for exceptional walnut and his lightning-fast reloading skills. With more than a decade in the gun trade, eight of those years with Rigby, Martin offers a rare window into the skill, intuition and patience that define this centuries-old craft. Together, Marc and Martin explore the journey of a Rigby stock: from the moment a raw walnut blank is first selected, through the tactile stages of shaping, balancing and finishing, to the point where wood and steel finally become a rifle with its own character and life story. During the conversation, the pair examine several remarkable pieces of rare French walnut and discuss what sets a great stock blank apart from the ordinary. They also delve into the significance for Martin of working with a natural material: how each blank carries its own history, how subtle variations influence the rifle’s feel, and why the personality of the wood is central to what makes a Rigby unique. The episode closes with Martin’s reflections on building a career in the gun trade and his thoughtful advice for aspiring stockmakers, a reminder that great rifles begin not only with fine materials, but with people who understand how to bring them to life.

Rigby’s Head of Communications, Simon K. Barr, is joined by Craig Boddington for an in-depth discussion on all things Rigby.Craig recounts his personal Rigby journey, beginning with his early fascination sparked by reading Jim Corbett’s works during his school years, through to his own expeditions—ranging from pursuing elephants across the African wilderness to stalking roe bucks in the English countryside, and everything in between.Together, they examine in detail the wide array of cartridge calibres offered by Rigby, reflecting on their respective merits. Both highlight the .416 as the definitive choice for the serious big-game hunter embarking on safari.What unfolds is a conversation between two passionate enthusiasts, delving deeply into the intricacies of ammunition, ballistics, and the traditions of the hunt.

Join Rigby’s Head of Communications, Simon K. Barr, as he sits down with Professional Hunter Alex McDonald at Royal Thabane, a five-star private safari lodge in Limpopo, South Africa.Recorded in the Rigby Gunroom, the only official Rigby Gunroom at any hunting lodge worldwide, the conversation takes place surrounded by a full complement of Rigby magazine and double rifles. Alex shares how he and his team have transformed Royal Thabane from an ecological desert, left barren by years of intensive cattle grazing, back to a thriving wilderness that’s heaven for big game hunters. From careful game reintroduction to the return of native flora and fauna, the long-term goal is to establish the reserve as a protected sanctuary for generations to come. Simon and Alex also discuss the lodge itself, from its spectacular views and world-class facilities to the complete discretion and extraordinary adventures that guests enjoy during their stay. For Rigby devotees and die-hard Africa fans alike, this episode offers an inspiring glimpse into conservation success, luxury safari life and the enduring relationship between Rigby and Royal Thabane.

Join Rigby’s Managing Director, Marc Newton, as he welcomes long-standing client, trusted advisor, and friend Todd Fry for a conversation in the Rigby safari tent at this year’s SCI convention in Dallas.Todd shares his hunting journey, from adventuring on multiple mountain hunts a year, to eventually trying - albeit initially rather reluctantly - hunting in Africa. A decade on, with over 20 safari hunts to his name, Todd shares touching anecdotes of quality time spent with his nearest and dearest under the beating sun of the continent.Marc reveals the unofficial advisory role that Todd has taken on over the years, lifts the lid on the “big five” project and discusses how Todd’s new rifles are set to be shipped from the London workshop after they have been personally inspected. This a must-listen for aspirational and seasoned hunters alike.

In the latest edition of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Rigby Managing Director Marc Newton returns to HMS Victory, one month after our unforgettable 250th anniversary celebrations at Portsmouth’s Royal Naval Dockyard.Seated once again in Nelson’s Cabin, quiet once more after the hustle and bustle of the celebrations, Marc is joined by gunmaker Dan Rivers from Rigby’s finishing team. The pair reflect on the extraordinary event in May that saw people from around the world gathering to mark a momentous occasion.Daniel offers an inside view of the many months of preparation that went into the anniversary, from working behind the scenes with Rigby’s master craftsmen and transporting over 50 guns from the London showroom to Portsmouth to helping unveil the extraordinary Victory rifles. Each of these commemorative Rigby rifles features a V-shaped piece of original oak from HMS Victory, ensuring their owners hold a true piece of British history.You can expect tales of the private dinners hosted in Nelson’s Cabin and cannons being fired to mark every Victory rifle order, behind the scenes footage of an event that was three years in the making and the chance to hear Marc's speech given at a private dinner during the celebrations.With country leaders, business greats and legends of the gun trade among those who gathered to celebrate the shared history of Rigby and Victory, this is an episode that transports you to Nelson’s Cabin and the heart of the occasion. It’s unmissable entertainment for anyone who appreciates heritage, craftsmanship and the camaraderie at the heart of the Rigby family.

In this special episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Head of Communications Simon K. Barr joins Rigby Managing Director Marc Newton as they drive to Portsmouth’s historic dockyard, the iconic setting for Rigby’s 250th anniversary celebration.Recorded aboard the legendary HMS Warrior, just steps from HMS Victory, this episode dives into the origins of an event three years in the making. Marc and Simon reflect on how a late-night idea at a US trade show evolved into one of the most ambitious celebrations ever staged by a British gunmaker. They share behind-the-scenes stories, from their long-held dream of dining in Nelson’s cabin to the logistical feat of bringing 250 Rigby friends and family from across the globe together aboard a floating piece of British naval history.With themes of heritage, craftsmanship and national pride running throughout, the conversation reveals exclusive details, including how oak timbers from HMS Victory are being incorporated into future Rigby rifles, creating a lasting link between two British icons. Expect camaraderie, a few laughs, and a powerful look at what it means to be part of the Rigby family.Whether you’re attending the celebration or watching from afar, this episode offers a stirring preview of a truly historic moment.

Join Rigby’s Managing Director, Marc Newton, as he sits down with Slade Stevens in the very heart of Rigby’s workshop in London. Slade joined the Rigby team as an apprentice gunmaker three years ago and is now head of sales for the Highland Stalker and Big Game rifles, focusing mainly on the U.S. market and walk-in clients in London. The pair discuss Slade’s move from America to come and work for Rigby, his role in the early years of the company and his subsequent promotions. Marc touches on his leadership style within the company and how Rigby is a fun and supportive place to work. Marc and Slade discuss the exciting new commemorative rifles being launched in 2025 to celebrate 250 years of Rigby. What will they look like? Which models will they be? What makes them so special? They chat about all that and so much more in this month’s episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast. Enjoy!

In another superb episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Rigby Managing Director Marc Newton sits down with longtime customer and friend Merle Sampson for an entertaining discussion about their shared hunting experiences and Rigby’s journey back to the pinnacle of gunmaking.This episode was recorded in January at the SCI convention in Atlanta, and you can expect to hear evocative stories of hunting, relive a heartstopping ride in a light aircraft and get a taste of what it’s like to be in the path of an elephant on the charge… The duo also look ahead to the hunting adventures in their diaries for 2025 and Rigby’s 250th anniversary celebrations, where Merle will be a guest at the dinner.It’s a must-listen for anyone who loves to immerse themselves in big game hunting, Rigby’s gunmaking history and the camaraderie and adventuring spirit that sits at the heart of the brand.

In this episode, Rigby Managing Director Marc Newton sits down with Julius Fortuna, Rigby customer and SCI Board Director for the Las Vegas Chapter. Join for a fascinating conversation recorded in the Rigby safari tent at the Safari Club International Convention in Nashville. Julius recounts the heart-stopping moment he was charged by a buffalo, offering a first-hand perspective on how he handled the situation and demonstrating the trust placed in a rifle by big game hunters. We’ve included snippets of the encounter that helps to bring this extraordinary experience to life for those watching as well as listening. Marc shares the remarkable tale of how the Rigby team navigated the challenges of 2020’s Covid-19 lockdown by living in the factory for eight weeks, ensuring production continued. As CEO, he slept on an air mattress in the office and cooked for his team, a testament to the dedication and love of the work that sits behind the brand. From hunting stories and industry challenges to the new Rigby Shikari Rifle and the ongoing debate over lead shot legislation, this episode covers it all.

Join our Managing Director Marc Newton as he sits down with Director of Operations Steven “Monty” Monteith in the very heart of Rigby’s workshop in London. In this light-hearted conversation, Marc and Monty share their 20-year friendship that was forged through a joint love of fieldsports and hunting before bringing them to work together at Rigby.  They discuss Rigby's upcoming 250-year anniversary and the plans that are underway to celebrate such a momentous occasion. Marc explains how the idea of collaborating with HMS Victory came about and shares a few under-the-radar details about how the celebrations there will unfold.  Monty goes on to explain how Rigby has obtained a piece of English oak from HMS Victory and shares details of how the team plan to incorporate it into their celebrations. Sit back, relax and enjoy this engaging conversation as Britain's oldest gunmaker gets ready to celebrate a truly momentous milestone. 

In the latest episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., takes a break from hunting in South Africa's Greater Kruger National Park to chat with Marco van Nieker of Safari Outdoor, dealer for Rigby in South Africa. Marco talks about his new model with Marc as they agree that a Rigby was meant to be out in the bush, and not stuck in a gun cabinet. Marc explores how every Rigby—be it a .275 for Scotland, a Rising Bite Shotgun for birds, or the Shikari Rifle for big game— is made with the same expectation: to perform when the time comes. They laugh about how you need to scratch your new rifle as soon as possible to embrace using it as it’s meant to be, and how each of those scratches will amount to a library of stories over the years. Marco states why he, as a retailer, advises clients to invest in a Rigby. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on: YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rigbygunmakers/?hl=en Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

In the latest episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., takes a break from hunting in South Africa's Greater Kruger to chat with Hancke Hudson of Safari Outdoor, dealer for Rigby in South Africa. With over 30 years of hunting experience, Hancke reflects on his journey and his unique role as custodian of culture at Safari Outdoor, a position he has held for a decade. The conversation delves into the importance of maintaining core business values amid rapid growth and how these principles align with Rigby's ethos. Hancke shares an exhilarating story from a bongo hunting trip in Cameroon, highlighting the challenges of hunting in dense rainforest. Marc and Hancke also discuss the new Rigby Shikari rifle, based on its performance after their buffalo and hippo hunts. They emphasize how Rigbys are quintessential African guns—made to be used and passed down through generations. The episode wraps up with Hancke's invaluable advice for those interested in hunting in Africa, who perhaps haven’t been before, making it a must-listen episode for both seasoned hunters and newcomers alike. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

In this episode of the Rigby Campfire podcast, recorded at the Dallas Safari Club Convention, host Marc Newton engages in a candid conversation with Jacob Herman, a devoted Rigby customer. Jacob shares his journey with the brand, beginning with a memorable encounter involving Rigby cufflinks that exemplified the company's exceptional customer service and welcoming approach. The discussion then shifts to Rigby's remarkable growth over the past decade. Marc reflects on the company's evolution from a small booth to a prominent presence at major hunting shows, emphasising Rigby's commitment to heritage and storytelling. They explore the significance of Rigby guns, including the Shikari double rifles, which serve as tangible links to hunting's storied past. Throughout the episode, Marc and Jacob highlight the sense of community fostered by Rigby and the Dallas Safari Club. Their conversation underscores how personal experiences and shared passion for hunting create lasting connections among enthusiasts, reinforcing Rigby's position not just as a brand, but as a cornerstone of hunting culture. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

Welcome to another episode of The Rigby Campfire podcast. In this month's episode, Rigby's managing director Marc Newton sits down with Larry Leadingham, a longstanding friend and customer of Rigby. Marc and Larry reminisce about the early days of Rigby's revival and Larry's journey to becoming a Rigby owner. They discuss how Larry's dream of owning a Rigby rifle came true, even surprising his wife with one as a 20th anniversary gift. The conversation explores the deep connection formed within the Rigby community and company's commitment to supporting ex-serviceman, and their efforts to promote ethical hunting practices through initiatives like the Dagga Boy Award. Marc and Larry share insights on Rigby's rich history, its place in modern hunting, and the launch of the new Rigby Big Game Lightweight rifle. Whether you're a long-time Rigby enthusiast or new to the brand, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of the Best gunmaking and the spirit of adventure that Rigby represents. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

Welcome back to the Rigby Campfire Podcast. In this episode, we're excited to bring you an insightful conversation between Marc Newton, the managing director of John Rigby & Co., and Kent Porter, a pivotal figure in Rigby's recent history and a true enthusiast of the brand. Kent Porter, while well-known in hunting circles for his expertise and passion for the outdoors, has remained an unsung hero in the story of Rigby's revival. Today, we'll uncover his instrumental role in bringing this iconic gunmaker back to its British roots in 2013. During this candid discussion, Marc and Kent will take us behind the scenes of Rigby's resurgence. They'll share their perspectives on being custodians of such a storied company and delve into the critical decisions and actions that have shaped Rigby into the renowned gunmaker it is today. So, settle in by the campfire and join us for this engaging conversation between two passionate individuals whose shared love for Rigby has helped write a new chapter in the company's illustrious history. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

In this month’s episode of the Rigby Campfire podcast, Rigby's managing director, Marc Newton, sits down with close friend and colleague, Kevin Wistner, director of sales and marketing at Blaser USA. Blaser USA is the importer and distributor of Rigby guns in the United States. Together, they delve into the relationship between Rigby and Blaser Group, highlighting Kevin's integral role in supporting Rigby operations in the U.S. market. They discuss the detailed processes involved in importing Rigby rifles, the exceptional quality control standards upheld by Rigby, and the shared commitment to excellence that drives both companies. Tune in for an engaging conversation and learn more about Rigby’s close relationship with the United States. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

Welcome to this month's episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast. Marc Newton, Rigby's managing director sits down with Donald Trump Jr., co-founder of US-based brand, Field Ethos. Join them as they discuss their forthcoming collaboration and a recent visit to the Rigby workshop that included a trip to the historic London Proof House. Following the visit to Rigby HQ, Marc took Don Jr. hunting roebuck in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside. Listen as they share their experiences, insights into the world of hunting and conservation, and the story behind the creation of the Field Ethos brand. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

In this month’s episode of the Rigby Campfire Podcast, Marc Newton, managing director of John Rigby & Co., sits down with Dr. Kevin 'Doctari' Robertson, a distinguished authority in African wildlife management. With over four decades of expertise blending veterinary science and conservation, Dr. Robertson shares the genesis of his seminal work, "The Perfect Shot," and the journey to its second edition. Delving into the Rigby Dagga Boy Award, of which Dr. Robertson serves as a judge, they explore its vital role in conservation, through hunting post-breeding age buffalo and its significance in advancing scientific understanding across Africa. From the compilation of hunter narratives in the Rigby Dagga Boy Book vol.1 to Dr. Robertson's profound connection with buffalo and the complexities of hunting as a veterinarian, this episode offers a rich dialogue on conservation, hunting ethics, and the transformative power of initiatives like the Dagga Boy Award in reshaping perceptions within the hunting community. Join us as we learn more about Dr.Robertson's ties with Rigby and his extensive experiences in the field. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/

In this episode, Marc Newton, the managing director of John Rigby & Co., embarks on a captivating journey with Professional Hunter, Robin Hurt. Together, they explore the remarkable efforts of Robin and his wife Pauline through their Habitat for Rhino project, safeguarding the free-roaming rhino population in Namibia's Gamsberg region.  Tune in as they uncover the challenges and triumphs of rhino conservation, shedding light on its financial complexities—a cause supported fervently by Rigby. Discover first-hand from Robin what it truly means to be a conservationist, and join us on an expedition to Namibia to encounter these majestic creatures. Learn about Rigby's involvement with the creation of 12 special edition Rigby London Best Habitat for Rhino rifles. Later, Marc sits down with two icons of the hunting world, Paul Roberts of J Roberts & Sons and Robin Hurt. Basking in the Namibian sunshine, they share anecdotes and insights. So, grab your seat around the campfire and tune in. Subscribe to John Rigby & Co. on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@johnrigbyco.1612 Follow us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/JohnRigbyandCo/ Visit our website: www.johnrigbyandco.com/guns/the-big-game/