250 years of Rigby

John Rigby & Co marked its 250th anniversary in fitting style, hosting an evening of tradition and pageantry aboard HMS Victory and HMS Warrior at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard on 16 May. The event brought together 250 international guests to celebrate the gunmaker’s remarkable history and renaissance.

A historic setting for a historic company

Managing director Marc Newton welcomed guests beneath Victory’s towering masts, a venue chosen for its symbolism. HMS Victory was ordered by the Royal Navy in 1758, the same year that saw the birth of both John Rigby and Admiral Lord Nelson.

The evening opened with candlelit demonstrations of traditional gunmaking on Victory’s decks, where Rigby craftsmen showcased their skills in an evocative setting that bridged past and present. Melissa Rigby, a direct descendant of the founder, led a grand procession featuring military bands and the specially composed John Rigby’s Gunmakers March.

Victory Edition rifles unveiled

Rigby unveiled its new Victory Edition rifles. They incorporate oak reclaimed from HMS Victory during restoration work – a tangible piece of history in each firearm. Even the ordering process became part of the spectacle, with customers shouting “Fire!” through Nelson’s cabin window to trigger cannon blasts below decks.

A celebration of craft and legacy

The night concluded aboard HMS Warrior with a rousing performance of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture, accompanied by period artillery and fireworks.

The event was a powerful reminder that Britain’s gunmaking tradition still commands international admiration, even as domestic manufacturers face increasing regulatory pressure. While politicians debate licensing fees, craftsmen like those at Rigby continue to demonstrate why British firearms are regarded as the global benchmark of quality.