First off, I don't hunt with a Riffe. This is mostly due to the large collection of spearguns I already own, and the quality of the brace of custom guns I prefer to use rivals the Riffe closely enough I can't justify the $s to replace them with a brace of Riffes. I do however use Riffe rubber when making bands for my guns. I have dive buddies that use them, and my next guns will either be complete home made custom guns or Riffes.
The Riffe is more accurate, with less acousic signature, than effectively all other common "rack" guns. It does take some adjustment to your point of aim if you are used to a Biller or JBL, and a slightly modified cocking movement when loading the bands.
Within those parameters it is an extremely durable and repeatable gun. I have never even heard of one's trigger failing, and hittng a particular scale on a fish is no problem out to about 2 shaft lengths. If you have a choice (and the $s) get a midhandle design right off the bat. It'll save you the $s it takes to replace it with a midhandle later. A midhandle or "bullpup" gun handles like a "standard" rear grip gun 2 sizes smaller for a faster and more accuare shot, with the penetration and range enhancements of a larger gun. The Ultimate had a slightly better trigger, but is no longer available.
FT