5 of England’s finest gunmakers
Words: Vincent Lim
We’re well into grouse season, and with woodcock and pheasant on their way, you’ve got to start thinking about getting involved now. Whether you’re a seasoned shot who’s looking for second gun, or looking to purchase your very first, we’ve compiled a list of gunmakers you should visit this autumn.
1. Longthorne
Combining the very best of the modern material and technology with traditional methodology and classic design, you’d be fool to ignore Longthorne. Although a relative newcomer to the UK gun trade, they are 100% English owned and proudly manufacture every single part of their guns in house. Their uniqueness stems from their barrel making process, where they use a single block of steel, leaving the customer with perfectly straight barrels, and a perfectly straight shot.
2. Boss & Co.
A company with history, Boss & Co. have been making some of the world’s finest bespoke guns for 200 years, and they’re showing no signs of stopping. It takes several months for these gunsmiths to build a weapon to each customer’s very exact specifications, as Boss & Co. have refused to expand using CNC technology, instead choosing to maintain the highest quality in craftsmanship using traditional methods, as you can see from the beautiful hand engraving.
3. James Purdey & Sons.
A bespoke gun from Purdey really does mean bespoke. A gunmaker for nearly two centuries, Purdey pride themselves on completely and utterly personalising the gunmaking experience to the customer, taking them to get fitted at the West London Shooting Ground, starting a process that may take up to two years. All your measurements will be taken and and extremely fine alterations made by the instructor, which will ensure that your weapon is a perfect fit.
4. Holland & Holland
Not just makers of extremely fine tweed jackets, Holland & Holland also make some of the world’s best guns. Ensuring perfection with every ‘best’ gun produced, high-tech machinery and CAD systems model every measurement exactly, leaving no margin for error. Holland & Holland have certainly subscribed to the idea that newer is better with regard to their manufacturing methods, and looking at their guns, you’d be inclined to agree.
5. Southams
If you’re unsure about which gunmaker to visit, want a specific weapon you’ve been attempting to track down, or you’re more interested in older models, then paying a visit to the Southams Gun auction will reap dividends. There are four sales of Modern Sporting Guns and Antique Arms annually, usually in March, June, Septmeber and December, so you’ve got plenty of time to consider your options. After all, the only thing more exciting than the bang of your shot is the bang of the gavel.
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