14 • Carving A Niche
Te Countryside Experience • Sunday 12 August 2018
Carving a niche
Barnaby Dracup takes a look at the UK’s impressive gunmaking history and some of the nation’s most iconic brands
T
he British gunmaking industry has a history synonymous with the finest elements of design and quality. It’s also a history steeped
in technical innovation, engineering excellence and entrepreneurial endeavour. Today, the largest names in gunmaking still stem
from this historic British lineage, and are now forging ahead, striking a fine balance between a dedicated respect for the past and the demands of adapting to the needs of the contemporary marketplace.
HOLLAND & HOLLAND Established 183 years ago in 1835, Holland & Holland is today a world- renowned gunmaker, creator of fine English countryside clothing, and also owns and operates a world-class shooting school. Now holding two Royal Warrants,
Holland & Holland was founded by Harris Holland (1806–1896), with the first guns bearing the simple inscription of H.Holland, perhaps no small indicator of the world-renowned luxury brand it was to become. However, it wasn’t until 1883 that the now Holland & Holland guns entered shooting trials organised by Te Field magazine — winning all of the rifle categories — and setting a new benchmark for build quality and product standards among English gunmakers.
PURDEY Purdey is perhaps the largest name in British gunmaking past and present. Founded in 1814 by James Purdey, James Purdey & Sons is now located just off Oxford Street in central London. Despite the changes and
developments in the design of guns and rifles during the early years of the gun trade, Purdey was always at the forefront. Te company took out numerous patents for its innovations, many of which were adopted by fellow gunmakers. Purdey guns are now rightly
regarded as among the, finest in the world in terms of quality, engineering, artistry and customer satisfaction, with many dignitaries and members of royalty among their satisfied customers.
WILLIAM EVANS In 1883, William Evans first opened for business on London’s Buckingham Palace Road. Evans learned his craft in the workshops of James Purdey & Sons and Holland & Holland, before striking out on his own. Evans quickly built up a
reputable client list, which included high-ranking military officers who purchased his guns before being dispatched throughout the Empire. As one of the last remaining
independent gunmakers in the UK, this reputable name offers a wide range of shooting services and country clothing for all disciplines at both its gunroom in London SW1and the National Shooting Centre in Surrey.
Bite the bullet
Tinking about a new gun for next season? Incredible as it may seem, for the cost of an off-the-shelf imported gun, innovative English gunßmakers Longthorne
offers the complete
bespoke package, 100% manufac- tured and built at its Northampton factory. Te company offers fabulous engraving designs, including its latest Nouveau model. Tese exquisite shot- guns are all magnum steel-proofed and have patented barrel technology ensuring low-felt recoil and low muzzle flip. Tere’s no need to supply stock dimensions: Longthorne offers a personalised in-house fitting during the manufacturing process and with more than 700 pieces of walnut stock wood from which to choose, what more could you want? To read some testimonials and find out a little more visit the website:
longthorneguns.com/testimonials/
Email or phone to visit and discuss your requirements in person;
sales@longthorneguns.com or T: 01772 811215; or just to keep in touch, subscribe to the newsletter and be informed of ‘Try Days’ and events
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