Purdey's perfect hunting rifle

The Purdey Chassis System

Whilst the new rifle is full of innovation, the tradition and elegance of Purdey was at the forefront of the design brief. At the heart of this development is the Purdey Chassis System. Made from titanium, the chassis, running from the pistol grip to the forend, is embedded into the walnut stock. Unseen when the rifle is assembled, the action is built directly into the titanium chassis rather than into the wood. 

A truly British rifle

Historically, Best Quality London Rifles were all built around old Mauser actions using German barrels. But this new rifle is an authentically all-British product. The double square-bridge controlled-feed action and barrel are both precision engineered in the UK, and the rifles are made in Purdey’s London workshop. 

Stability, accuracy and beauty

Because the Purdey Chassis System runs the full length of the stock it gives a level of stability previously unseen in Best quality rifles. As a result, the stock is prevented from moving as atmospheric conditions and moisture levels change. This leads to an exceptionally stable bedding platform, one of the keys to an accurate rifle. But aesthetically it remains a very traditional product, with the London blueing to the action and barrel, along with the walnut stock and the traditional fine rose and scroll engraving.

The birth of the chassis...

But how did this historical gunmaking goliath make the necessary steps to deliver such an innovative development? We spoke to Purdey Chairman James Horne to find out more…
“The chassis was the result of an innovation process. The starting point was the desire to make a Best London bolt action rifle which is as accurate as a custom rifle. 

When you start to look at why custom guns are so accurate, after the obvious points of action, barrel and chambering precision and quality, it largely comes down to action bedding and a free-floating barrel. So how could we achieve those two things when our choice of stock material was walnut? It became obvious that we had to add stability to the walnut and this gave birth to the idea of the chassis." 

The Purdey history of innovation

“Throughout our history, Purdey has been at the forefront of innovation in gunmaking - for example the first ever telescopic sight was fitted by Purdey in 1842 - so, from that perspective, innovation is nothing new to us and has always been part of our design process. The chassis is very new and has taken a great deal of effort to get right and engineered into our stocks. One of the key points is that the chassis is invisible when the rifle is assembled, something we set out to achieve from the start. “ 

From the Highlands to African plains

“Our customers are those who value accuracy as well as beauty from their hunting rifles, whether they be stalking reds in Scotland or plains game in Africa. Accurate shot placement is THE most important factor whatever you’re hunting, something our customers appreciate. “

Committed to apprentice gunmakers

“Purdey has always been exceptionally proud of its heritage and has always sought to protect and promote the craft of making best quality guns and rifles. We have outstanding craftsmen working across all the seven areas of gunmaking with many having worked for us for more than 40 years. Equally important to us is our programme for securing the next generation of gunmakers, hence our apprenticeship programme with eight currently in training. The Purdey factory is still in West London and employs around 60 people with specialist craftsmen making up the majority of the workforce.”

“The most accurate London-made rifle ever”

The rifle has already been very well received with Marcus Janssen, former editor of Fieldsports Magazine, saying: “‘I believe this is the most accurate London-made hunting rifle ever produced, and with Purdey’s heritage, pedigree and reputation what’s not to like? In my mind, it is the perfect hunting tool – it is beautiful, it’s a Purdey, and it is outrageously accurate whilst being really pleasurable to shoot. I managed three shots in 3" at 600 yards. It ticks all of the boxes.’”

The complete package

The rifle is delivered complete with swing-off mounts and scope rings and is threaded for a moderator if the customer wishes, complete with an invisible thread protector. The adjustable trigger is factory set at 2 1/2lbs and the rifle is available in all standard and most wildcat chamberings. Prices start from £25,000 + VAT and the lead-time on the standard specification is approximately six months from order. 

Have a look at the Purdey website for more information on the Bolt Action Rifle.