Chapuis Armes: Behind The French Gunmakers

Tradition and modernity

Born in July 1899, Jean Louis Chapuis was the first of the name to create his own workshop. In the 1930’s it was at the time the barn at the back of his bar in the heart of the village, which served as a workshop. Some 80 years on from then Chapuis Armes have moved on a great deal, having become internationally recognised as a gunmaker with a fantastic reputation.

The factory floor with many of the old gunmaking machines still in use

I have been fortunate enough to visit several gunmakers in Europe and what always intrigues me is how very different they all are. Stepping onto the factory floor, I could immediately see that there was a real mixture of traditional gun-making techniques and more up to date methods, evident by the presence of CNC machines.

The stock making process

Chapuis Armes have a total of 65 workers in their factory and produce approximately 80 shotguns per week, as well as their double-rifles, ROLS straight-pull rifles and Manurhin revolvers. With several of their staff having worked there for over 35 years, I questioned Pierre whether there was a concern of losing key skillsets and experience to retirement, to which he replied ‘each year we recruit young craftsmen from the local gun-making school in St Etienne, who are able to learn from quality gunmakers and hopefully one day replace them’.

A bench for polishing stocks

It is fantastic to see schools like St Etienne and Liege still producing young talented gunmakers and unless the UK makes more effort to set up similar institutions (and I know there are several individuals out there trying hard to do so) then I can see our own gunmaking brands spending more and more time in classrooms in France and Belgium looking for talented youngsters. 

Chapuis Armes still use many of the traditional gunmaking techniques

The professor

As Pierre showed me around the various stages of gun making, I felt a real passion and dedication from each craftsman to their own task in hand. Whether it was working on a tiny pin, treating a stock, polishing an action or perfecting a set of barrels, each one of them appeared to exude pride in the role they undertook. For instance, I met Christian who I can only describe as the professor of blueing shotgun barrels: perhaps a skill that does not immediately spring to mind when glancing over a finished shotgun but one that is absolutely vital.

Christian 'the professor' of bluing barrels

Although he spoke no English, he excitedly explained to Pierre how he achieves such consistent results. He treats the barrels in a special fluid and then moves them into an especially humid room (one which was uncomfortable to spend too much time in) he repeats this 12 times, using various tools to make sure that he has got it right. Christian has been working in the factory for 30 years and explained to Pierre that his job is easier in the summer. This might sound strange to most, considering the already baking hot temperature of the workshop as well as having to step in and out of the humidity room; however, Christian explained that when the weather is stormy and naturally humid outside, the bluing colour catches better on the barrels than when it is cold in the winter months.

The barrels in the hot, humid environment to get the colour to stick

It is this kind of unmistakable devotion that seemed commonplace in the factory and I feel would have a big effect on me if I were considering buying a Chapuis Armes, knowing that that level of care has gone into each little detail.

A trusted brand

Pierre finished my tour, by taking me downstairs, below the factory to where a gentleman named Bernard worked under the artificial lighting of the underground firing range and proofing room. For the 20 minutes that I spent in his domain, Bernard must have fired roughly 25 rounds through several different rifles and Pierre explained to me that with both his work and his passion (target shooting) he fires around 60,000 rounds per year through a variety of firearms (again – a level of experience that is hard to come by).

Bernard working underground

It did not come as a surprise to me that Chapuis Armes are the only gun manufacturer in France who have been empowered to complete their own proofing for their ROLs rifles and Manurhin revolvers: however, it did further highlight to me that this is a brand which must really know what they are doing.

New modified C40 shotgun for the UK market

Chapuis Armes have launched a new modified version of their C40 over-and-under shotgun, directed at the UK market. 

The C40 specifications are as follows:

• 30” Barrel length in fixed or multichokes
• Solid rib
• Pistol grip in a 4 stars wood 
• Rounded forend
• Single trigger
• Auto safety

The modified C40 for the UK market

The UK version includes the following:

• New fine English scroll engraving
• Trigger goldened
• Steel cap fitted onto the stock

However the recommended price remains the same (no extra costs):

C40 12 Fixed Chokes 30"                                                                £ 3900
C40 12 Multi Chokes 30"                                                                £ 4100
C40 20 Fixed Chokes 30"                                                               £ 4200
C40 20 Multi Chokes 30" and 32" Barrels                                 £ 4400

To find out more about Chapuis Armes, visit their website here.