Thinking about taking the plunge on a premium gun for the coming season?

Perhaps it could be a big jump from a more run of the mill piece, or an incremental process over years trading up and up into the rarified air of what might previously have been a dream gun, but either way, here we are. Looking at an array of lovely options from Italy, Belgium, the UK or Germany and deciding on wood, engraving and embellishments to really make a statement at your next opportunity to make a statement when unslipping your prized new toy.

Browning B25 Diana with custom engraving and upgraded woodwork all hand selected from the Browning factory in Belgium.
Imagery by Michael Lake

Some of you will have hard and fast beliefs or desires when it comes to choosing, with a history of shooting well with a particular brand of style of gun, and therefore merely need to decide on grade and embellishments. Others may need some guidance in selecting a piece that suits their style, needs and build, here one might like to shoot a selection of test guns if available to see what really works and what doesn't. Some will want instant gratification of an off the shelf gun, others will want to have the slow burn of meticulously speccing their gun, and visiting the manufacturer for a fitting and selecting their desired wood. There is no right answer here really, everyone’s needs are different.

Imagery by Michael Lake

Both approaches have merit depending on your whim and of course the available options. Off the shelf guns are usually selected based on the experience of the gunroom based on wood, engraving and dimensions that are known to appeal and these guns will usually be a decent investment in terms or return should you decide to trade away for any reason, as what made it attractive to you, is likely to make it attractive to someone else, easing resale. 

Imagery by Michael Lake

The custom route however offers delights for those who opt to plan and wait. Starting with the action, and selecting an engraving pattern that speaks to you, either from the catalogue, or going all the way memorializing a beloved pet, place or loved one on one's gun can mean you are buying something never to be sold, cherished and handed down for generations. Selecting every aspect of the build from styles of stock, fore end, grip, chequering, rib style, finish, and so on to your hearts content (with an eye on the invoice) and mating all of this to a piece of wood that you can choose yourself from a rack in a room, in a factory, surrounded by craftsmen ready to shape it to your dimensions and shooting style.

Often these trips are once in a lifetime experiences to be remembered and reminisced over 11sies, although I personally know plenty of people who have been more than once, to different manufacturers to unashamedly experience the different cultures and offerings from top tier manufacturers. Note however that making highly individual choices in selecting a custom gun may have an impact down the road if you ever decide to sell, so it’s worth keeping this at the back of your mind in terms of future value. 

Navigating this decision whether you choose bespoke or off the rack requires confidence, a depth of knowledge and a good deal of experience. If that describes you then you are a lucky individual, but the rest of us need to lean on someone for help. 

The team at Eastern Sporting in Chelmsford have been helping customers to select the fine gun of their dreams for over 20 years and stock an array of pre-selected, new and used, premium guns at their new showroom. Stock guns from Beretta, like the sleek new SL or the fine hand built SO, and Belgian Brownings with exquisite hand engraving in a myriad of grades to suit a pretty broad range of pockets can be selected off the shelf, or be used as inspiration for a custom piece. The team can work with you on fitting and selecting a custom gun, as well as managing and facilitating the steps to complete the design and ordering process with the manufacturer. Having access to a partner in the process who can work with you and the maker in realising your gun can be vital in ensuring the delivered article meets your expectations, and the team are old hands at this. 

The Team at Eastern Sporting

Whatever your desire, it’s worth noting that steel shot proofing is now a key factor in selecting a gun. It’s absolutely not something to be afraid of but certainly worthy of consideration. When selecting a gun for a specific purpose or quarry, and the relevant constrictions available, having access to the relevant expertise to advise, dispel myths, and guide you can be invaluable.