Photos from The World Gunmakers Evening 2018

The World Gunmakers Evening, hosted by GunsOnPegs, was held at the Jumeirah Carlton Tower hotel in London on Thursday 17th May, and was a truly unique evening to enjoy the finest guns. The event took place for the sixth year in succession, and guests were able to meet the experts, handle the guns and compare their favourites all in one place at an event like no other.

Not only did over 45 of the world’s leading gunmakers and associated brands exhibit, there were numerous gun launches taking place at this year’s event: Purdey launched their New Trigger Plate Shotgun, Perazzi showed off their new 16 bore game gun, Beretta presented their new SL3 over-and-under, as well as William Powell, Carl Russell and William Moore and Grey exhibiting new guns for the first time during the evening. 

400 guests were in attendance, sipping champagne and consuming 5-star canapes while perusing the fine craftmanship on display. In addition to stunning shotguns and rifles for guests to admire and dry mount, there were displays from Hull Cartridges, Albion Sporting, Leupold & Stevens, Gamebore Cartridges, Thewlis Gregson, Foxdenton Gin and The Shooting Chauffeur, as well as top sporting agent Bettws Hall and others.

The 2018 raffle prize comprised of four pegs on a walked-up day at the Rotherfield Estate in Hampshire which was awarded to one of the evening’s guests with all ticket proceeds going to the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Some of this year’s attendees enjoyed the event and said it was:

• “A brilliant format which has gained serious traction and momentum and draws a very high calibre guest list. Please keep doing it!”
• “Thank you for a truly wonderful evening, great fun!”
• “Something a little different and an evening to remember.”
• “It is the leading event of its kind in the UK Shooting World.”

This year’s event was sponsored by The Game Fair, Britain’s biggest country show housing everything from country pursuits, demonstrations, exhibitions, land management, gardens and nature and many more activities. It celebrates its 60th anniversary this July when it returns to the familiar surroundings of Ragley Hall. 

Guests enjoyed a speech from ex England cricket captain David Gower, ahead of the first test with Pakistan, on his shooting experiences along with the importance of game meat consumption and his new role as patron of The Country Food Trust.

The luxurious champagne and wine was provided by this year’s drinks sponsor, Warwick, Banks & Jenkins. Established in 2016, they are a fine wine merchant servicing both trade clients and private collectors. WBJ offer wines, spirits and Champagnes that are both stored under bond and available for personal delivery.