Below is a description of the gunmakers and brands who will be exhibiting this year at The World Gunmakers Evening 2016 on Thursday, May 12th at the Jumeirah, Carlton Tower.
Gunmakers
Peter Hofer
Every firearm that Peter Hofer hands over to its new proud owner is unique. Countless inspired steps have made a thing that is infinitely more than the sum of its single parts. Every firearm has a very personal meaning for its new owner. It is a part of his personality as a hunter that can never be replicated anywhere in the world, like a fingerprint or a family crest. Peter Hofer sees it as a personal challenge to fulfil his customers' most unusual wishes and to find technically feasible solutions to their requests. He hails from the deep well of gunsmithing tradition and adds to it his own special gift to invent and develop new ideas and technical solutions, to bring to life things which hitherto had been considered impossible.
Peter Hofer - Double barrel rifle - 500/500 NE
Boxall and Edmiston
Boxall & Edmiston are the makers of truly bespoke, entirely British shotguns. Now in their sixth year, the Boxall & Edmiston range features both side by sides and over and under models, across a range of calibre. Boxall & Edmiston combine cutting edge technology with traditional craftsmanship and by taking the best elements of both worlds the perfect blend of artisan and engineer is born. Quality is paramount and by coupling the latest production methods to some of the UK's finest craftsmen something truly unique has been created.
Verney-Carron
When Claude Verney-Carron founded his gun making business in Saint-Etienne in 1820, he already had almost two centuries of family skill, know-how, ingenuity, and love of fine craftsmanship upon which to rely. And when this same artisan gunsmith chose as his wife the daughter of a gunmaker, it represented more than just a marriage: it represented the alliance of the skills and talents of both families, the legitimate transmission of the secrets of two dynasties of master craftsmen. In 2004, Verney-Carron, while continuing to remain open to the now crucially important new technologies, decided to purchase the traditional artisan gun making company Demas, and thus "L'Atelier Verney-Carron" was born: an artisanal gun making workshop specialising in the manufacture of prestigious hunting weapons that are even harder to equal - in essence the very summit of the gun making tradition.
Browning
Since 1897, the year when the first Browning gun was made tens of millions of shotguns and rifles for hunting or sport shooting have been created and manufactured by Browning. Born in 1855, John Moses Browning is regarded as one of the most successful firearms designers, leaving his mark on the history of gun-making with a wide array of models, all different, but with one thing in common – their reliability and their unparalleled levels of performance. The Browning family of over-and-under guns for field and target keeps growing with this year the birth of the new B725 Pro Trap. Always providing sturdiness, efficiency, elegance and impeccable technical features.
Browning B15 - John M Moses collection
EJ Churchill
The E. J. Churchill Gunmakers have been synonymous with fine handmade English shotguns for over 120 years, today E. J. Churchill Gunmakers still uphold these qualities throughout its range of the very best guns and rifles. The newest addition to our portfolio is the E. J. Churchill Continental range, a collection of elegant, reliable side by side and under and over shotguns built to our specification by our French, Italian and Spanish partners. These guns have all the attributes of a traditional English shotgun at an affordable price.
Atkin Grant & Lang
Atkin, Grant and Lang is an amalgamation of three of the best and most prolific shotgun and rifle makers in the world. In 1925 the company of Stephen Grant and Joseph Lang was formed. Then in 1960 the trio of gun making names came together with the acquisition of Henry Atkin, Grant and Lang have been successfully making best shotguns and rifles ever since.
Grulla
Grulla Armas who began in 1932, specialise in the manufacture of shotguns and rifles; aristocratic guns which represent the purest spirit of the traditional hunt, whose name has crossed borders. This gunsmith lineage has never lost its purpose and, two generations later, Grulla Armas continues manufacturing the fine shotguns with such delicacy and quality that every part becomes unique. The method remains the same: craftsmanship, care and passion joined with more than 80 years of experience.
Grulla Royal Churchill
William Evans
Established in 1883, William Evans is one of the United Kingdom’s few remaining independent gunmakers. World-renowned for its side-by-side and over-and-under shotguns, bolt-action and double rifles. At William Evans, they make it their business to advise and assist our Gunroom clients through what they believe should be the most enjoyable and rewarding experience of purchasing a gun or rifle. Their aim is to offer every client, no matter their particular shooting requirement or the size of their budget, the wherewithal to make properly informed choices from a similarly wide variety of options.
Purdey
Purchase a hand-crafted Purdey shotgun or rifle, and you are joining a tradition of gunmaking excellence that goes back over two centuries. Our Founder, James Purdey the Elder, was apprenticed as a gunmaker in 1798. After joining Master gunsmith Joseph Manton, he went on to forge a gunmaking dynasty that would surpass all others. A Purdey ‘Best’ gun is a gun that cannot be bettered. No extra time or expense can bring further improvement. From the very first measurement, it is designed to perfection.
Longthorne
What better formula could there be for making the ultimate shotgun, than to combine the very best the modern world has to offer by way of material and technology with traditional methodology and classic English shotgun design, at Longthorne Gunmakers they have done exactly that. The startling result is a gun made with the precision and accuracy of a Swiss watch, which has the strength to withstand not only steel proof but ‘Magnum’ steel proof, the highest level of proof achievable in the UK today and amazingly with negligible felt recoil and muzzle flip. They are a 100% English owned family company and manufacture every part of their guns in house.
Beretta
Beretta is an Italian company born of the dream and capability of a renaissance craftsman. Thanks to the courage, vision and skills of its lineage, its name has earned international status for its high-tech content, performance and for the Italian style that distinguishes its products. Passed down through 15 generations of the Beretta family, the company was already active in Gardone Valtrompia in the 1400s and its work has been documented since 1526. Industriousness, inventiveness, traditional methods, attention to the needs of its customers and its craftsmen, as well as ongoing research, technological improvement and state-of-the-art manufacturing methods are the foundation on which Beretta has built its image.
Beretta 687 EELL Diamond Pigeon
John Rigby & Co
Repatriated to the UK after a 15-year absence, John Rigby & Co. (Gunmakers) Ltd invites you to visit its new premises in London. Now part of the Mauser/Blaser group and operating under the direction of Marc Newton and Patricia Pugh, the company is flourishing as it carries out the business of making, servicing and renovating fine rifles and guns.
Rizzini
With fine craftsmanship comes pride in a refined, high-performing product. Battista Rizzini started Rizzini shotguns in 1966 and quickly gained international recognition for his articulate designs and elegant, high performing shotguns. Some companies have worked for over a decade to gain the same recognition and reputation. Rizzini continues to offer shotguns that meet the most demanding needs of shooters and hunters. Their state-of-the-art machinery and prestigious selection of the best materials, combined with meticulous engineering and design prove these Italian guns to be in a league with only the very best.
AYA
The name of AYA is synonymous with quality gunmaking and this milestone will perpetuate their drive to remain the benchmark in this sector. AYA, the premier gunmaker in Spain, is unique in that it carries out the majority of manufacturing processes in-house. AYA sells nearly 90% of its production to overseas markets such as the United Kingdom, the United States and the Benelux countries. With a strong emphasis on the luxury market, AYA is also a member of the ‘Circulo Fortuny’ (the Spanish association of luxury brands).
AYA no.1
Zoli
The history of the ZOLI family blends with the history of the Valtrompia region and its gunmaking tradition. Records show ZOLI ancestors building locks back in 1490 and complete firearms not long after that. Giovanni Zoli signed a flint lock pistol around 1850 and the gun is now treasured in the private family collection. Production methods have dramatically changed over the last 60 years. Most traditional machines have been replaced with technologically advanced CNC pieces of equipment which give our skilled gunmakers more time and freedom to work as finishers. After 60 years ZOLI is known as one of the very few companies that can offer a wide range of high quality products designed, engineered and manufactured mainly in house.
CZ
Centrefire rifles of CZ brand have literally grown into a legend over their several decades of existence. Many families keep CZ centrefire rifles as their heritage for several generations. The reasons for that includes their quality, accuracy and rigidity, attributes subject to strict focus of the manufacturer for decades. The pleasant quality/price ratio places CZ centrefire rifles among leaders on the hunting arms market.
Boss & Co.
At the turn of the 21st century, other gunmakers have invested in CNC technology to facilitate and expand production. Boss have resisted this change and their guns are still virtually hand built in the same tradition and same skills practised for over a century. Building a Boss gun is labour intensive, taking many months to meet the customer’s exact specifications. Demand for Boss guns is still high to this day, which is due to their efforts to remain true to their heritage and the continuation of the highest levels of craftsmanship.
A Boss 12-bore shotgun
Watson Brothers
At Watson Bros Gunmakers you will not find the latest hi tech machinery but huge investment in training the best craftsmen to hand who make the very best guns, from their unique double barrel four bore sidelock ejector to their registered design round-body over and under chosen for an exhibition at the V&A museum - all handmade in the city of London by craftsmen, all trained by Michael Louca.
Cogswell & Harrison
Cogswell & Harrison was established in May 1770 and is London’s oldest surviving gun maker. The company has manufactured an exceptionally diverse range of sporting shotguns and rifles during its long and colourful history. In 2008 the company was purchased by the Brennan family, the proprietors of Ardee Sports Company.
Christian Hunter
Makers of fine, bespoke sidelock Over and Under Shotguns. These unique guns are built with great pride and are a result of the most technologically advanced procedures combined with the ancient art of gun making. The Christian Hunter is a very low profile, shallow frame full sidelock over and under shotgun that are designed for those who demand the very best as this system is the highest form of the gunmaker’s art. Benefits of a hand detachable sidelock gun are allowing for perfect trigger pulls, intercepting safety sears, reliability in the field, plus a large surface area for the outstanding engraving.
William & Son
A thousand hours in the making, a William & Son fully bespoke shotgun or rifle is a thing of unique beauty, perfect balance and finely tuned firepower. The commissioning of a William & Son gun is an active engagement with a series of hugely experienced artisans and craftsmen, from initial consultation in the gunroom with our resident gunsmith, close study on the shooting range to first action in the field.
A William & Son 12-bore shotgun
David McKay Brown
The company of David McKay Brown was first established in the town of Hamilton and later moved to its present address in Bothwell. Although experienced in all side by side designs, it was David’s ambition to keep alive the round action, which was relatively unknown in world terms, being almost exclusive to Scotland. First produced in 1887, it has stood the test of time and has a track record for reliability.
R. Ward Gunmakers
R. Ward Gunmakers has a long heritage as a retailer of the world's finest sporting guns. They are now proud to be a gunmaker, offering bespoke Ray Ward guns. R. Ward Gunmakers is unique in offering, ready-to-purchase, new and cherished shotguns and hunting rifles from the most respected English gunmakers, including Boss & Co., Purdey and Watson Brothers, as well as the very best makers worldwide.
Fuchs Fine Guns
As an innovative and experienced maker of hunting rifles with a love of detail, Fuchs offer their clients the highest quality, uncompromising perfection and individual options for the stylish personalised manufacture of individual sporting guns. Fuch’s guns are design icons and collectors’ items for connoisseurs and hunters and create a lasting impression as much for their workmanship in top-grade materials as for their precision in action.
Fuchs Fine Guns - Big Five Royal
Perazzi
Perazzi began with Daniele Perazzi, a poor but doggedly determined young man who chased the myth of a perfect gun and dreamt about becoming a gunsmith. For 50 years Perazzi have built prestigious game and competition guns that are a fusion between traditional gunsmithing, high technology and the selection of excellent raw materials. The perfect balance and handling and the innovations that have been made during this time have resulted in a gun suitable for every discipline and made the company a world leader in clay shooting.
Chapuis Armes
Chapuis Armes is a remarkable gunmaker from the hills overlooking Saint Etienne, France. This company makes no compromises or short cuts in the manufacturing process where every detail is painstakingly taken into account. From the selection and quality of the wood, the magnificent detailing and engraving of the actions to the labour intensive regulation of the barrels; nothing is left to chance. Their guns are entirely manufactured in their own facility and are fitted and finished by hand in the old world methods passed down from generation to generation.
Holland & Holland
Embracing technology, whilst maintaining traditional craftsmanship is the key to creating the perfect bespoke shotgun or rifle. Their guns are all made in their factory in London, designed and built specifically for the purpose of gunmaking and housing a workforce of over 30 highly skilled crafts people.
Holland & Holland - Royal Side-by-Side shotgun
Merkel
The Suhl factory produces an exceptional combination of hunting gun manufacturing and high-tech forging. Merkel combines the traditional manufacturing methods of handcrafted hunting guns with the highest standards of quality and safety – all achieved in what is, for this day and age, an unusually deep in-house range of manufacture, from cold forged barrels to hand engraving. With every part of a Merkel gun, careful consideration is given to whether, from the customer’s point of view, it should be handmade or machine produced. Today Merkel exports to more than 40 countries all over the world and has close to 200 employees – each one a highly qualified specialist.
Caesar Guerini
Caesar Guerini has always strived to combine outstanding reliability and performance with classic elegance in its firearms, becoming the perfect link between hunters and prey. Caesar Guerini’s wide range of products has been created for a refined and demanding public who want firearms with impeccable mechanisms, excellent ballistic performance, easy and safe handling features and exacting attention to detail.
William Powell
William Powell have been at the forefront of the design and manufacture of guns since 1802. Over this time, invaluable knowledge has been passed down through five generations of the same family. Today, this knowledge, skill and passion is still the core part of the gunroom, and something that will quickly become apparent when dealing with them. If you are just starting out or are a seasoned Shot, their gun room staff have the knowledge and expertise to guide you in the right direction whatever query or requirement you may have.
Fabbri
The original Fabbri design of all the parts, and the complete shotgun together, has been optimized several times over the years, using the most modern instruments available at the moment, including the most skilled workers, state of the art machines, CAD/CAM systems and simulation software. The first computerized milling machine was bought in 1974, and since then a very innovative, specialized and specific Technology was developed to achieve the best results in building high precision shotgun parts.
Craftsman's Room
Le Chameau
Born in Normandy in 1927, Le Chameau is the name on the world’s finest rubber boots. The only rubber boots to be handmade by a single master bootmaker in their historical workshops in Normandy and Casablanca, each pair is unique. Le Chameau use the highest quality materials and have a range of iconic and innovative styles, they are dedicated to delivering years of satisfaction to the wearer.
Jonathan McGee
Jonathan’s passion for capturing lives through a lens takes him around the world on commissions for clients across diverse sectors. Shooting Photography was founded by Jonathan. M. McGee in 2010. Based in Leeds, they create exceptional photographic and film footage of field sports activities across the world. From pheasant, grouse and clay shooting to stalking in the Highlands, sea fishing to equestrian events, their knowledge and experience generates regular commissions for industry publications, media agencies, estates and those hosting a day of activities who want mementoes of their memorable day with clients, colleagues or friends.
Hull Cartridge Company
Since 1947 Hull have enjoyed the enviable reputation for manufacturing some of the best and most consistent shotgun cartridges in the market. Their research and development technicians always strive to exceed customer expectations in a market that's constantly changing its requirements. They incorporate the latest technological advances to maximise the performance of every cartridge in our range.
Mayfair Diamonds
Mayfair Diamonds consultants have over 50 years combined experience in jewellery retail sales, much of it gained with the world’s most respected luxury brands. Their sales team are backed by highly-qualified gemmologists, all of whom inspect and evaluate every item that passes through Mayfair Diamonds. Their consultants are trained to do more than supply an excellent array of quality stones and jewellery at fair prices. They provide the highest standards of customer service; direct, honest information and competitive pricing to all of their clients. All of their consultants understand the investment, both financial and emotional, that is involved in purchasing a diamond or precious stone, and they ensure that the process is as easy and comfortable as possible.
Albion Sporting
Albion (meaning ‘Old England’) is a brand, which epitomises British manufacturing at its very best, blending traditional values and artisan craftsmanship with revolutionary design and state of the art technology. At the heart of Albion’s success is the tremendous pride the company takes in producing beautifully handcrafted items, which embrace the carefully honed skills and processes that have been passed down through the generations. The specialist Albion Sporting division was created in 2011 when Annie Belton, alongside fellow director Fin Green, identified the significant potential to keep the strong Albion brand values alive in a new collection which capitalised on the renowned close links that exist between avid equestrian and shooting enthusiasts.
Bettws Hall Worldwide
They are a very well established, vertically integrated business based in Mid Wales. Originally founded on traditional agriculture – they have diversified over the past 27 years to specialise in the production and rearing of pheasants and partridges, and ultimately – the wonderful sport these birds offer. Their exclusive sporting estates are primarily focused on Mid Wales and the West Country. The natural topography of these areas, combined with the elements, provide incredibly high birds which will challenge even the most accomplished their guns. Their days are seamlessly run to ensure maximum enjoyment for all – this begins with fantastic accommodation where you can enjoy fine dining created by their Chef, accompanied with exquisite wine and all the amenities and comfort you would expect from a 5* hotel.
Croots
When Croots make shotgun slips, cartridge belts and bags, they have learnt that the choice of materials is crucial. Time and experience has taught them, for example, that insisting on hand-picking their own hides is a vital step in the process and that their preferred grade of stout and sturdy cotton canvas cannot be bettered. But all of this would mean nothing without the skills to transform these first-class beginnings into the finest of finished articles. And those skills are held in abundance by the dedicated craftsmen in their Yorkshire workshops. By hand, by eye, by the experience gained over long years of apprenticeship and hard work, they produce perfectly made, perfectly proportioned pieces, time and time again.
Bill Blacker London Barrel Maker
The best London gun barrels are built in the traditional way combined with the most modern materials and equipment. While machines were always used when possible, for example, for rifling the barrels, today we use the most modern CNC equipment and CAD design features. Yet, this is combined with all the traditional gun making methods. Filed actions to great precision using the "oil black" method, hand struck barrels, handshaped stocks and checkering, etc. Depending on the model of gun, from 650 man hours to well over 1250 man hours will be involved making it.
TEG - Traditional English Guncases
Traditional English Guncases is a family owned and run business, with over 50 years manufacturing experience. It was established in 1987 by Ian Tomlin, with the desire to make the finest, hand-crafted gun bags and cases for the most discerning recreational shooters and huntsmen. From its inception, TEG London quickly attracted the attention of the World's premier gun and rifle makers, who recognized our passion and attention to detail, in producing firearm accessories for customers who expect the best. Only the very highest quality materials are ever used by our Master Craftsmen, who diligently work them with pride to produce exquisitely detailed, robust gun bags and bespoke cases, that offer protection coupled with quintessential English elegance and style.
Leica
For more than a century, German optics giant Leica has been producing commercially available binoculars that combine state of the art technology with exquisite craftsmanship. Also renowned for its cameras, the Wetzlar-based company has always focused on achieving brilliant images that combine the ideal amount of light transmission with natural colour fidelity and optimal contrasts: something which benefits its sports optics products as much as its photographic range. Today's Leica riflescopes, rangefinders and binoculars stay true to these core principals, and, thanks to continuous research and development, the latest models allow hunters to experience the natural world with greater clarity, colour fidelity and contrast than ever before.
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