We are proud to stand as one of the few English gunmakers still producing best quality sporting guns in-house, using traditional methods and materials. Our workshops still ring with the sounds of centuries old skills, as our craftsmen turn metal and wood into sublime sporting guns. Our gun making team, headed by Carl Russell and Alan Bower, hand build a classic range of sporting shotguns and double rifles which bear comparison with the very best.
Whilst we believe we can do anything within the realm of gun making and are delighted to accept commissions and special orders, our production lines from 2010 are streamlined and reflect the essence of our traditions.
Best Sidelocks
Our signature Henry Atkin London sidelock is the classic spring cocking self-opener, known as the Atkin '1909 Model'. This was developed using the famous Beesley/Purdey patent of 1880, improved to facilitate easier closing of the gun. The ejector work was also simplified and made more reliable. To many, this is the finest development of the 'best' London pattern game gun. The action is rigid, locking is faultless and ease of operation is unmatched. These guns balance and handle as well as they look and function. We believe that no better game gun is made anywhere, for any price.
In addition to our trademark self-opener we occasionally produce one-off sidelocks, for stock and to order, on different platforms. Each of these guns is unique and special and shows off the skills of our gunmakers and the artistry of our engravers.
Hammer Guns
Stephen Grant hammer guns, based on a beautiful 1890s original 20-bore sidelever gun, will be available from 2011 in strictly limited numbers. Only 25 of this edition will be made and they will be bespoke to customer requirements with a full choice of barrel length, stock length and engraving. Upon completion of this range of guns, further limited edition Stephen Grant hammer gun lines will follow.
Double Rifles
Joseph Lang double rifles are available as a 'best' back-action sidelock or a 'colonial' style boxlock. Our sidelocks feature the very best workmanship, engraving and wood and represent the best rifle we can build. The boxlock range is aimed at the African professional hunter and the sportsman who needs a perfect handling and totally reliable double rifle for dangerous game hunting, in the English tradition. These guns are border and scroll engraved and attractively priced, yet faultless in handling, function and accuracy. Calibres available as standard are .470 nitro express and .375 Holland & Holland, each on scaled actions. Other calibres can be made to order.
Over & Unders
Stephen Grant over & under shotguns offer the modern sportsman a classic English game gun in a configuration many today prefer. Each one is built to order as a 'best' gun only. Occasionally available from stock, we also produce one-off over & unders to showcase our capabilities as makers of a full range of 'best' guns. Guns in current production include 12-bore, 20-bore and 28-bore.
