The investment in a custom gun

When contemplating an investment starting at £10,000 you deserve answers. You need to know what that money buys. It goes beyond the finished article.

It begins invariably with a conversation. At John Rigby & Co they assess client needs carefully. Slade Stevens heads their rifle production.

He reckons half his clients know exactly what they want. The other half need guidance. This covers everything from calibre to weight.

They break down how the client plans to use the gun. Will it be used in the field? Or will it live in a glass cabinet?

Usage frequency determines calibre availability needs. Holland & Holland takes a similar approach. Michael Ray-Jones is their head of marketing.

Sometimes a client is ultra focused on specifications. Other times they lean on 191 years of experience.

The importance of listening

At Purdey Andrew Ambrose emphasises something fundamental. It is important to listen. You must get to know the client.

If you do not know them you cannot get the gun right. You must get under their skin. Lead times can stretch to two and a half years.

Getting it wrong is simply not an option. The mechanics of ordering are broadly similar. However each maker creates their own theatre.

At Purdey the panelled Long Room sets the scene. It dates back to 1883. Most commissions have begun there.

Clients become part of history. Their name is hand written into ledger books. These date back to 1824.

Creating an experience

John Rigby & Co takes a different tack. Their new showroom opens in May. Marc Newton describes the vibe as eccentric.

It resembles a British Army officers mess. They are installing a micro pub called The Watering Hole. Beer will be served on draught.

Marc focuses on adventure and storytelling. He believes they sell experiences. It is the joy of having a rifle made specifically for you.

Longthorne takes another approach entirely. It is a family run precision engineering firm. Owners are directly involved in every commission.

They develop strong friendships with clients. You deal with owners Jim and Elaine. Clients appreciate this personal touch.

Selecting the right wood

Wood selection is now as important as engraving. Most stocks were quite plain 40 years ago. Times have changed significantly.

At Purdey clients choose from around 200 blanks. These are exhibition grade Turkish walnut. There are no grades.

If you order a Purdey you want the best wood. The process can be painstaking. It can take hours in the stock room.

Often people choose the first piece they spot. The wood speaks to you as an individual.

Longthorne holds at least 700 pieces. These range from highly figured burr walnut to straighter grains. Their entry point is lower.

A Victory model starts at £13,150. Clients can therefore specify upgrades. They rarely do a standard gun these days.

Ensuring the perfect fit

If the gun does not fit it will not shoot properly. Holland & Holland conducts fittings at their shooting grounds. These are located in Middlesex.

Senior instructor Nathan Dudley leads this. Longthorne offers two routes. You can choose a modified standard stock.

Alternatively you can choose a fully bespoke gunfit. The stock is hand shaped to individual requirements. This includes eye dominance issues.

Purdey fittings take place in Berkshire. This happens at their shooting school. Ideally it combines with a factory tour.

This occurs months after the order is placed. Clients meet the craftsmen building their gun. This is important for everyone involved.

Rigby takes clients to the West London Shooting School. They have access to a state of the art rifle range.

The manufacturing process

Purdey offers factory tours to clients with orders. They try to maintain mystique and exclusivity. You must invest in the brand to see it.

The Hammersmith workshop employs around 35 people. A typical sidelock involves over 1,000 hours of handwork. Clients often track these hours.

Many realise the value once they do the maths. Engraving is the final flourish. Around 80% of Purdey shotguns feature rose and scroll.

However possibilities are endless. Clients have engraved ranches on the action. Dogs are a common request.

One client even wanted his house and favourite car engraved. There is seemingly no limit to what can be done.

Bespoke design and engraving

Holland & Holland employs Kirsty Smith as head engraver. She leads bespoke design work. This is increasingly the case for extraordinary commissions.

It can take months of discussion. This is true when incorporating family crests. Rigby has four full time engravers.

They also have two apprentices. They are supported by external specialists. Jobs can take months to complete.

Marc Newton recalls a lesson from Paul Roberts. A client wanted a red hartebeest engraved. Marc thought it was ugly.

He worried about resale value. The client corrected him. The rifle was for his enjoyment only.

We are there to facilitate dreams. We must not impose our own tastes. At Longthorne engraving is led by Chloe.

She had excellent mentors. Her scroll work has flourished. What she does now is extraordinary.

The waiting game

The hardest part is often waiting. You will not see the gun for months. Sometimes it takes years.

Purdey Sporters take up to 12 months. Sidelocks stretch to over two years. Double rifles approach three years.

Holland & Holland Royals take around two years. Rigby bespoke Highland Stalkers take about 10 months. Makers work to enhance engagement.

They want the journey to remain enjoyable. It is comforting to know your gun is being made.

Need to know

Process: Custom Gun Building

Makers mentioned: Purdey, John Rigby & Co, Holland & Holland, Longthorne

Lead times: 9 months to 3 years

Entry price: From £10,000

Locations: London, Northampton, Middlesex, Berkshire

For more information visit the Purdey website.