Guns for investment review

In spite of on-going economic problems over the last few years, British guns continue to hold their value.

This is positive news for the industry, but also for the buyer. Obviously, the fact there is still a market for high quality hand-made British products is good news for our prestigious gunmaking industry.

And this continued strength is good news for buyers because it means top quality firearms represent a great investment, especially while interest rates continue to be so unfavourable for bank accounts and other financial products.

Guns remain a safe investment because they are a tangible asset.

A client recently remarked to me that investing £20,000 in a savings account at current interest rates would make him about £100, so investing in a £20,000 gun would really only cost him £100.

In fact he might well see a decent return on his investment in the shotgun.

The CLA Game Fair always presents a brilliant opportunity to invest in a new gun because all the retailers put out their very best showpiece items for the biggest event in the country calendar.

Apart from some of the major American shows, the CLA Game Fair really is the best place in the world to view and purchase the finest English guns ? nowhere else will you find as many firearms in their original specifications in good condition.

Make no mistake, the Game Fair is a place for serious gun buyers: a vast number are sold at the show each year.

With Gunmakers? Row getting bigger with each and every event, all the gun dealers attending know how important it is to take their highest quality items.

SPEED, PLANNING AND PRECISION
However, buying a gun at the Game Fair can present its own set of problems. Firstly, although there are more desirable guns in one place than at any other time of the year, there is also the highest concentration of potential buyers, so the rarest and best pieces tend to get snapped up quickly.

To counteract this, some buyers go as far as to contact gun dealers before the event and buy the best guns before they are even put on show.

Given the competition the buyer will face, it is important to go into the show with a clear idea of exactly what it is you want to buy.

Think about the specific bore size you require. How many triggers? Do you want an over-under or side-by-side?

Make a list and ensure that whichever gun you think about buying meets each one of your criteria.

Having said that, no matter how much careful planning you do, buying a shotgun is always an emotional decision.

As well as meeting your demands technically, it must also pull at your heart strings ? because this investment is one that will hopefully last several generations if successfully made.

This may mean, of course, that the gun you end up buying is not the very best one you see!

DECISIONS, DECISIONS…
Just as with buying a gun from a shop, it is important that you take plenty of time over your purchase at the Game Fair. Don?t rush in and then repent at leisure.

And just like that normal shopping experience, the dealer should always give you their time and full attention. When you arrive at a stand, make yourself known to the staff, and make it clear exactly what you are looking for.

You should expect to receive personal attention.

For instance every dealer should have an area at the back of their stand where you can check over the gun in decent light, and get a feel for how it handles without feeling cramped.

A good dealer will be able to look at your gun fit there and then, and should be able to give you a firm price for the whole service.

The quality of the service you receive should be an important part of the overall price ? if you?re lucky there might even be a glass of cold beer on offer too!

Most importantly of all for any prospective Game Fair gun buyer, don?t panic.

Certainly, if you are looking for a .410 Boss over-under or an unusual big bore gun, then you will almost certainly have to be quick on the draw and be able to make a fast buying decision.

But if you are looking for the gun of your dreams, then you must take the time that such a monumental decision deserves.

Purdey side-by-side shotgun £32,500
This beautiful 12 bore side-by-side is the sort of gun about which many of us will idly daydream. It is the classic English nine-pin sidelock with 28″ barrels and 2¾” chambers.