I am going to be in London just before Christmas and am wondering if any members here have checked out the shops there? I warned my wife that I intend to spend some time wandering around in these places. Any advice on the best method of approach or any “must sees”?
Shotgun shops - London, England
- Thread starter dilly
- Start date
Haven't been myself but have read many glowing accounts of visiting Audley House, the home of Purdey. My understanding is they welcome the hoi polloi. Proving the financial ability to buy a $150,000 gun doesn't seem to be required.
If it were me, I'd just look up the addresses of all the big names, set aside an afternoon and go. Most likely you will be welcomed in some and not others. Worth the effort and then you'll know who to cross off the list when you win the Lotto.
If it were me, I'd just look up the addresses of all the big names, set aside an afternoon and go. Most likely you will be welcomed in some and not others. Worth the effort and then you'll know who to cross off the list when you win the Lotto.
Falconflyer
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
I've met some Purdey people and they seem to mix with the unwashed masses all right.
Holland & holland is in Mayfair, central London
That place is something else
Are you after just a “normal” hunting shop?
Google “shotgun shops London UK”
It will pull up some really nice shops
James Purdy for one
The beretta store is in central London also
That place is something else
Are you after just a “normal” hunting shop?
Google “shotgun shops London UK”
It will pull up some really nice shops
James Purdy for one
The beretta store is in central London also
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Yeah, not little gun shops, I was thinking Beretta, Holland and Holland (which appear to be in the same building), Purdy and William Evan’s.
I went to William Larkin Moore once and was full, frank and fair about what I was doing. Told them I had no intention on buying a gun as I was just a tourist from Canada. They could not have been nicer. They took time to show me guns and engaged in interesting conversation the entire time. I hope to experience the same in London.
I think you will.
If you've the time consider Chris Potter Country Sports in Tunbridge Wells. It's about an hour train ride from Charing Cross and a half-mile walk from the rail station to the shop. Great selection of hunting and target guns.
Not only the guns but also the accessories, clothing, and books.
Over 20 years ago I visited H&H on Bruton street.
Went with an American colleague while on a business trip; I wanted to look at the books.
Back then they had a great book section with current and old out of print books.
Bought a Robert Ruark book for my son, can't remember which book.
My American friend who owned Ruger .22's had wandered into the gun room.
Found him there talking to a salesman who had handed him a double 470.
American friend asked why bother with 2 barrels when you can use a semi auto.
Salesman reply was polite, and not pretentious.
Great city to visit, have fun.
Over 20 years ago I visited H&H on Bruton street.
Went with an American colleague while on a business trip; I wanted to look at the books.
Back then they had a great book section with current and old out of print books.
Bought a Robert Ruark book for my son, can't remember which book.
My American friend who owned Ruger .22's had wandered into the gun room.
Found him there talking to a salesman who had handed him a double 470.
American friend asked why bother with 2 barrels when you can use a semi auto.
Salesman reply was polite, and not pretentious.
Great city to visit, have fun.
Bittereinder
CGN Regular
- Location
- Ontario (GTA)
I've been to Rigby and H&H. Rigby is very welcoming in their showroom and I've heard many others say the same. They have me a cup of tea and I really enjoyed looking around. I bought a couple books and want to get one of their base model rifles even more now.
H&H felt a bit weird. I had to walk through several fashion showrooms that are apparently to insulate the gun room from casual observation. Understandable given their location. I wouldn't say they were rude exactly but it felt colder. No one acknowledged my presence in the gun room for at about 5 minutes. They politely answered yes when I asked if could take a couple pictures.
H&H felt a bit weird. I had to walk through several fashion showrooms that are apparently to insulate the gun room from casual observation. Understandable given their location. I wouldn't say they were rude exactly but it felt colder. No one acknowledged my presence in the gun room for at about 5 minutes. They politely answered yes when I asked if could take a couple pictures.
H&H,Purdy and the other one are all a short walk from each other. The other one whose name escapes me you have to be buzzed in the door but H&H and Purdy you just walk in and they gladly talk to you and give you catalogs . The cheapest thing in the store was a tie so that's what I have. Friend bought a hat as he didn't like the ties. If in Paris you can go to H&H and there is many other small gun shops also.
You probably mean Boss.
