doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Watson Bros. vs. Purdey, H&H, and Boss

I am planning to commission a new (not used)"London best" side-by-side and had decided it should be a Watson Bros. Watson Bros. produces a beautiful round-body gun, and can come in a couple of ounces below Purdey, H&H, and Boss. However, in a posting on another on-line bulletin board, I read that some feel that Watson Bros. is not yet quite up to the standard of Purdey, etc., in finish. Do any of you have an educated opinion on this question? If a difference in finish does exist, is it merely academic (e.g., "upon removing the left lock and examining it under a magnifying glass, I found a faint file mark under the bridle's left end."), or material (e.g., "the Purdey's handling and balance are clearly superior to those of Watson Bros.")? I think Purdey, etc., charge a ridiculous premium for their name, but am willing to pay the premium if I get significant quality in return. Thanks for your help.

Have you examined the late generation Watson Brothers guns? If so, where are such guns available for examination?

Eightbore,

No, I have not. I am only going on what I have read in other posts.
I corresponded with the owner of Watson Bros., Michael Louca, via email, to ask him if he had delivered something close to what I want (12 bore SxS, 30" barrels, straighthand stock, 6 lbs. 6 oz. total weight)to anyone who lives near me (Bethesda, MD). He said he had delivered similar guns only to English customers.

A name won by hunting the most dangerous game on the planet in the most extreme climate conditions imaginable!!! Yes Teddy Roosevelt loved his American built lever action rifles, but he said for dangerous game hand him his Holland & Holland!!!!
All the best

What Teddy said about guns built 100 years ago probably tells us little about the comparable quality of guns built today.

I have no direct knowledge but will offer that what was true many years ago and still true today.
If one went to a recognized master and payed the price, any, of a great many, could and would build a Best gun.
If the contract spells out everything in minute detail and is to the satisfaction of both parties, nothing but good can come of it.
Best,
John

I disagree!!!! A name won by today's fashion police is one thing a name won by historical performance is entirely different!!!
All the best

True enough, treblig1958, however I thought I guy was interested in buying a gun, not a name.

It is people that build guns, and none of the people that had anything to do with Teddy's guns are still alive today.

It is similar to buying cars, Rolls Royce, Bentley, Aston Martin suits some.Others prefer Mercedes, BMW.
If my preferred gun was 12 guage SxS I would consider A.A.Brown, David Sinnerton, Peter Nelson for an individual bespoke gun.If I wanted a named gun it would only be Purdey or Holland.But if I could wait and have todays very best I would have a bespoke Greener.
Watson do make superb small bore guns and have the experience, knowledge, and raw materials to deliver early with a 28 or 20.
At the end of the day you pay your money and take your choice.
If it was an O/U I would have a Boss or Watson for kudos or a Belgian Browning for reliability.Boxlock would have to be a Tony White.

I saw one at the Vintage Cup a number of years ago. I wish I owned it. From a cosmetic inspection, it was beautiful. Mr. Trevallion could tell you more about it. I'm not sure if Watson Bros will be at the upcoming SCI show in Reno. I know many of the top names attend. It is a good place to talk with the best builders. It would give you an opportunity to make visual comparisons and ask all the questions you like.
If only our dollar wasn't getting hammered so bad.
Chris