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

DAC - you need to make the pilgrimage to London and pay each shop a visit to discuss your project. There are many shops that can make you a best gun. Only you can decide which is best for you. Your decision should not, however, be based on the historical value of the name. It must be based on the match-up of you to their current product. At this level of gun, you and your gunmaker should actually have a relationship.

This is an interesting discussion touching upon several areas of what amount to personal preference.

First, the weight. It seems that Purdey and H&H are not willing to produce barrels below a certain wall thickness and weight. I know this from several reports of frustrated individuals looking for just the right balance and feel. It isn't that the other top guns aren't first rate, it is that the particular shooter is looking for a particular result.

Second, the standard of finished gun. Despite having perhaps the most horrible photographs of any gunmaker, Louca guns are made to a very high standard indeed. It is not just my opinion that Watson Bros. shotguns are the equal of that of Purdey or H&H with about the same amount of hours in each. However, the aesthetics are going to appeal to some more than others. But it is probably just aesthetics and no actual difference in perceivable quality from what I have seen and from what I have heard. (I look forward to posts from owners and craftsmen on this aspect.)

Third, the degree to which a perfect gun for any one individual is a peculiar matter. Height of action, treatment of fences, shape of trigger bow... Salopian may pine for a Brown or a Greener(as would most sane people) while another "needs" a Purdey or a Holland and Holland. It is a matter of personal taste at some point, it seems. But, at this price point, one can trust that the quality is there and cherished as part of the reputation of the maker.

From the Vendors list, Watson Bros. are supposed to be at the SCI Reno show, along with quite a few others. Over 1000 exhibitors, WOW!. I've only been once and really enjoyed it. I hope to go again sometime soon.
Chris

Once again I disagree. What I object to is the the saying "am I just buying the name", should not apply to the firms of Purdey, H&H and Boss as their guns have been tested like no others and the word or term "Experience", the best teacher because its the toughest teacher, is ingrained within the heart and soul of these old English firms!!!
That's all I'm saying.
All the best

Next time you talk to Michael Louca ask him about his American turkey hunt.

Montana,

Thanks for your comment. It brings to mind a conversation I had with a gentleman who was staffing the H&H tent at the Vintagers this year. I asked him how light H&H could build a 12 gauge SxS with 30" barrels and 15" LOP. He said 6 lbs. 8oz. minimum. I said some other builders said they could get down at least another couple of ounces. He replied that H&H has a minimim barrel wall thickness (I forget how many thousandths) below which they would not go, even though a slightly lesser thickness would still be entirely within proof and imminently safe to shoot. He claimed H&H has this policy because the lesser barrel wall thickness reduces the useful life of the gun (from, I suppose, 200 years down to a measly 150). Seemed kind of academic to me.

You'll get a return for the big money with the top three, in the field maybe not so big. On the other hand, most guys can't tell a couple of onces if it fell from the sky and hit them in the brainpan.
What English sidelocks have you hunted?

Another interesting comparison might be pre-WWI best guns compared to those produced today (where one might argue that CNC as well as threat of litigation plays a role). There are many who argue that the older "hand-made guns" are the epitome. Others argue these vintage guns have proven their quality by lasting so long in good condition. Whatever the basis, the pre-war bests are held up as the standard often.

However, DAC, I take it you are looking at a gun to be produced for you now and want to limit the discussion to that end.

So, why "round body" but no discussion of the Scottish guns?

BTW, I think you will find an equal number of those impressed by Watson Bros in the past couple of years to offset those who have sniffed that WB isn't quite up to the standards of the Big Three in terms of finish. Same as with the AA Brown guns really as far as I can see. But, you'd have to look at both and decide in your own mind probably because there will always be detractors. The gun market reflects a name premium in much the same way as the fine watch market...

Most opinions on Best guns are by people who have never owned one, mine included. But from what I understand it is very much the case that you will get exactly what you want, if you pay attention to details. They are capable of making whatever you want if you are willing to pay.

I think Rocketman offered some sage advice, and you may be planning on it anyway, but go to London and spend some time with various makers.

A good friend of mine who owns all the names being discussed went to London to commission a 20 bore Purdey. He ended up with a Watson Bros. and it is a marvelous weapon. The rest of his guns all had previous owners. I have handled all of these, shot some, and for me I liked a 12 bore pre-war Boss he owns.

All the best, and I don't see how you possibly go wrong with any of them.

Chicago Mike