With the new London guns, the pricing is clearly a big factor.

The £38,000 Watson is a fine gun at a good price. The Purdey and
Hollands are better guns; the details are there - if you can see them and care, they matter. If you can't see them or don't care they do not. The price differential is big.

In terms of shooting quality - the Holland & Holland Royal o/u is the best of the bunch. The best of a very good bunch.

I think Watson produce a very good gun for the price they charge. However, it is not THE SAME as a Pudery or Boss or Holland (you simply do not get the same for £25,000-£35,000 less)whether in guns or anything else.

What Watson were making 100 years ago is irrelevant when considering current production.

Charles Hellis is also worth checking out for 100% hand-made guns and innovative designs.

when considering new guns, i always think it worth looking at the 'nerly new' market and seeing the huge hit you will take if you decide to sell. The auction 'unsold' lists are always full of nearly new guns that the market says are worth alot less than the original owner is prepared to face up to.

www.vintageguns.co.uk