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

Homeless Joe wrote:

"I hate to say this but if I saw that top photo without a name attached too it...I'd guess it as a Belgium gun.
If that's what you are comparing Purdey or Boss to you better clean off your glasses."

Joe, I do not wear glasses to correct my vision and was not comparing the Watson boxlock to a "Best" Purdey or Holland just stated that it was a very fine gun. And, I am somewhat familiar with the fit, finish and functional qualities of Best quality guns as I have shot Purdeys both on the range and in the field and shoot a Peter Chapman 20 bore that is quite similar to or possibly based on a Holland & Holland action.

Here I am with a brace on MN ruffed grouse killed with a 1896 Purdey 12 bore

In the rack are two Purdeys that I've both shot and inspected

And the Peter Chapman


I do really like the Purdeys and Hollands but have shot and inspected other lesser recognized guns like a #1 Willam Powell 16 bore that I felt was equally fine.

I hope this helps you to understand that my comments about the Watson boxlock were not made without at least a basic understanding of what a fine gun is. That said, I use this forum to further my understanding by reading the comments of those with greater knowledge.

I appreciate your input.

Take care,

jcj

Small Bore



I agree. Buy the gun on the first bounce and save big time!

Curl

I think the Purdey action is great, and if you can afford a new one and like the action go ahead, realizing your are paying a significant premium. Watsons should be judged in person, because photos do not do them justice. Their fit and finish is best in every regard. If you opt for a Holland action gun, your choices are almost limitless, and I think will hard pressed to justify the premium Holland charges over other very similar guns.

JcJ...I didn't say what I said to get in as piss'n contest with you.

You posted the pic of the Watson boxlock in a thread titled "Watson Bros. vs. Purdey, H&H, and Boss".

I took it you posted the picture for comparison ? I said what popped into my mind when I saw it...It looked Belgium to me.

Nice hammer guns what are they ?

I have a friend who bought a Watson 20b last year. It has a Beesley action. So you can have the Purdey action on a Watson if you want one.

Curl

Douglas, you said that you were willing to pay a premium for a Name if you could get significant quality in return. You also said you had been treated poorly by a couple of London makers. If it were me, I would always sort of hold a grudge if I had been treated poorly. I do think that posters here have mentioned several other Non Biggest Names who could provide a gun that would not differ from the Biggest Names in significant quality. When a design is perfect and execution is perfect, there is no room for improvement. Now, if part of your desire for this new gun is to have a certain quality of Name on it, then you know what to do. If , though, you are looking for similar qualities of guns, but don't care too much for the name or cost, then you can find wonderful guns, that cannot be improved on, from several other makers. Your stated "comfort" with the Watson goes a long way in saying what you would feel good holding in your lap on an evening in front of your fireplace.

I was looking at new H&H guns at the Vintage Cup and was underwhelmed. The fit wasn't perfect whatever about the finish. For those prices you should expect perfect. I've also seen used Purdeys that made me wonder if perhaps they had left the works less than perfect but that was merely speculation. It's hard to know what may have been done to used guns. The only Watson I've ever seen was perfect however and that was a used gun. Just on that small experience I'd go with Watson regardless of price.

Joe:

The closest one is a Grant Underlever and the far one is a Purdey. And no pissing match was intended just wanted to clarify my viewpoint a bit.

I agree some H&H and Purdey's can be underwelming, but some can be spectacular. That is why I would prefer to purchase a new gun from stock then ordering one bespoke. You know exactly what your getting from stock. Years ago neither gunmaker would build for stock, both where bespoke gunmakers. They realized that most customers did not want to wait 2-3 years and the guns could easly be altered to fit the new owner. Both sell at least 50% of their new guns from stock today.

I would not want a cold reaction from a shop assistant to influnce me from purchasing the gun I wanted. They are not pushy salesmen, they can't be. There regular customers would not put up with it. Have you ever heard the saying the "butler is more regal then the King"? Don't worry about it. Walk in with your head high with confidence and ask the questions you want. Remember one thing -- the shop assistants can't afford to write that check.

Buy the gun you always wanted, if not you will not be happy.

jcj's post highlights the importance of seeing these various offerings from the top makers side by side (get it?) and then seeing if reality jibes with what you've built in your mind. Reno, the VC, going over to London and possibly the Southern SxS in the Spring. Take your pick but you'll value the experience I think.