doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Best guns in the world today?

Chuck:
My two cents depends on your definition of "finest." Some Italian products are undoubtedly "fine," but if your perception extends to pride of ownership, I'd have to say that London still holds sway.

If I were asked "what kind of gun is that" at the sporting club today, my stock would instantly be higher if I were to respond "Purdey," rather than "Fabbri."

In my game, this is called "brand equity," and it cannot be purchased at any price or crafted by anyone. It is simply earned through time, consistency, tradition and public perception. Even Beretta has not attained this lofty plane -- and they predate Purdey and Hollands.

Sorry, but any Italian maker will have to wait a long time to acquire such equity, regardless of their engineering and precision.

Best, Kensal

Kensal,
Out in the west, in the land of Hollywoody, I hear lots of chatter about Fabbri and little of the London makers. This is from the very few idle rich and working Hollywoodies I've happened to be around (can't say I "know" them, but rather 'of them'). Occasionally, a Fabbri (sp?) shows up around the range. Not seen any of the big London maker guns. I do get the distinct impression Fabbri guns are thought more highly of in some of the circles around the range.

But it's pretty well recognized that CA has led the country in perceptions and initiatives, whether we all agree with them or not.

I think the best are definitely Italian, but it's a good argument. F.lli Rizzini, Bertuzzi, Fabbri, Bosis to name a few. Some of the finest London guns will rival these, maybe match some of them, but not better.

Hamburg (Hartmann & Weiss)

Wherever W.W. Greener/Richard Tandy is located and making guns.

Birmingham (A.A. Brown)

I've never seen a Fabbri that I liked. They don't inspire me the way a vintage Woodward or Boss O/U does.

Fli. Rizzinis leave me cold. They can be beautifully made, but I just don't like them. Same thing with most of the other Italian stuff.

SDH makes some good points about Italian sidelocks in Double Guns and Custom Gunsmithing. You can read his chapter on the subject here:

http://books.google.com/books?id=ulkd6lM...ock&f=false


OWD

Chuck:
Twas just my opinion on "The Italian Jobs." And any state that can give us Nancy Pelosi, American Idol and Charlie Sheen has got to know it's double guns, too. (LOL).

Taken in best humour, Charles. I used to direct some car spots out in LA LA years ago. I know the drill.

Best, Kensal

Way to go Chuck. You just started another dog fight. To boot, you keep throwing a piece of meat in the ring....

Just little pieces, Gil. :

Chuck, I agree that us Californians are the Initiative Kings. Unfortunately we don't seem to expect to ever have to pay for them.... Too bad Best doubles can't yet be acquired by "unfunded mandate"! Until then, my opinion on your question must remain shrouded in wisecrackery--can't afford to participate seriously!

Now if you'd asked "who made the best guns stocked in Tenite?" I'd have an informed answer.

Tony Galazan!

Strange that nobody mention PIOTTI ??
Marc.