The Gentleman Magazine Issue 4 | August/September | Page 61

They’re stronger because there are no weld joints - they’re
proofed at the highest level available in the UK, and the
machine that makes them works to tolerances that are almost
infinitesimally marginal - the straighter, more flawless the
barrels, the more accurate the shot.
The process of ordering a Longthorne is more akin to that
of a tailor, rather than a gunmaker; fittings are taken at the
Northampton factory, and then you’re given the choices.
Instead of cloth, cut and cuffs, however, you choose length,
choking, shape, wood and engraving pattern.
As each gun is made to order, it can take an agonisingly long
9 months; good things may come to those who wait, sure, but
that’s no comfort when you want it NOW, is it? Then, much like
a Savile Row tailor, you’re invited in for a second fitting, before
the final flourishes are applied. The gun is chequered and the
wood given that incredible, deep lustre that marks fine guns
from the rest. Then, and only then, it’s all yours.
Longthorne typifies many of the greatest assets of British
industry. It’s quite prepared to strike out on it’s own, to do it’s
own thing and hang the competition. I admire that; it takes
guts, and guts is what we need. Hopefully, Longthorne’s
new approach will spur some competition for English gun
manufacturing; bringing shots back to British guns is good for
all.
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