Quote: I draw the line at buying a rifle that costs so much you would be afraid to use it. In my earlier days, I was a mechanic of sorts. I bought the best tools for whatever job I was doing. I don't think I ever bought a screwdriver with gold inlays, however. I would rather spend that $395,000 going on hunts, and take a Winchester, than for a beautiful gun like that one. Just my opinion.
If you can afford the gun AND the hunts then why not?
Perhaps Mike cannot afford both any longer? Or maybe his interest in high end doubles was a passing fad. Whatever the case, if I were taking that rifle to Africa, I would have to charter a plane to be sure that the luggage handlers did not damage the gun.
Posts: 18352 | Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA | Registered: 20 April 2002
Yes, actually what is it about Purdey?? Who of the still-going-strong London gunmakers is "The best" to your oppinion? I think that it is something wery spasial about Purdey. I think there is something in that William evans used to engrave his locks: "from Purdeys" due to the fact that he only worked in Purdeys Front Shop for a short period and the fact that he worked 12 years at Holland and Holland. That tells alot about it I think.
Posts: 91 | Location: Norway | Registered: 03 March 2002
Oh yeah, I goofed, and do now recall that Mike is not Ed's relative, unless Roy did not tell anybody about his love child. I think this predilection to fine rifles is genetic.
Posts: 28032 | Location: KY | Registered: 09 December 2001
I spoke awhile with the Purdey representative at the International Arms Show in Las Vegas two days ago. He says they produce about 100 guns a year, about half to America (current exchange rates aren't helping though), standard engraving is done in U.K., special engraving is outsourced in Italy and Belgium. He feels the current state of the art of gunmaking is the highest ever. The shotguns on their tables were among the finest at the show, and priced accordingly.
Posts: 9487 | Location: Texas Hill Country | Registered: 11 January 2002
