I don't think Mike Weatherby is related to the rifle Weatherbys.

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.

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.

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.