Explore our collection focused on British Sporting long arms — from early muzzle loaders to the rise of the breech‑loading Sporting gun — with history, makers, and technical details.
Theophilus Murcott of London Stories from the Scrap Pile
The Westley Richards guns in this article, built in 1853 were at the very pinnacle of the Muzzle loader era, however, and interestingly during 1853 / 1854 is when Joseph Lang’s Breech-loading Pinfire game gun emerged, was in production, and being promoted, as the start of the British breech-loading story had begun.
The Rifle that inspired this article was built by James Beattie, hand-made to order as a Park Rifle, for dedicated use within the confinements of the Deer Park.
Patents are an interesting area of study regarding British hammer guns, but not all good ideas were patented, including some innovative ones. For example, when under-levers first appeared on breech-loading guns, they were forward-facing, after the original French design.
An uncommon surname and almost forgotten Gun-maker, “Niebour”. Fortunately, Stephen Nash an outstanding Pinfire Game Gun historian, has with limited information given this maker a voice.
Edward Paton was born in 1819 in Dublin into a military family, who were deeply tied to the 42nd (The Royal Highland) Regiment of Foot. Edward became the regiment's armourer, and in 1847
William Anson was the founding Father of the Legendary Boxlock action design, developed and built through the foresight of the Westley Richards Gun-making business.
Webley and Scott - Model 400 - 12 bore. A usable British Classic shotgun for everyday shooting of Game, Vermin and Clays
Joseph Charles Reilly, this Gunmaker is more important to the British gun making story than initially thought by many.
Robert Hughes & Son’s – London Quality, 12 Bore Hammer gun, with black powder proof marks for 1887 to 1896
Thomas Horsley - Pull back Top lever - Pin fire
Casimer Lefaucheux - The founder of the British Breech Loader
