British Sporting Firearms Articles

Mar 02, 2026

Westley Richards – Muzzle Loader – Pair

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.

696 David Neale

Feb 23, 2026

James Beattie - Deer Park Rifle

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.

665 David Neale

Feb 23, 2026

William Moore & Co.

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.

494 Stephen Nash

Feb 22, 2026

Charles Frederick Niebour

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.

434 Stephen Nash

Feb 20, 2026

Edward Paton

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

462 Stephen Nash