Still a strong market for quality guns, but customers demand value says William Evans
Demand for high-quality shotguns remains strong, despite the continuing economic pressures facing the global economy, according to William Evans, one of the United Kingdom’s few remaining independent gunmakers.
“Discerning clients are increasingly recognising that, at a time when traditional forms of investment yield little return or carry a greater level of risk as a result of volatile financial markets, high-quality shotguns remain a relatively safe place to put their money. They also provide much greater enjoyment and are a valuable heirloom which can be passed on through the generations,” explains Nigel Hadden-Paton, a Director of London-based William Evans.
Customers’ appreciation of quality and value for money has been reflected in the strong prices being achieved by pre-owned examples of William Evans’ latest models, the over-and-under St James and the side-by-side Pall Mall. Both have become much sought-after in their respective sector of the market.
The launch of the St James over-and-under, named after the area of London in which the company has been based since 1883, coincided with the start of the worst recession in living memory. Sales exceeded expectations, however, and the initial production run sold out within weeks. Demand increased substantially when a 12-bore version was introduced in 2009 to supplement the original 20-bore model and both gauges are proving popular in the pre-owned market.
In 2010, William Evans teamed up with Spanish gunmaker Grulla Armas to produce the Pall Mall, a high-quality side-by-side in the classic English style. Aimed at discerning sportsmen who appreciate the practical benefits of a hand-crafted, made-to-measure sidelock shotgun, as well as the fact that it can be purchased for less than half the cost of a traditional best London sidelock, the Pall Mall has been enthusiastically received to widespread acclaim. Strong demand for new guns, combined with limited availability, has been reflected in the call for pre-owned models.
“Shooting is becoming ever more popular as people come to appreciate the enjoyment which the sport has to offer. When it comes to purchasing a gun there is a plethora of manufacturers, styles and budgets to choose from, but it is becoming evident that value-for-money is playing a key part in the decision-making process,” Nigel Hadden-Paton emphasises.
“The St James has attracted a new audience to William Evans and demonstrated that high-quality guns from a long-established, well-respected company which are produced in limited numbers have an extremely high second-hand value. This is also true of the Pall Mall, which is finding a ready market with customers who prefer a side-by-side. When making a significant investment customers seek the reassurance of dealing with a well-respected, long-established English gunmaker combined with the high level of personal service on which William Evans has built its reputation.”
NOTES FOR EDITORS
1.
Further information is available from Julian Cooksley, Kendalls Communications – Tel: +44 (0) 1394 610022 or email: julian.cooksley@kendallscom.co.uk
2.
High-resolution digital images are available to illustrate this press release. Please contact Kerry-Anne Rookyard at Kendalls on +44 (0) 1394 610022, or email kerry-anne.rookyard@kendallscom.co.uk
William Evans Limited is based at 67A St. James’s Street, London SW1A 1PH (Tel: +44 (0) 20 7493 0415) and The Old Armoury, Queens Road, Bisley Camp, Brookwood, Surrey, GU24 0NY (Tel: +44 (0) 1483 486500). Further details are available at www.williamevans.com
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