Longthorne shotguns...what is your opinion?

[Alistair]

I have a lot of respect for Longthorne. I handled a couple back when I was in ol' Blighty and they're beautiful pieces. Really well made, excellent craftsmanship and an interesting hint of actual innovation. They don't have the cache or the history of the london names, but personally I think the quality is there. A good group of folks too it seems, I spoke with them at one of the gamefairs and the seemed to really care about their product and were a lot less snobby than some of the london sales folks can be (I hovered around Purdey's stand for 30mins or so looking at the pretty firearms and not a single person came over to talk to me, whereas the Longthorne folks were more than happy to, even if I was a sloppily dressed young guy in a hoodie. I really appreciate that).

I want one very much, and I think they're good value at the current price point, but I don't think they're really clay guns. They're game shooting pieces and designed to that style and ethos.

 

[crs]

Interesting and I wish them luck. However I will stick with my Parker SxS guns.

 

[BeeMaa]

I want one very much, and I think they're good value at the current price point, but I don't think they're really clay guns. They're game shooting pieces and designed to that style and ethos.

Not certain about them being just game guns. The first shotgun they built for Jon was designed specifically as a sporting clays gun with the stock shape having a near full pistol grip and removable chokes. The second trigger plate they built for him was a "walk up game" specific gun with fixed chokes to save weight and a much more open grip.

What I don't see from Longthorne that separate them from serious clay guns are features like an adjustable trigger, adjustable stock, barrel weights, stock weights and interchangeable ramps like the Blaser F3, Krieghoff K80, Perazzi High Tech and Beretta DT11.

I suspect that these are absent as a result of them being relatively new and a smaller shop. That said, I imagine they would do just about anything you wanted as long as your pockets are deep enough.

 

[Major Bonkers]

UK firearms shippers:

- HGSS
- PDQ Freight

I am afraid that there are only two firearms shippers in the UK market.

It might also be worth talking to Paul Roberts, who has a sideline in buying pistols in the UK and shipping them to the US - you may be able to piggy-back on one of his shipments.

Finally, Holts themselves are very au fait with shipping, and will deal with much of the initial bureaucracy.

All are pleasant to deal with.

If you are thinking of buying a rifle or shotgun at auction always get a condition report beforehand. In respect of shotguns it is vital to get the barrel wall thickness checked: for example, Bonhams have a pair of Rigbys coming up for sale in 10 days time that are shot through and must represent a seriously bad investment for anyone who takes them on.

 

[Alistair]

Not certain about them being just game guns. The first shotgun they built for Jon was designed specifically as a sporting clays gun with the stock shape having a near full pistol grip and removable chokes. The second trigger plate they built for him was a "walk up game" specific gun with fixed chokes to save weight and a much more open grip.

What I don't see from Longthorne that separate them from serious clay guns are features like an adjustable trigger, adjustable stock, barrel weights, stock weights and interchangeable ramps like the Blaser F3, Krieghoff K80, Perazzi High Tech and Beretta DT11.

I suspect that these are absent as a result of them being relatively new and a smaller shop. That said, I imagine they would do just about anything you wanted as long as your pockets are deep enough.

That's fair, but I'd still say that their main focus is classic English game guns. That seems to be their marketing, that's the model range, that's the styling and design stuff. Even a lot of modern game focussed guns like the Beretta Silver Pigeon have a full pistol grip and interchangeable chokes these days and Sporting Clays is basically a simulated game shooting discipline anyway (compared to say, Olympic trap or skeet).

The day someone wins a major competition with one, or even selects a Longthorne to compete in such a competition is the day I change my mind, but that market sits firmly with the manufacturers you mentioned right now.

 

[BeeMaa]

That's fair, but I'd still say that their main focus is classic English game guns. That seems to be their marketing, that's the model range, that's the styling and design stuff. Even a lot of modern game focussed guns like the Beretta Silver Pigeon have a full pistol grip and interchangeable chokes these days and Sporting Clays is basically a simulated game shooting discipline anyway (compared to say, Olympic trap or skeet).

The day someone wins a major competition with one, or even selects a Longthorne to compete in such a competition is the day I change my mind, but that market sits firmly with the manufacturers you mentioned right now.

I'd like to see them at SCI to be able to put my hands on a few. Who know, they just might show up.

 

[PCC600]

I have shot a Longthorne side lock O/U gun quite a few times on sporting clays. It is owned by a mate of mine in Oz . I was very impressed by how it handled and shot and would definitely consider owning one - but they are expensive and I’d have to sell something - can’t decide . My mate sold a Beretta SO6 to fund the purchase . The Longthorne essentially copied the Beretta sidelock action and certainly feels like a better gun . The barrels are made from one piece of steel .

 

[WAB]

Longthorne had their demo’s at the Orvis range in Alabama. The Orvis folks asked me to come over and take a look. What they had on offer were very much high end clays guns. The stock designs were not well set up for low gun shooting. These guns are in no way competing with London best. I would place them at a high grade Beretta level but at a much higher cost.

 

[BeeMaa]

Longthorne had their demo’s at the Orvis range in Alabama. The Orvis folks asked me to come over and take a look. What they had on offer were very much high end clays guns. The stock designs were not well set up for low gun shooting. These guns are in no way competing with London best. I would place them at a high grade Beretta level but at a much higher cost.

I’ve seen one of their titanium barrel O/U’s but didn’t have a chance to handle it. Pretty amazing that they could tool up on a metal so tough.

Not sure what it would mean for the handling of it but I can’t imagine they would put a sporting stock on such a light barrel design.

@WAB - If you have a chance in your travels, I appreciate your opinion on their complete array of offerings.