At the Game Fair I took the opportunity to look at both the B&E and the Longthorne offerings. For their prices, I was impressed with what they produced.
The feeling is of an artisan shop with a small number of dedicated, knowledgeable and skilled professionals, including software operators, as well as gunsmiths. Each contribute to the service and product offered.
I was especially impressed with the 27 kilogram steel (from Sweden incidentally!) billet that Longthorne shape, polish, drill and black to form their tubes. With modern machinery and engineering tolerances the barrels should be regulated exceptionally well. In addition, they are much lighter than normal; 1,240 grams with a wall thickness of 38-42 thou for 30" barrels, against typically 1,490 grams for a similar spec Italian set.
If I was in the market for a new gun to use I would have both these English firms on my shortlist. I rather like my old hand me downs though!
Tim
