The rationale is that Evans always used to do good business selling Birmingham made guns (chiefly Webleys) as London guns by having some input into the desired quality of finish, wood, engraving etc. They then sold them, as William Evans guns and provided the william Evan back-up service to London customers in London.
Now the trade in birmingham has largely died, the equivalent ids Brescia. Evans have worked with Guerini to specify what they want and the Italians do the work, Evans do the quality control.
They specified balance, handling characteristics, stock shape, barrel weight, added a solid rib, specified wood quality etc. The guns arrive in the UK with Evans-commissioned engraving (based on a gun made a century ago by Evans for the Duke of Cannaught)already applied.
The guns are blacked, checkered, and the stocks finished in Engliand.
It is easy to scoff at the efforts of others. I'm sure many will. however, Evans are a firm in the business of selling guns. Most UK gun shos sell foreighn guns in the sub £40,000 grades because there is little or no choice below that in an English made gun. They, as a business, have seen the demand for this type of gun and have moved to meet it.
I would not be in the market for one (that says more about me than the gun) but I think it offers something to those considering a sub £10,000 gun that fits their idea of aesthetics and handling characteristics when these have an English slant.
The gunis not pretending to be an hand-made English best but it offers mid-range gun of English style to those who cannot afford twice the money to buy a churchill or six times the money to by Holland & Holland. This fits in with Evans traditional place in the market and I think Alastair and George should be applauded for trying. I hope it is a success.
