Michael Yardley

William and Son over-and-under

  • December 28, 2015

The William and Son over-and-under is our test gun. It’s a 12-bore with 30in barrels, a low-profile and hand-engraved action and weighs just over 7lb. It cleverly brings together modern…

Purdey's craftsmen. Richard Bayley

  • November 16, 2015

Purdey’s craftsmen have an international reputation for impeccability, and they uphold this as part of one of the most renowned bespoke gunmaking firms in the world. The Field meets the…

Purdey factory gun

  • November 14, 2015

The Purdey factory has been renovated. At its premises in Felgate Mews, Hammersmith, it has been transformed into the ideal environment for everyone on the premises, from visitors to the…

AYA English game-gun

  • November 2, 2015

The AYA English game-gun is the product of a collaboration between Sportarm of Dorchester, ASI of Snape, and AYA the Spanish manufacturer. First impressions of this “English” game-gun are of…

Browning 725 20-bore. Lighter version.

  • August 24, 2015

On test this month is the Browning 725 20-bore over-and-under. We have looked at a 725 20-bore before, the excellent 32in-barrelled Hunter (July 2014 issue). This is a lighter, 30in…

Game Fair guns. All lined up.

  • July 23, 2015

The best Game Fair guns will be lining the paths of Gunmakers Row at the CLA Game Fair 2015.  Head up north to Harewood House in Yorkshire and join The…

Bill Blacker. Top 10 gunsmiths. Barrels

  • July 11, 2015

The top 10 gunsmiths list is a difficult one to restrict. But we gave the task to Mike Yardley and he has compiled a personal list of the most excellent.…

If your barrels are in need of attention, see Paul Stevens.

  • July 9, 2015

Paul Stevens is a barrel blacker and browner, keeping your barrels in tip top condition with traditional techniques. The art of the barrel blacker is probably one of the most…

One of the best general gunsmiths, John Wiseman has been in the trade since 1966.

  • July 8, 2015

John Wiseman is a general gunsmith, with some specialisations. So when your gun needs to be serviced before the season starts, or calls for a tweak mid season Wiseman can…

Do you take your rifle stalking? When you need it fixed or fine tuned Robert Taylor, riflesmith, is the man to see.

  • July 7, 2015

Robert Taylor is a riflesmith and rifle-maker. So if you want to brush up your kit for big-game and make sure you don’t encounter any man-eaters without a working rifle,…