Purdey

James Purdey & Sons operates from Audley House in Mayfair, London, as a maker of bespoke firearms built on principles established since the 1880s. Every gun is hand-finished by dedicated craftspeople following traditional English gunmaking methods. The company maintains an apprenticeship program to preserve these techniques for future generations.

Purdey manufactures several signature firearm lines:

• •Sidelock Side-by-Side - Built on the famous Beesley self-opening action patented in 1880. The design has remained largely unchanged since the 1880s, chosen by European royalty and serious game hunters.
• •Sidelock Over-and-Under - Developed from the 1913 Woodward design, refined by Purdey craftsmen Ernest and Harry Lawrence in 1948. Known for lightweight construction and exceptional robustness.
• •Damascus Guns - Historical models featuring Damascus steel barrels.
• •Sidelock Hammer Ejector - Traditional hammer-equipped shotguns with ejector mechanisms.
• •Purdey Sporter - Designed for versatile field use.
• •Bolt Action Rifles - Including their new in-house bolt-rifle action, introduced for the first time in Purdey history.
• •Sidelock Double Rifle - Purpose-built for dangerous game.

Located an hour from central London, the shooting school offers clay shooting instruction and game-day simulation. Services include:

• •Professional shooting tuition
• •Simulated game days
• •Corporate event packages
• •Charity event hosting
• •CPSA competitive shoots
• •Calibre Club membership

Purdey arranges hunting expeditions and shooting holidays across multiple continents:

• •Shooting in the UK
• •Shooting in Africa
• •Shooting in Spain
• •Shooting in Argentina
• •2025-2026 availability booking

Beyond firearms, Purdey manufactures a complete range of field sporting wear:

• •Performance Collection - Technical outerwear including lightweight packable jackets and storm-proof garments designed for shooting season.

• •Traditional Field Wear - Tweeds and country clothing for men and women, available in seasonal collections (Autumn/Winter 2025, Spring/Summer 2025).

• •Styling Services - In-person or online personal styling sessions at Audley House for town-ready knits, shirting, tailoring, and field outfits.

• •Gift Selection - Purdey-branded gifts including crystal tableware, game-themed cufflinks, and sporting accessories.

"By the late nineteenth century, every crowned head of Europe had become a customer of James Purdey & Sons."

The gunmaking process is available to watch through their Gun Configurator tool and workshop tours. Purdey maintains an active apprenticeship program, accepting applications from those interested in learning traditional gunmaking.

Customers can book appointments with the sales team at Audley House for:

• •In-person consultations with gun room specialists
• •International client video appointments
• •Field sport styling sessions
• •Menswear and womenswear styling
• •Gift selection assistance

All appointments are scheduled by request through their booking system.