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Securing the Future of English Gunmaking. The Gunmakers Company Charitable Trust.

Today I attended a lunch, held at the London Proof House by The Worshipful Company of Gunmakers and hosted by The Lord Sharman . It was my first ever visit to the London Proof House, I don't think they normally recieve Birmingham makers! The purpose of the lunch was to raise awareness of the Gunmakers Charitable Trusts need to raise a further £350,000 in order to finance ongoing bursaries to support young gunmaker apprentices coming into this trade. It is a scheme devised to help all levels of skilled craftsmen take on an apprentice and teach them their skills. Support is offered to the one man band and to the larger makers.

I think this is an honourable cause and one worth supporting, the gun trade as a whole certainly needs many more craftsmen than can be possibly generated solely by the larger makers. Training an apprentice is an expensive business and there are very few places left in the world where these skills are still held and can be passed over. Generally the trade is an ageing business and these skills will otherwise be lost. Who will service your gun then!

We took a positive approach on the hiring of apprentices in 2007 when we were moving to our new premises, for sure it has paid dividends and as a business it is essential that we keep developing these skills. However, only about 50% of the intake of apprentices survive the duration, either they give up, we give them up, or they move on to another maker or another type of job.

I know many of the readers are very passionate about the English guns and so with that in mind I ask that you read about the charity and if you feel like helping it would be gratefully received I am sure.

This pledge form can be pulled off the blog on to your desktop! If you should wish to help I would be very pleased to help and answer any questions you may have.

Thank You!

Simon

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Comments

3 comments

SC

Simon Clodeon November 04, 2025

Simon Clode on April 11, 2015 at 2:57 pm

It is nice to see that some people completely miss the point of all this! What do you feel is the relevance of that comment on this post?
JB

jim barnharton November 04, 2025

jim barnhart on April 11, 2015 at 12:54 pm

david miller and co.are still the worlds best rifle maker period.
DE

D'Arcy Echolson November 04, 2025

D’Arcy Echols on April 10, 2015 at 1:27 pm

Simon
I have wished for the same opportunities for the US Gun Making trade for many, many years. Today it is almost impossible for anyone despite their youth, budding talent and initiative to gut it out long enough to acquire the training necessary to succeed in this trade. The initial investment for the individual apprentice as well as the potential employer are significant to say the least. As with many endeavors requiring such specific talent sets, few trainees will have the skill levels and aptitude to carry on in this field. It is truly not for everyone.

I applaud those that pick up the mantel or continue their financial support for this trade in the UK.

D’Arcy Echols