Buying Your First Gun
rooted in the heritage of our culture, is a day’s shooting in the
countryside. Long walks between drives, as the dogs’ echoing
bark and scent of gunpowder drifts through the crisp cold air,
an occasional bang of a shotgun sends the heart aflutter. By engaging with this clientele, business flourished. In
addition to elite military personnel, William Evans then
attracted the private member’s clubs such as White’s,
Brooks and Boodles, who frequented the neighbourhood.
Progress and brand evolution due to alterior influences and a
discerning customer would secure the success of this brand,
and determine how the gun trade would change over the next
100 years.
Entering this world can be exciting but daunting. Navigating
the options is a tireless task, each country clothing shop and
gunroom a regular Aladdin’s Cave. Spoiled by choice of tweed,
loden and moleskin, not to mention whether a 12 bore or
20 bore is the right fit, where does one start answering the
inevitable question of the right kit for this intoxicating sport? The range has continued to expand, now including shooting
accessories and clothing, plus gun storage and servicing. “We
pride ourselves on having the knowledge and variety to cater
for every client and numerous shooting disciplines, and a
personal passion of mine is advising new shooters on finding
the right new piece of kit,” explains Philips.
The Gentleman Magazine sits down with Alastair Philips,
General Manager of William Evans in London, one of the
leading emporiums for country clothing and shooting
supplies. “I would recommend William Evans as a resource
for most outdoor pursuits requirements across clothing,
accessories and guns,” Philips explains. “We are a full
service outfitter in the heart of London, and thus a brilliant
destination for the novice getting into the sport…not
to mention our namesake found success in reaching an
untapped market, so nurturing new interest is effectively in
our DNA.” Alastair Philips bought his first air rifle (a gun that propels
projectiles using pressurized air and involves no chemical
reaction) at age 8 for £64, after washing nearly every car in
the neighbourhood. Born into a family that was enthusiastic
about shooting, Philips launched a career in the gun trade,
working as a valuer in antique firearms before joining the
team at William Evans and hasn’t looked back. “When I was
offered the job of working as a junior in the gunroom thirteen
years ago, I said yes without even knowing the salary! I was
very lucky that my uncle lent me a 20bore William Evans
as my first shotgun. So I have always had a soft spot for the
brand.”
One of the greatest British traditions, one that is deeply
Located in St. James, a neighbourhood renowned for
heritage and craft, William Evans first opened its doors
on Buckingham Palace Road. The brand’s namesake had
learnt his craft in the workshops of famed gunsmiths James
Purdey and Sons and Holland and Holland, and with the
inherent forsight of new business opportunities, Evans had
the confidence to go out on his own. Although armed with
adequate training from Purdey and Holland and Holland,
Evans set himself apart in recognising a largely untapped
market. Over the first thirteen years in business, William
Evans grew to national recognition having built an enviable
client list, which featured ranking officers in the Guard’s
Regiments who ordered sporting shotguns and rifles before
being posted throughout the Empire.
58 | The Gentleman Magazine
Philips explains one of the perks of this job, advising new
customers on buying their first gun. “There is a great level of
satisfaction when you help someone with a sport or pursuit
that they really enjoy. It is a luxury, to be away from the
office and in the field. So when it comes to advising, you are
hopefully adding value to something that they will become
thoroughly passionate about.”
Phillips takes us through the various elements to consider
when buying a first gun.
“The first step is if a client has been shooting with a borrowed
gun, find out what they have been using to date and how do
they feel about it.