The Gentleman Magazine Issue 2 | April/May 2017 | Page 58

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.