A recommended 'gunshop'

[Cumbrian]

I have often seen individual gunshops recommended on PW, so I hope that it is in order to recommend someone that sells rather special guns, even though he does not operate exactly from a shop (hence the inverted commas in the title). I expect some PW members already know of John Jeffries and his guns, but for others he may be flying below radar level and I think he is worth knowing about. He offers innovatory ribs that are designed to give a better sight picture. That was certainly my experience as a mediocre shot with eye dominance problems. John was endlessly patient with me and it took several visits to his beautifully situated shooting ground at Alfriston in East Sussex to find the right rib design and to get the gun fitted. Also, I never felt under any pressure to purchase. He specialises in long barrels, right up to 34 inches, but I prefer 30 inches myself. My gun certainly improved my clay pigeon shooting, though, as John says, it is up to the individual to make the most of his designs. They won't suit everyone by any means, but his ideas deserve careful consideration in my opinion.

These specialised ribs usually come on quite expensive, up-market Italian guns, it must be admitted, but he offers second-hand examples, which, as I found, makes for a more realistic purchase. He also usually has some perfectly good, ordinary guns for sale that have been traded in.

Finally, there is a good pub in Alfriston if you feel like a pint and a sandwich after shooting! 

 

 

[Scully]

Another one ( while you can cos he’s calling it a day ) is Lakeland Guns in Workington. It will be a crying shame if no one else takes it on, as good gunshops ( or even gunshops!) are scarce in Cumbria. 

[Cumbrian]

Thank you. I agree. I'm interested to hear of this, though sorry to learn of his retirement. Unfortunately, I don't get to go North so often these days.

Though ostensibly a Southerner, I have very strong and enduring family connections with the east of Ullswater, what used to be Westmoreland, which it rightfully should still be called (if it had not been for the Heath government - does anyone remember that, or at least with any affection?)

Roger

[Scully]

I do, am born and bred Westmorland. 🙂👍

[Cumbrian]

Good for you! I am not so lucky, but for my first twenty  years and more (I am now alas well on the wrong side of 70) I did at least spend nearly all my holidays in Martindale, where my great- grandfather had been the Vicar ( he died prematurely in the 1880s and left the family in considerable poverty), and it was there that my grandmother  subsequently first rented a farmhouse about 1908, with her very first earnings as a teacher. She and my grandfather later bought this house. My sister lives there now. An enormous amount has changed in the valley(s), even in the last 20 or 30 years, and hardly any of it for the better.

[Mr.C]

I live less than 4 miles from Alfriston and never heard of him. Thanks for the info

[Cumbrian]

1 hour ago, Mr.C said:

I live less than 4 miles from Alfriston and never heard of him. Thanks for the info

I'm not entirely surprised. He does have a good website, incl. photos of guns, but he doesn't advertise and relies on personal recommendation, so far as I can make out. He is gentlemanly, old school in his approach. I should have added that he reckons his guns are also well suited to high pheasant shooting, not that I know much about that since my game shooting experience is very limited.

[ClemFandango]

8 hours ago, Scully said:

Another one ( while you can cos he’s calling it a day ) is Lakeland Guns in Workington. It will be a crying shame if no one else takes it on, as good gunshops ( or even gunshops!) are scarce in Cumbria. 

I went to a gunshop in Grange over Sands once near Kendal when I was visiting a friend of mine. Can't remember the name of the shop but he had all sorts and the guy who ran the place was very helpful