What Our Customers Say

I was incredibly lucky to buy a 'pre-loved' model 3001.  The stock was a bespoke for someone with smaller hands than mine, so I contacted Longthorne to replace it.  What a fantastic experience!  I dealt directly with James Stewart, who gave me a guided tour of his workshop and then through every stage from gunfit to the beautifully finished article; nothing was too much trouble.   Thanks James!  I can't speak highly enough of Longthorne's service and their great products.

Client DY UK 12.8.23

I purchased a Valkyrie 20 bore game gun with light-weight steel barrels at the Griffin & Howe 100th year anniversary showcase in Andover, New Jersey. I could not be happier with it. I appreciate and enjoy it more and more as I shoot it and carry it around. It does everything well, and is a joy to hold and admire as much as shoot. An aesthetic and engineering masterpiece.

Client GS USA 27.7.23

I have had my custom Longthorne since late January of 2023, a little less than six months at the time of this review.  I take lessons for American skeet and occasionally shoot Five stand.  My Longthorne performs wonderfully on the skeet range and on targets over 70 yards out.

I have both 12 and 20 gauge barrel sets but have only used the 12g barrel so far.  I have shot around 1700 shells of target rounds with loads ranging from 7/8 oz to 1 & 1/8 oz and shot sizes including: 7.5, 8 and 9.  Do I have a load that is the most comfortable and easiest to shoot?  NO!!! The engineering and manufacturing process for this gun are so incredible, that all the above mentioned shot size and load configurations feel the same. 

Every time I fire this gun it feels light and smooth.  There is very little kick and zero muzzle flip.  My body NEVER tenses in anticipation of a shot.  I understand how and why a wood butt is an option for the stock finish.  Upon reading these claims, one might think that such a gun must have heavy barrels.  I can say with confidence, that my custom Longthorne is lighter than most other over & under shotguns with 32 inch barrels.  I have picked up and mounted many guns including very expensive, custom German and Italian guns.  Each time I hold or shoot another gun, I walk away smiling to myself with the conviction that my custom Longthorne is the best shotgun I could buy for myself.  

A genetic phenotype is an outward expression or trait of an organism.  Examples are height, hair and eye color, length of limbs etc.  A custom Longthorne is as close as you can get to a shooting phenotype.  From the moment I first picked up and mounted my gun, I knew that it was skillfully crafted to be an extension of me.  The balance, cheek weld, length of pull and sight over the barrel are perfect and natural.  The palm swell and forend fit so well that the stippling doesn’t even rub my hands, it is very comfortable.  I don’t need or want an adjustable stock.  I prefer to see the classic, elegant lines of my Monte Carlo stock.  The oil rubbed walnut makes its own statement.  The stock is milled from lovely blanks that have incredible color and grain patterns.  In this respect, each Longthorne is a one-off.  No two Longthornes look exactly alike.  Somehow, James picked out a blank set that expresses my personality and taste perfectly.

The barrel sets on a Longthorne are what put these guns into their own class.  If you are reading this testimonial on the Longthorne website, you already know that Longthorne barrel sets are machined as a unit from a single bar of proprietary stock.  At first glance, some may think that the Longthorne method of manufacturing barrels is novel but not of great significance.  After all, great double barrel guns are made using demi-block and monoblock construction techniques.

THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A LONGTHORNE BARREL AND ALL OTHER BARRELS ARE PROFOUND!!!

Because Longthorne barrels are machined from one continuous piece of steel, the crystalline structure is oriented the same way throughout the entire barrel set.  That provides the greatest strength with the least amount of mass.  For shooting purposes, that translates into much less barrel flex, better temperature stability and cooling efficiency.  The energy absorbed through the barrel and chamber during a firing sequence, is dissipated through the entire structure, not just a single barrel tube.  That is why the gun shoots so comfortably, even with heavier and/or hotter shells.   James Stewart didn’t just develop a novel way to manufacture barrel sets, he started a revolution.  I’m proud to be participating in it.

There is more to be said about James Stewart’s brilliant engineering.  I noticed two things while cleaning my gun and they both deal with balance.  The first is that the balance point for the rear stock/receiver piece is on the radius of the palm swell.  It is positioned so that my right hand directly supports the rear weight of the gun.  The barrel set is the second component that has a perfectly located balance point.  It is positioned about 2 ½”-3” ahead of the chamber blocks.  When I shoot, my left hand is directly below that point as I support the gun.  That means that both my hands naturally cradle the gun’s two, significant centers of mass or balance points.  The superb weight and balance characteristics of my Longthorne help to make the swing of the gun easy and precise.  My gun handles in a very stable way, even though it is lighter than most other double barrel guns with the same barrel length.  These are the reasons why I say that my Longthorne is not just a custom gun, it’s my shooting phenotype.

Getting such a wonderful gun is a process worthy of the time and patience that is required.  Due to the fact that I live in Southern California, my Longthorne experience began by making a fitting appointment at Pacific Sporting Arms West.   PSA West is the Western U.S. distributer for Longthorne.  I was fitted by Jordan, the store’s manager.  Jordan is not just a great and friendly person, like the rest of the PSA staff, he is also incredibly good and experienced with custom gun fittings.  The fitting session will take some time.  That is why appointments are necessary.  Don’t forget to bring your shooting glasses, especially if you use corrective lenses.  If you are new to the shotgun sports and you live in Southern California, you NEED to visit Pacific Sporting Arms.  Everyone there is fantastic.

Once the measurements and down payment are sent to Longthorne, it doesn’t take very long for them to start your project.  It does take six months to a year to bring it to perfection though.  It took a little over a year for my gun because I decided in midstream that I also wanted a 20g barrel set.  During that year, I had some wonderful, long distance conversations with James and his wife Elaine.  We also exchanged some nice emails.  By the time I got my gun, I felt like a part of the Longthorne family.  If you want a custom gun that’s worth every penny, get a Longthorne.  I have a Benelli semi-auto and one day I may purchase another off-the-shelf double barrel.  If I ever get another custom gun, it will only be a    Longthorne.

I want to give my deep thanks and gratitude to James and Elaine Stewart.  I also want to recognize everyone at the Longthorne factory, the great people at Pacific Sporting Arms and the fantastic talent at  TGS Outdoors.  Johnny, the videos that you and your colleagues produced are how I first learned of Longthorne.   

Client GH USA 21.6.23

Just a quick note to let you know the new gun is performing far better than I could have possibly hoped for! I’ve had many admirers asking for a look. I had a couple of sim days, and have now done two driven, yesterday I managed 22 birds for 27 shots!  My purchase can now be justified in a saving on cartridges! I’d like to thank you all at Longthorne for such a privilege to own my 'Vivo'.

Client AT 1.11.2022

An absolute age since you produced my fabulous shotgun – 8 years to be precise – and it still delights whenever I manage to get out and about. I just wanted to congratulate you all on the remarkable developments you have made over that time and what an amazing contribution you are making to the resurgence of British gun making. And now titanium barrels – remarkable. I hope your most deserved success continues

Client PH 19.2.2022

As your probably aware I picked up my new gun from Mickley Hall on Friday,  the whole gun, engraving, wood finish , barrels, is fantastic, and it shoots really well to.   A very satisfied customer.    Best regards,

Client GJ

'I' has shot very well with it since it got repaired, and can consistently shoot a better score compared with any other gun. 'I' gave me an opportunity to shoot all day with it yesterday, and I have to say this was an amazing experience. Your guns are really in a whole different league than anything else out there! As a 20 bore enthousiast, I really loved the way it feels like a 20 bore even though it actually is a 12 bore. And when you hit a clay, there is nothing left of it. On top of that, I have shot around 300 cartridges in total. So normally I would feel this, but not with a Longthorne. It felt like I could have easily doubled that without any fatigue.

Friend of customer in Belgium May 2021

Its over 5 years now since I ordered and received my Longthorne Celtic. I had watched the firm of Longthorne for two years beforehand, fully understanding the modern engineering techniques employed and decided to treat myself to one for my impending retirement.

I had shot game with a side x side all my life and had a "B" make O/U for clays to avoid putting too much on my delightful Alex Henry sidelocks which I had at the time. I found my vision changing and I was shooting more consistently with the O/U.

The Longthorne was a delight in every way and my shooting companions commented how my shooting had improved in accuracy. Jims gun fitting is excellent. I have had various tutors and gunfitters advise me in the 65 years I have been shooting but none have brought the noticable difference to my shooting that Longthorne has. I found I was able to locate more "high" birds than ever. Recoil had been a problem before Longthorne with busy days and especially 34+gms cartridges which in the Longthorne were fired without noticing recoil. The gun is a delight to shoot and others comment how light it is for a 12b O/U. 

I took delivery of a 28 bore Celtic this last season for partridge shooting. It handles really well and ideal for those quick partridges in the autumn. I could have put very light loads through the 12 bore but just fancied a little 28. Wonderful guns and an absolute delight to shoot to the envy of many others.

Client MH, Buckinghamshire, England 25.3.2021

A very exciting evening as my beautiful gun finally arrived this afternoon!  I havent been able to s pend a lot of quality time with it (yet) but it is truly a beautiful work of art, and i absolutely love it. 

Client KS, New Zealand 19.1.2021 

We received this lovely note from one of our customers today and thought we would like to share it with you........

November this year I’ve had my Longthorne gun now for 6 years, and I still gets favourable comments from other shooters at the various grounds around the South of England that I visit.  

It’s still performing faultlessly, with over 30,000 cartridges used through it to date, with no problems whatsoever.
 
My 13 year old  grandson started shooting sporting clays with me in February this year trying out my collection of guns, then restarting after lockdown trying out the Longthorne. 

Well as you can guess, as my Longthorne is only just over 6 Lb in weight and with minimal recoil, he loved it and asked if he could use it every time we go out shooting.     The gun suits him very well and he’s been regularly using it, with him putting 200 + mixture of Steel & Lead shot 28-7.5 cartridges through it every weekend.

My Grandson is now getting around 70% kills in Sporting, also when using it last Sunday morning he shot a 22/25 on a round of Sport-Trap.   If he carries on improve at this fast rate in the sport, it looks like I’ve lost the gun.

Client MF, Kent, England 27.10.2020

I had a great weekend shooting my gun, what a fantastic job Jim has made of it, the fit is just right, I am amazed at that, once again thank you so much.

Client MS, Derbyshire, England 11.8.2020

I tried the gun out at the weekend on about 100 clays and was very impressed with the handling - very smooth, no noticeable barrel flip at all and hardly and any recoil - so exactly as you said. I really enjoyed the handling of the gun and am going to get a lot of pleasure from it I can immediately see that.

Client MP, Stirling, Scotland 10.8.2020

Well worth the wait, I received the first 28 bore hot of the press.  It’s fantastic. I can’t stop looking at the gun. A big thank you to all at Longthorne in producing such a beautiful gun. 

Client AR, Lancashire, England 11.10.19

I write to express my thanks for the delivery of my 16 bore shotgun. I am delighted with the quality and the service and am sure will enjoy using the gun,  it is every thing and more ,but is a mark of your ability to produce such a fine piece of engineering becoming of the long history of fine English gunmakers.

Client TS, York, England 13.9.19

The guns have arrived in perfect condition. They were very safely packed. Very impatient to try them both. They are just magnificent.

Client PA Paris, France 10.9.19

It was a brilliant day in every way, topped off by those superb Longthorne guns.  Quite the nicest handling gun I've ever shot! 

Comment made by lady shooter who attended the shoot at Shuckburgh Hall 28.6.19

Just got back from clay shooting , gun was amazing and my shooting improved. 

New 'Longthorne' owner after first shoot TJ 21.5.19

A huge thank you for your and the whole Longthorne team's hospitality which made our visit today so enjoyable.   We were both really impressed by the engineering technology, outstanding quality and obvious passion the whole team have, that result in truly stunning shotguns.   To see first-hand the intricate processes involved was a real eye-opener.  The pinacle of British gunsmithing and craftsmanship.   Again, thank you all for a fabulous tour.

Open House Visitor SG 15.2.19 

It has long been said you should never meet your heroes, nor should you ever have a short bucket list.

Unfortunately I did and I also ticked a box off my list, because of one sunny sunday in Lincolnshire I got my hands on a Celtic Longthorne.

Over the years English shotgun makers have stood out and been regarded as one of the best. Needless to say Longthorne have certainly proved to be one of them. I first met Alex at the first Northern Shooting Show in 2015, and now and again since. That was until one day on a shoot I was filming, Alex showed up with a Longthorne, which just happened to be a Celtic!

The Reveal.I received a message saying ”Get your backside down here now!” Now I don't have to tell me twice.

Pulling into the car park at the local club and picking up a quick cup of tea in the club house. In a side room I saw laying in front of me was the unmistakable brown leather gun slip with the embossed logo of Longthorne. Undoing the strap and buckle eagerly awaiting what was to come out, in the sun soaked side room.

The Woodwork.

The first thing to greet me was the stock, no rubber pad thank goodness! You just don't place a rubber pad on a shotgun of this calibre, it would detract massively from the craftmanship put into this shotgun.

(However I must point out the wood is not what you’d find normally on a longthorne.)

Any Longthorne custom stock you buy will be of a grade of 5-6 or a exhibition quality.(Which you can't have on what I hate to say is technically a demo gun.)

Being a custom gun, the stock work and attention to detail is clearly there to see. The wood wasn't cheap by any means, as you can see in the pictures.

There wasn't much cast if any to the stock, which for me I like. The chequering is grippy and wraps from the palm till meeting in the middle at the top.

As you would find on a high-end English, maker the tear drop is found at the back of the sideplate carrying on those nods to the old guns. But don't over look the subtle carving hints like you can see by the trigger.

Moving to the front, the forend has a styling between a schnabel forend and a beaver tail. For many this may seem odd but in fact felt really comfy and personally has that cross over, between game and clay bashing.The release pin being set at the front of the forend, finishes off the high-end feel while suitable grooving finishes it nicely. It runs the length of the forend and by applying a reassuring pressure, you release the forend. 

Knowing you can be reassured the littlest knock, or catching on the gun slip won't mean you loose your forend. When wood meets metal, the line up as always was spot on.

The Metal Work.

The action and side plates are adorned with a celtic styled engraving, which elegantly hides some of the pins. The screws aren't left out either, being engraved in a fine floral design.The thin engraved background highlights the zoomorphic engraving, this comes across as black but, as you can see the sun makes it come alive. The area around the safety and top lever is engraved, just so you don't miss out on that lovely engraving.

The trigger is custom as expected, but it's the rounded shape that hugs the finger tip and lends itself to the overall feel. Being a crisp 3lbs this was a pleasure for me. My trigger finger felt like it was squeezing it and not snatching at it. As I don't have the largest of hands the trigger guard was spacious and lends itself to shooting with gloves.

The Barrels.

Now down to the nitty gritty. The barrels are a sight to behold not only because of the way they look, but how they are made.

As many guns today are made by CnC and the barrels can be drilled or made by hot and cold forging. The Longthornes barrels aren't and they are done by CnC machines.

This means the rigidity, strength and weight come together to produce a quality set of barrels. If you want proof click on their website, look at the picture of a Land Rover parked on a set of barrels. Then you can see why they shoot and pattern so well.

Looking down the barrels there was no bead, which is fine as you look for the bird and not the bead. It was a little off putting as I'm one for looking at the bead and the bird (That works for me.) Barrel length again is a customer choice, but these were 28 inches.

An elegant 4mm rib is aesthetically pleasing and compliments the thin centre rib. How the barrels were produced means there is no need for venting being strong and thin, and lightweight the heat is dispersed efficiently.

The chokes were fixed but again choice is down to the buyer for fixed or multi.

Even though Longthorne have only been producing shotguns since 2010. You can feel craftsmanship and see the passion and the influence of past English makers.

Personally I couldn't afford a shotgun like this and it was a privilege to shoot it. It's hard to review something that can be so personally modified, so this was based on this available shotgun.I have not doubt if you spent your hard earned pennies you would not be disappointed. It's a family company bringing a personal service, all from an English made product.

The Celtic starting from RRP is £20,000 and how far it goes is down to you.

My thanks goes to:Alex Black the Longthorne Sales Manager.
Paul Whitelam of The Northern Shooting Show for the introduction.

Review undertaken and published by Independent blogger  (Facebook)617 12.02.19

As I look through this month’s Field, I still can’t believe your prices compared to others. Example, what does an .....?.... at three times the price have that mine doesn’t? ..........?......... £31K off the peg.   Finally, accuracy. Never mind the bling. I am shooting birds I have never done in the past. My ratio has dropped by at least one on standard birds. 

Client SJ Carmarthenshire 07.12.18 England

Thank you, chuffed to bits with the gun. Looks amazing so thank you for all your work, really love it. Didn’t shoot it too badly either!

Client ST East Sussex 28.11.18 England

Lack of recoil is great, so accurate it's untrue!! 
Longthorne sponsored shooter and International Competition Shooter Brett Winstanley on receiving his 'Longthorne' practice gun 24.5.18

My Longthorne is now over 3 years old and still as good as the day I collected it, you make fantastic guns.
Client MF Kent, England 16.2.18

Many many thanks for your fantastic work making my gun.  Not shot much yet but it feels 'bloody fantastic'.  Very pointable and superfast, I have to slow myself down,! Thanks again I will certainly recommend you.
Client PG Lancashire, England 30.6.17

I was most impressed with the guns - apart from their good looks, the lack of recoil on such a light gun was quite remarkable.  Anyone trying them for the first time cannot fail to be impressed.  
Demonstration Day guest(Sporting Targets) MB 31.5.17

Not only was it my first experience of using a Longthorne, but it was also my first experience of using a 16 bore on a driven day.  To say that I  am in love with your gun, Jim, would be an understatement! Having heard so much about your guns, I can now understand why they are so highly regarded.  You must be so proud of what you have achieved and I wish you every sucdcess in the future, you truly deserve it.  I, for one will be singing your (and your guns') praises to anyone who will listen!
Powis Castle Guest MJ 21.01.17

The gun handles very well and recoil has been very low with everthing that i have tried - 28 gram Pro Fibre, 28 gram White Gold plastic, 32 gram fibre VIP game and 28 gram First Select fibre.
Client EW Worcestershire, England 1.11.16

How has Longthorne Gunmakers helped you?
Longthorne Gunmakers have been amazing with all of their help and support.  The gun that I shoot, which is the 'Hesketh' , has provided the consistency that I've had so far this year.  The way the gun fits me and the way it feels to shoot is unbelievable.  A lot of hard work has gone into the process from Longthorne Gunmakers to produce this beatiful gun for me.  The gun is very light, which allows it to flow when I shoot but I never get any recoil.
Jack Halsall '5 Minutes with Jack Halsall' Sporting Times (UK) 11.5.16 - Longthorne Gunmakers are proud to sponsor Jack Halsall

I took the gun on the boxing day shoot and everyone thought it a fantastic and stunning gun. To sum it up, we have people on our shoot who have some very nice guns and one of them (who owns that standard of gun) said "...., I have shot with and looked at many top class guns, this is the only one I have had in my hand where the first thought that entered my mind was, WOW".

You have a great product and a caring, open, honest and refreshing approach to your customers which I value greatly.
Client AS Greater Manchester, England 27.12.15

The gun is still looking and feeling great, as I improve it just becomes a greater joy to shoot, thank you for giving me such great pleasure in my shooting in 2015
Client PH Sussex, England 20.12.15

The Longthorne gun and self are finally united. I was away from Hawaii when it arrived so have just actually received and now shot the gun. In looks, handling and shooting, I am most pleased. Further my two shooting sons have already made not very subtle murmurs about who gets it next. I look forward to much shooting enjoyment, both targets and game birds and thank you Longthorne Gunmakers for providing so fine a shotgun, and thank you as well for the accompanying best quality slip case.
Client FB Hawaii, USA 19.12.15

The gun is fantastic and getting plenty of action.
Client MB Lancashire, England 09.12.15

The Hesketh has been used extensively at Simulated Days in East and West Sussex on one occasion firing 590 cartridges in the day It's superb balance , weight and ability to absorb recoil make it a joy to shoot The gun's performance has been faultless
Client MR Sussex, England 24.8.15

I used the Hesketh today, that is when I could get every body else's hands of it. It functioned perfectly, upping my score slightly above the norm, for me. So great potential for when I get really accustomed to it. I think the biggest difference was the ease & speed with which it moves, meaning that I had to be less aggressive with my swing on crossers. On driven & quartering clays it shot so much to where I was looking ( good fitting ) that I was hitting them yards earlier than usual.
Client GS Lincolnshire, England 10.5.15

Very many thanks to Jim and yourself for returning my gun, in time for the simulated day yesterday. We had a wonderful day, fantastic weather, beautiful wooded valleys and hundreds of shots each. The gun performed flawlessly and without any felt recoil, not even a mark on my shoulder, which I often get using my.........., when firing so many shots, especially on such a hot day when the cartridges can get a bit `lively`.!
Client SM Dorset, England 18.5.14

I was clay shooting just north of Preston on Sunday and couldn’t believe how much interest my gun was creating. Everyone was very impressed with both it’s technical points and finish. I’m really pleased with it,thanks.
Client ST Lancashire, England 28.4.14

This world is full of bludgers, blaggers, liars, cheats, halfwits, big talkers,idiots. evil doers ,bone idol spongers, and Pretenders, sadly I have come across my fair share of them, therefore you will know as I do that it is very rare indeed for anyone to fulfill their promise, do what they say they can do be honourable and stick to it through thick and thin no matter what, these people are very rare indeed in fact almost extinct. With that said when James said some years ago he was going to build his own gun there were many doubters,me included, although I had no doubt he had the grit, knowledge and energy to do it I felt it may have been too big a mountain to climb. Having seen the gun that you have all produced for GB I can honestly say it is absolutely fantastic and a true credit to the Stewart family, as good as anything you will see in fact probably as good if not better than you will see anywhere and a real shout for the independent entrepreneur of which I am all in favour of, against all the odds you have created a wonderful thing.I am extremely proud to say I know you Jim and Elaine, I hope your success grows and grows.
Friend of Client MS Lancashire, England 15.12.13

I have finally got around to using my new gun, and I have to say it is excellent! My wife and I went out to a clay ground last weekend and put about 100 28g cartridges through it – it was lovely. The balance is perfect and I feel, that unlike the (other gun) when I put the gun up , it is there ready and pointing in the right place – which always helps! I love the assisted opening too – makes firing singles and dropping the barrels to reload a joy! Very much admired by everyone too!

I went on a simulated day on Saturday and took the Hesketh as well as the ‘other gun’ – we were expecting to fire around 500 each (21g) so I took both in case there was an issue with recoil – but absolutely no problems there ( you may remember my ‘other gun’ has a ‘girlie’ hydraulic recoil pad, as opposed to walnut) but seriously, it was perfect. Here too the gun was much admired – along with some very envious looks.
Client AW Hampshire, England

The test gun was not only lively to use with inherent stability - it had low recoil - a fantastic combination only achievable with a skilful approach to action, barrels and balance.
Wes Stanton CEO Blaze Publishing

.....a Longthorne shoots without conscious effort allowing you to shoot instinctively
Vic Harker Shooting Journalist & Gun Reviewer

I would just like to say thank you very much for allowing our group to visit your factory, it was absolutely brilliant - I really did enjoy it. I found it extremely interesting and could follow all the things that you were doing on the machines, I used to work at Rolls Royce and it brought things back to me. The thing that I was surprised about was that there were no billets but that it was all from solid blocks. I could have spent hours watching you running the machine. Thank you also for letting us shoot your guns, I was surprised that there was no kick back at all they are very nicely balanced and the finish is superb.
GB- Member of The West Lancs Masonic Shooters

Our members fired at clays with a broad range of light and very heavy loads. The recoil was negligible even with the heaviest loads. A true testament to the high quality design and manufacture of these remarkable shotguns.
Keith Stoker, Registrar Institute of Clay Shooting Instructors

Yesterday I have been shooting a driven pheasant and partridge in the Borders of Scotland using a Hesketh gun. We were 5 guns and got a bag of over 250 birds, and the gun was just fantastic!!! It is incredible how it handles, the lack of recoil and that it never gets too hot.

You need one finger to open the gun!!! It opens completely and it closes effortlessly. It’s a wonderful gun!!!
Mr Rocchi who sampled one of our guns in Scotland