Reid joins LD McCaa, Manager of Westley Richards Agency, U.S.A. in a conversation about fine guns, British doubles, and the remarkable innovations that have made Westley Richards one of history’s most beloved gunmakers. Having spent a lifetime in the fine firearms business, LD speaks to the finer points of Westley guns and rifles, and the history of the company’s storied success. Reid and LD discuss iconic designs like the droplock and the gold name, and they even dig into the longstanding misperceptions about quality difference between London and Birmingham gunmakers. LD is a font of knowledge and experience, and a great guy to spend an hour with. Enjoy!

Reid goes transatlantic to spend some time with Vincent Chapuis and Pierre Laurent Faure of Chapuis-Armes. Known to many Americans for their robust yet graceful double rifles, Chapuis has a long tradition in the manufacture for fine double shotguns. Orvis began a partnership with Chapuis several years ago to build a proprietary SXS shotgun offering, and the resulting shotguns are truly unique. Vincent Chapuis discusses his family’s 100 year history in gunmaking, and he is joined by Pierre Laurent Faure, who heads up international sales. A great chance to get to know the Chapuis brand a bit better.

In this episode Reid spends some time with Field & Stream Shotguns Editor Phil Bourjaily. In a career that spans several decades, Bourjaily is one of the most revered contemporary experts on guns and shooting, and his body of work writing on the subject is remarkable. As he will attest, though, he is foremost a hunter. Phil and Reid discuss writing, print media, hunting in Phil’s home state of Iowa, and a somewhat serendipitous entry into the world of gun writing.