Longthorne Gunmakers: Factory Tour and Gun Test

Published on February 1, 2020
Duration: 44:33

This guide details the advanced manufacturing process at Longthorne Gunmakers, focusing on their signature monolithic barrels machined from a single steel billet and their robust sidelock actions. The process emphasizes precision engineering using CNC, spark erosion, and wire-cutting technologies to achieve exceptional strength and consistency. The owners, Jim, Elaine, and Alex Longthorne, share their expertise in creating 100% English-made shotguns.

Quick Summary

Longthorne Gunmakers crafts unique monolithic shotgun barrels machined from a single steel billet, eliminating soldering for superior strength and straightness. Their actions utilize spark erosion for precision, and barrels have demonstrated extreme durability under stress, allowing for agile handling comparable to lighter gauges.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Longthorne Gunmakers
  2. 00:29Monolithic Barrel Manufacturing
  3. 02:05Engineering Philosophy
  4. 05:13Action and Sidelock Construction
  5. 08:27Barrel Strength Demonstration
  6. 11:15Small Parts and In-House Production
  7. 18:09Gun Fitting and Wood Selection
  8. 24:40Range Testing: 12-Bore Renaissance
  9. 27:45Range Testing: 16-Bore Hesketh Deluxe

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Longthorne Gunmakers' barrels unique?

Longthorne barrels are unique because they are manufactured using a monolithic design, machined from a single solid billet of high-grade steel. This process eliminates soldering and welding, resulting in exceptionally straight, strong, and consistent barrels.

How are Longthorne actions and sidelocks constructed?

Longthorne actions are machined from solid British steel bars. Their sidelocks feature integrated bridles, forming a single robust piece, and the factory utilizes spark erosion for precise internal component manufacturing.

Can Longthorne shotgun barrels withstand significant force?

Yes, Longthorne demonstrates the extreme durability of their monolithic barrels by having two men stand and bounce on them, and by striking them against steel blocks without causing dents or structural failure, highlighting their superior strength.

What is the advantage of Longthorne's monolithic barrel design in terms of handling?

The monolithic barrel design allows for significant weight savings compared to traditional barrels. This results in shotguns that handle with exceptional agility, with the 12-bore Renaissance model noted for handling like a 20-bore.

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