The Game Fair has long been a showcase of the very best in worldwide gunmaking, a traditional and highly skilled art that takes many years to perfect. While some of the biggest names from across the global gun trade will be present at The Game Fair, over at Gunmakers’ Court, visitors can actually meet members of the British gun trade and watch them at work. The area is set up to replicate a workshop covering actioning, barrel making and stock making, as well as a place to learn about the history of gunmaking, opening it up to those with an interest in everything from muzzleloaders to over-and-unders.
In 2024, we were joined by organiser Bill Blacker of Bill Blacker & Sons, London Barrel Maker. Bill began his apprenticeship at Holland & Holland, where he was trained in the craft of making and repairing shotgun and rifle barrels. After a three-year stint at James Purdey & Sons, Bill established his own business, creating and repairing barrels for some of the world’s most prestigious gun companies. He specialises in making barrels for double rifles, triple-barrelled guns and double four-bores, as well as in producing replacement barrels and restoring antique barrels.
