Bespoke Multi-Calibre Firearms | Manor & Co - UK's Ultimate Shooting System
Manor & Co Guns
I recently braved the Game & Wildlife Conservation Trust's 'Last Supper', hosted by Michel Roux, with a great friend, Becky. The food, predictably, was divine – a fact my expanding waistline will be reminding me of for weeks. The company was equally splendid, a collection of individuals who clearly know their way around grouse and canapés. We parted company at an hour that could charitably be described as 'lounge suits at dawn', a testament to the evening's… spirited conversation.
Among the fascinating people present was Georgina King, a wealth investment manager. She was, dare I say, alarmingly delightful. Fluent in at least five languages – a skill I suspect is primarily used to bamboozle international bankers and order obscure wines.
Also at my table were Debs and Gerry Coulter, both utterly charming. Now, Gerry is a bit of a polymath: 6th Dan Renshi karate, 3rd Dan Iai (swordsmanship), and 2nd Dan Okinawa Kobudo (karate weapons). He speaks multiple languages, including Japanese, and is an engineer, formerly with Rolls-Royce. I spent the rest of the evening wondering if a misplaced canapé would result in a swift, yet elegant, disarming. I’ve decided that if I ever need to settle a dispute regarding estate taxes, I’m bringing Debs and Gerry. Preferably with swords.
Gerry and Debs also own Manor & Co Guns. This brand, born from the delightful clash of engineering ingenuity and traditional gunmaking, stands as a testament to one man's determined vision. Gerry, an engineer of exceptional calibre, found himself thwarted by the entrenched conservatism of London's established gunmakers. He sought a versatile firearm, a combination shotgun and rifle with interchangeable barrels, a concept deemed too radical. Now, those same gunmakers are scrambling to emulate his foresight.
The brand offers a spectrum of bespoke firearms, from lightweight junior shotguns, meticulously engineered for minimal recoil, to exquisitely crafted matched pairs of side-by-side shotguns, adorned with the finest Turkish walnut, hand-engraved artistry, and shimmering gold inlay. These regal creations, offered at a price significantly lower than comparable single shotguns from other purveyors, exemplify Manor & Co's commitment to both quality and value.
Gerry Coulter, the Engineering Director, brings a wealth of experience gleaned from his work with Rolls-Royce's power generation and jet engines. His expertise in precision engineering, honed in the demanding realm of aerospace, forms the bedrock of Manor & Co's pursuit of excellence. He applies his considerable talents to revitalising obsolete engines, reducing carbon footprints while maintaining the highest engineering standards.
His passion for game shooting, from boar hunting to deer stalking, drove him to create a singular, adaptable firearm. He envisioned a complete shooting system, a bespoke double rifle, shotgun, or rifle-shotgun combination, all housed within a single transport case. He also sought to breathe new life into Mauser 98 actions, transforming them into elegant bolt-action rifles.
Manor & Co's philosophy blends high-quality engineering with the artisan craftsmanship of goldsmiths and engravers, resulting in traditional London-style side-lock ejector shotguns of exceptional quality. The brand sources components from renowned gunmakers and utilises materials from the aviation sector, striving for optimal performance and sustainability. While respecting the enduring wisdom of traditional craftsmanship, Manor & Co embraces innovation, exploring new materials and fair pricing practices.
The brand utilises Lothar Walther barrels for its rifles and collaborates with contemporary artisans for its shotguns, ensuring that its products rival the finest bespoke firearms available.
Manor & Co's Product Range:
- Combination Rifle Shotguns: These versatile firearms, built on an over-under platform, offer interchangeable double rifle, shotgun, or rifle-shotgun combination barrels. Side-by-side barrel configurations are also available, allowing for a wide range of calibres and applications.
- .3006 Combination Side-by-Side Rifle Shotgun: This traditional side-by-side firearm features interchangeable rifle and shotgun barrels. The .3006 example is adorned with hand-engraved game scenes, signed by the engraver, and embellished with 24-carat gold inlay and London-style fine scroll engraving. The action release lever is sculpted into a wild boar's head.
- Lightweight Ladies Shotguns: These exceptionally light shotguns, weighing approximately two kilos, are constructed from aviation-grade alloy. Designed for comfort and ease of handling, they offer minimal recoil, even with magnum game loads. Available in aviation-grade black or silver/grey finishes, they can be customised to bespoke measurements and engraving.
Manor & Co will exhibit a selection of its firearms, including concept guns, at the World Gunmakers Evening at the Savoy Hotel on May 29th.
