Pictured above: Progress update December 2022.

Announced in the last bulletin, a unique rifle has been commissioned by the GCCT and is to be built by five gunmaking craftsmen. Each of the craftsmen are past winners of the McMillan Trophy, an award given by the Certification Panel of the Worshipful Company of Gunmakers only for gunmaking excellence.

The Latest update is that the  .416 caliber rifle has now had a traditional Rigby Barrel profile built to the action and has passed proof. The rifle is now being prepared for stocking by Vincent Lafont in a traditional Rigby shape and style. The stocking will take approximately 2-3 months. The Trust thank Rigby for their contribution and support, and in addition Purdey as Vincent currently works for them and will be stocking the rifle at Purdey’s.

The next stage post stocking will be polishing up followed by engraving. Concurrently the wood will have the grain sealed and first cut of chequering goes in. During this process the bulk of the oil finish is worked up, which is followed by the final cut chequering after being cleaned out.

The finished rifle will be offered for sale from next year with all the profits being donated to the GCCT and the rifle will be an exceptional and totally unique rifle, one for serious collectors.

Count Andrew McMillan, Baron Cleghorn was quite specific and particular in the awarding of the trophy that bears his name, making clear that the trophy was only to be awarded for excellence within the craftsmanship and art of gunmaking.

The people listed below have demonstrated this high level of skill required and are all McMillan Trophy winners. The Rifle build will be coordinated by GCCT Trustees and Rigby, one of the most prestigious rifle gunmaking firms.

The craftspeople listed below are all contributing to the rifle build;

  • Ian Sweetman  –  Metal Parts and Finishing
  • Vincent Lafont   –  Stocker
  • Mark Renmant  –  Chequering
  • Saija Maija Koskialho  –  Engraving
  • Jamie Holland  –  Regulating and Gun Scheduling

The rifle will come with a high-quality leather case and a book about the McMillan Trophy and the gunmakers that contributed to the building, along with pictures of the various stages of the gun build.

If you are interested in purchasing this rifle or registering an interest, then please contact the Clerk in the first instance.

Pictured above: The current state of the rifle build as of November 2022.