Heritage meets innovation

In a world exclusive, The Field is introduced to the Holland & Holland Noble, the new London-made shotgun from this most eminent gunmaker

WHETHER it was the hammergun or breechloader, the round action or sidelock, innovation has always been at the heart of the gun trade. And when London best heritage and modern technology meet, it marks an exciting moment in the gunmaking world.

Holland & Holland (H&H) is no exception; throughout its 188 years of trading it has been one of London's most inventive gunmakers, with more than 50 patents still in use. These include the first 'belted rimless' cartridge case, a design still used by ammunition manufacturers to this day; the iconic .375 H&H magnum rifle cartridge, cemented as the industry standard for large game hunting; and finally the muchimitated self-opening side-by-side shotgun.

It is more than two years since H&H was acquired by Beretta Holdings, a moment at which many in the shooting world held their breath and wondered in what direction the new guardians would take this venerable name. "The Beretta Group has fully supported H&H with a light touch. This allows the team to continue its focus on making best-quality guns utilising the skilled, artisan craftsmen and women in our London-based factory," says Nigel Stuart, chief operating officer at H&H, underlining that the input from Beretta Holdings has been instrumental but not intrusive, with H&H maintaining an independent gunmaking operation. "Focus has been restored toward making H&H an iconic brand within the fieldsports world," he adds.

NOBLE INTENTIONS