A look back at the history of AW Rule

The Beginning

In 1957, Antony William Rule joined the London gun maker James Purdey and Son. While working under master Harold Delay, Anthony learned the foundations of his craft. Honing his eye and touch, and absorbing everything he could, Anthony worked through his apprenticeship with James Purdy and Son, gaining the Freedom of the City of London in 1964 as he graduated to a master gun stock maker.

Three years later in 1967, Anthony relocated with his family to the South West of England, taking his skills into the country. Still loyal to the firm that gave him an entry to the industry, Anthony continued to work almost exclusively for James Purdy and Son Gun Makers. Soon, however, he was being contacted and commissioned by the finest Gun Houses of London. They saw his work and wanted his skill for their own offerings.

After years of hard work and building a loyal following of customers, Anthony decided it was time to forge his own path. And so AW Rule Gun Makers was established.

Father and Son

Working from a home-based, self-designed workshop, Anthony’s knowledge and skill saw the business go from strength to strength. And, by 1996, Anthony’s Son – Gareth – decided he wanted to be part of the family business. Watching his father work for hours, Gareth had fallen in love with the craft of gun making. Surviving the long and gruelling apprenticeship, Gareth became a prized asset to the business, with an eye as keen and hands as skilled as his father’s.

Learning only the traditional methods and techniques of gun stock making, Gareth impressed not only his father, but also did enough to win the approval of The Worshipful Company of Gun Makers and The Gun Trade Association.

The Next Chapter

Working side by side, father and son took the business to new heights, relocating their workshop to its current Somerton premises. In the winter of 2010, Anthony sadly passed away, leaving AW Rule & Son in the able hands of Gareth.

Expanding the business, Gareth has introduced a successful retail arm to the business, a wood room for clients to select their preferred stock wood and a redesigned workshop which can handle all areas of gun making.

Now celebrating its 60th year of business, AW Rule & Son continues to offer a full, in-house gun making service for discerning customers. Covering every aspect of the art of gun making, the business continues to grow and strengthen.