Holland & Holland opened its first shooting ground back in 1880. From the outset, the grounds had two functions: to test the shotguns and rifles made by the company, and as a facility for customers.

The location of the shooting ground has moved several times but, since 1932, its permanent home has been a 100-acre site in Northwood, Middlesex, just 17 miles from central London. While the ground is still used for testing and regulating guns, the emphasis has switched over the years to focus largely on teaching. It’s certainly a pleasant environment in which to take lessons, from the ‘lodge’ with it green leather Chesterfields, to the rolling fields and more than 60 separate shooting stands.

The Holland & Holland shooting instructors are led by the renowned Ken Davies, with lessons for everyone from complete beginners to those simply wanting to brush up on their skills. Simulated pheasant, partridge, or wildfowl can be presented from a number of towers, with both manual and automatic traps, whereas the multi-trap grouse butts can be used to show individual birds, pairs or even coveys. There are also skeet, trap and down-the-line layouts for the sporting clay shooter.

If a customer is having a new gun built, or an existing gun re-stocked, the use of a try-gun – with a fully adjustable stock – is invaluable. Holland & Holland has a wide variety of try-guns at its shooting ground, enabling the fitter to work with the customer to take a range of measurements, vital to creating the perfect custom-made gun.

For further information on the Holland & Holland shooting grounds, see www.hollandandholland.com.

Text: Classic Driver
Photos: Holland &Holland