McKay Brown Changes Ownership

McKay Brown Changes Ownership | Shooting Sportsman Magazine

David McKay Brown’s superlative round-action guns will continue to be made in Scotland, following the recent acquisition of his business by Buchan Guns. McKay Brown, 80, agreed to sell to Buchan because of the company’s commitment to his gunmaking legacy—stretching back to 1967—and its willingness to couple craftsmanship with innovation.

Currently, Buchan Guns is building guns at its purpose-built facility in Ugie Lodge, Aberdeenshire. The owner, Grant Buchan, founded the company 16 years ago and presently offers two models: one based on a triggerplate action, the other a true sidelock. But Scotland is famous for its round-action guns, and the acquisition of McKay Brown will allow the firm to add that quintessential design to its repertoire.

Buchan says he’s “thrilled to have acquired the McKay business and to have David on board as our consultant . . . . It will open a new chapter in Scottish gunmaking. We aim to make fifteen to twenty McKay Browns a year, with all actions and components being machined in our Ugie Lodge facility before being assembled and regulated in our new Kilmarnock workshop in the traditional way. They’ll then return to Ugie Lodge for final stocking, finishing and regulation.” A variety of engraving styles will be available.

Much of the hand-finishing still will be supervised by McKay Brown, though he emphasizes that this is a new era. “Grant is deeply knowledgeable about deploying modern gunmaking processes to help make guns that are reliable, balance beautifully and meet the demands of today’s shooting, including steel shot. Grant and I often chat till midnight exploring new ideas and processes, and I’m truly delighted that he will continue my legacy of handsome guns, sensibly priced, that won’t fail you in the field.”

McKay Brown prices start at $95,000 for an over/under and $78,000 for a side-by-side. For more information, contact US importer Griffin & Howe.


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