A rifle maker that creates art
The Natal Gun Company, located in Amanzimtoti in KwaZulu-Natal has been serving the shooting public for many, many years. Alan Henry, the owner, who inherited the business from his father, is a master gunsmith specialising in building highquality custom rifles.
He built the beautiful rifle in .325 WSM (on a Winchester Model 70 action) that graces our cover page this month. But Alan does not only build rifles, he also converts Alpine rifle cases into something special.
He orders standard Alpine aluminium rifle cases (to the size of the rifle so that it is not bigger than necessary) and then fits a new custom interior according to the customer’s specifications.
As you can see from the pictures, the interior is lined with felt and it has special compartments covered with walnut lids – usually made from the same wood as the customer’s rifle stock. Alan says the whole idea is to create a rugged and practical case that one can take along on an aeroplane or transport on the back of a bakkie without fear of it, or the rifle, being damaged. And when you open the case it displays a highquality traditional interior.
The Alpine cases cost about R8 000 and the conversion ads another R8 000 to the price. Alan converts cases for boltaction rifles as well as for doubles and shotguns.
When I lived in KwaZuluNatal for 16 years I used Alan Henry almost exclusively as my gunsmith. This is one gunsmith/ master rifle maker I am very happy to recommend. • Contact Natal Gun Company on 031-904-1982 or 082-7725394.