Mark McCarthy, Stocker/Trigger maker, James Purdey & Sons.
Born in London Paddington, mere steps from the historic Purdey workshops, and raised in Maida Vale, Mark McCarthy’s connection to the art of gunmaking began early. Now in his fortieth year at James Purdey & Sons, his expertise as a Stocker/Trigger Maker and Senior Craftsman epitomizes the seamless blend of tradition and innovation that defines the industry.

To kick things off, we asked him what his favourite tool is…
“I know this may seem trite, but it is my hands,” Mark responds.
“We often the need to sketch with a pencil to convey ideas, and in my many years of gun making, working with a plethora of materials using chisels, gauges, files and electrically powered machinery, the dexterity to effectively wield or operate any of these items in a controlled manner can still be challenging.”
Explaining his role with characteristic humility, Mark says,
“I make the trigger units—single trigger, double triggers, and spring-bladed or articulated triggers. These units interact with the lock-work and safety mechanism, which in turn ‘fires’ the gun.”
He also specializes in turning Turkish walnut into the stock and forend, the components a shooter holds and supports. This dual mastery of engineering and artistry is a hallmark of Mark’s work.
Mark’s love for craftsmanship extends beyond firearms. Inspired by the Italian Renaissance, he admires how this era’s creative thinkers rediscovered and advanced ancient knowledge. “They gave us perspective in art and initiated modern surgery, biology, and engineering,” he explains. “Even today, gunmakers apply the ‘golden ratio’ to create designs that ‘look right.’ While Mark is smitten with The Renaissance, he also has a lot of time for jeweller and egg designer extraordinaire Cal Fabergé. “This is a man who saw absolute excellence daily from his team of craftspeople,” he says.
Travel is another passion, and Mark’s adventures have spanned continents. From journeying overland from Tierra del Fuego to the Darién Gap to exploring the Far East and Europe; his curiosity about history, architecture, and culture is insatiable. Recently, he’s been drawn to the ancient Silk Roads, with a trip to Azerbaijan marking his latest exploration.
Mark’s career exemplifies the delicate interplay between preserving traditional craftsmanship and embracing modern techniques. After two decades of experience, he sought a new challenge, learning CAD and completing a building surveying degree while continuing his work at Purdey.
“This academic training taught me to take a more scientific approach to my work,” he says.
Collaborating with experts in CAD, CAM, and CNC machining, Mark has contributed to Purdey’s digital transformation. “Traditional gunmaking is often qualitative, while the digital age demands a quantitative approach. I balance these by learning from those with different mindsets and staying open to continuous learning.”
Mark is optimistic about the future of artisan gunmaking. “There will always be a place for well-crafted and beautiful handmade items,” he asserts. He sees knowledge as being reapportioned rather than lost, believing in the potential to merge historical techniques with modern innovation. “Our brains are incredible instruments. It’s possible to master both the old and the new.”
See James Purdey & Sons representing best London guns at World Gunmakers Evening.