Ten of the world's finest shotguns

London gunmakers like J. Purdey and Sons are to shotguns what Savile Row tailors are to suits. In business since 1814, Purdey's specializes in "bespoke" guns made to a customer's measure. Order one new and you can expect to pay the price of a small house and wait two years for your gun to be finished.

Matched pairs like these two guns are for high-speed shooting when the birds fly thick. A loader stands close behind the shooter, ready to take his Lordship's empty gun and hand him a loaded one.

Price: $120,000 (pair)
Gauge: 12