Ray Ward Gunmakers quickly established itself in Redhill following its launch in 1961 by Ray Ward. His son, John, took over the running of the business in 1985 as his father took a step to the side.
As the business continued to grow, an additional outlet was opened in Knightsbridge in 1993. This move firmly established the family name in the Capital.
In 2000 Ray Ward opened another outlet at the West London Shooting School and made the tough decision to close the Redhill outlet to mainly focus on the London trade. In 2006 Dr Simon Hay from JMH Lifestyle took over the business of Ray Ward Gunsmiths with John maintaining his role as a Director, Consultant and Salesman.
2008 was an exciting year for the business as, along with Dr Hay’s backing, Ray Ward Gunsmith started to make their own guns. This was a dream for both John and Dr Hay as a legacy for Ray Ward, the founder.
In 2010, Haywards Guns was opened in West Sussex and was managed by John’s son, Jonathan, keeping it very much in the family.
Sadly, in 2013, Ray Ward passed away.
In 2018, John moved away from Ray Ward Gunmakers and opened Northall Guns in Fletching, East Sussex. In January 2020, John obtained Ray Ward Gunmakers back from JMH Lifestyles along with Haywards Guns.
Due to the growing business at Northall Guns, John opened another outlet called Ray Ward Gunsmith at Bluebell Railway Industrial Estate in March 2021 and the business continued to go from strength to strength. John spoke about his passion for the new outlet as it allowed him to go back to his roots and with the merge of the three businesses, he continues to be confident in being able to provide all customers, new and old, a wealth of knowledge and experience for all your shooting needs.
Was an exciting year for the business as, along with Dr Hay’s backing, Ray Ward Gunsmith started to make their own guns. This was a dream for both John and Dr Hay as a legacy for Ray Ward, the founder.
Haywards Guns was opened in West Sussex and was managed by John’s son, Jonathan, keeping it very much in the family.
Sadly, in 2013, Ray Ward passed away.
Coming soon
With over 50 years in the gun trade, John has an extensive wealth of knowledge and experience. His knowledge extends to both game and sporting guns making him one of the foremost experts when it comes to gun fitting and design. John has been involved and is still recognised as one of the Top Game Shots in the country. He has shot most clay disciplines since the age of 16 years.
On the clay shooting side, John has been involved with multi world Champion George Digweed and Olympic Gold Medallist champion Richard Faulds (2000 Sydney Olympics). As any professional coach will tell you “the pleasure of coaching is rewarding when you see individuals develop their skills and achieve their aspirations”.