In the world of firearms, few names carry as much historical significance and prestige as Griffin & Howe. Founded in 1923, this legendary company has been synonymous with quality, precision and innovation in the firearms industry for an incredible 100 years. To celebrate this remarkable milestone, a Griffin & Howe 100-Year anniversary showcase was organized at Hudson Farm in Andover, New Jersey. It brought together sportsmen and women, gun enthusiasts and hunters from around the globe to pay tribute to the legacy of this iconic brand. Indeed, the list of sponsors and exhibitors read like a who’s who of the outdoors industry.
A Century of Heritage:
Griffin & Howe’s journey began in April of 1923 when Col. Townsend Whelen, the foremost authority on rifles at the time and the writer of many articles on the subject, suggested to cabinetmaker turned gun stocker, Seymour Griffin, that his business would be improved by the addition of accomplished metal worker James V. Howe. Howe was the foreman of the machine shop at the Frankford Arsenal in Philadelphia. A year earlier he had designed a modified 30-06 necked up to accept a .35-caliber bullet naming it the .35 Whelen.
That May, the three men, along with James M. Holsworth and James L. Gerry, united their expertise and entrepreneurial spirit to create Griffin & Howe, a company dedicated to crafting exceptional firearms.
Initially, their focus was on customizing surplus military rifles, turning them into accurate and reliable hunting rifles. Their work quickly gained recognition among hunters, sportsmen and competitive shooters, solidifying the company’s reputation for craftsmanship and precision.
Legendary Clientele:
As word spread about the exceptional work coming out of Griffin & Howe’s workshop, the company attracted a distinguished clientele. Among its patrons were famous figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Clark Gable and Roy Rogers, who sought the company’s expertise to create personalized and finely tuned firearms. The name Griffin & Howe became synonymous with luxury and elegance in firearms, and its guns were highly sought after by connoisseurs and collectors.
Pioneering the Scope Mounting System:
One of Griffin & Howe’s most significant contributions to the firearms industry was its innovative scope mounting system introduced in 1927. Before this development, rifle scopes were typically mounted on top of the receiver. Griffin & Howe introduced a unique side-mounting system that securely attached the scope to the side of the rifle’s receiver. It was the first of its kind and paved the way for the scope mounts and rings of today. This mount made it possible to remove your scope for travel and replace it without losing zero.
This groundbreaking invention revolutionized the shooting experience, particularly for hunters who traveled. The side-mounting system became popular, and Griffin & Howe received widespread recognition for its ingenuity and commitment to enhancing firearms performance.
The Continuation of Excellence:
Despite the passage of a century, Griffin & Howe has managed to maintain its commitment to excellence, preserving the tradition that began in 1923.
True to its legacy, Griffin & Howe still builds a limited number of America’s finest custom rifles the way it has for the past century. But the company has also embraced modern technology and techniques, and offers an extensive line of sporting shotguns, rifles and double rifles built to its specifications by fine European makers ensuring that Griffin & Howe firearms continue meeting the highest standards of quality and performance. This blend of tradition and innovation has kept the company at the forefront of the firearms industry, attracting a new generation of discerning customers.
The Centennial Celebration:
To commemorate the 100th anniversary, the Griffin & Howe Anniversary Showcase was held at Hudson Farm where enthusiasts and guests enjoyed three days of demos, shooting competitions, seminars and lessons ranging from fly-tying to shooting dangerous game double rifles. The event also featured exhibitors offering everything from the finest firearms to elegant furniture.
The event served as more than a testament to the enduring legacy of Griffin & Howe and the passion that the company has instilled in generations of gun enthusiasts. It also was a fundraiser, raising more than $400,000 for the American Custom Gunmakers Education Foundation.
The Griffin & Howe 100 Year Showcase was not just a celebration of a company’s longevity but a tribute to a century-long commitment to excellence, innovation and craftsmanship. For 100 years, Griffin & Howe has left an indelible mark on the firearms industry, setting a standard of quality that continues to inspire and shape the future.
As the company looks to the next 100 years and beyond, it does so with a deep-rooted appreciation for its storied history and an unwavering dedication to providing firearms of unparalleled excellence. Griffin & Howe’s journey is one of passion, skill and innovation, and the centennial celebration was a fitting testament to the enduring impact the company has had on the world of firearms. Griffin & Howe— a name that will forever remain etched in the annals of firearms history.
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