Fine firearms stand in the rarified air of objects from which time does not detract either beauty or effectiveness. Take a 1920’s Griffin and Howe sporting rifle on safari and, not only will the rifle appear to be in its element, but it will perform with great effectiveness. Few other objects can claim that serviceability after 80 years.

But longevity is not simply using the right materials, or good craftsmanship; it is as much designed into a firearm as it is built in. Reliability and repairability are factors as important as caliber selection and craftsmanship.

For instance, choosing an established cartridge design ensures a continued availability of ammunition, thus ensuring the future use of the rifle.

Choosing an action is equally important. Parts should be robust, reparable and, if not available, manufacturable. Actions made of machined steel parts are excellent candidates, whereas actions made of stampings, injection moldings and exotic compounds are suspect.

Adhering to aesthetic principles helps create a work of timeless beauty. Fads and fashions come and go, but the principles governing artistic sensibilities are immutable and insurance that the beauty will not degrade with time.