Why are guns chequered?
Chequering has two reasons for being cut on a gun. The first is decoration; in other words to make the gun prettier or more pleasing to the eye. Many British gunmakers will use a standard pattern that is particular to them. For instance Purdeys have a pattern at the hand, which comes to a point below the end of the trigger guard and crosses over at the top of the hand below the action strap. Holland and Holland on the other hand always have an area of wrap over below the point of the trigger guard. The second reason for chequer is to provide grip. To make the gun more secure in the hands. And as a consequence more comfortable to use. This becomes very important when the gun is used in wet weather.
