What is a Live Pigeon Gun?

Published on September 16, 2021
Duration: 18:03

This video explains the characteristics and historical context of live pigeon guns, which were built for extreme strength and large loads to ensure pigeons were killed before escaping a boundary. These guns, popular until the 1920s, often featured long barrels (30-32 inches), longer chambers (2.75-3 inches), wide file-cut ribs for an improved sighting plane, and sometimes pistol grips and triple grip actions. While similar to modern clay shooting guns, live pigeon guns were bespoke, high-end items for aristocratic clientele who wagered fortunes on matches. The video also differentiates them from wildfowling guns, noting that while they share some properties, live pigeon guns were built to a higher standard of finish and bespoke specification.

Quick Summary

A live pigeon gun is a specialized shotgun built for strength and power, featuring long barrels (30-32 inches), tight chokes, and wide ribs to ensure pigeons were killed before escaping a boundary in competitive matches. Popular until the 1920s, these bespoke firearms were often owned by wealthy aristocrats and were precursors to modern trap and clay shooting guns.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Live Pigeon Guns
  2. 00:07Key Characteristics of Live Pigeon Guns
  3. 00:24History and Popularity Decline
  4. 00:34Modern Practice and Locations
  5. 00:46Wagering and Fortunes in Matches
  6. 00:52Precursor to Trap Shooting
  7. 01:03Gun Construction: Strength and Length
  8. 01:17Ribs and Sighting Planes
  9. 01:25Grip and Action Types
  10. 01:39Clientele: Aristocratic and Wealthy
  11. 02:00Bespoke Orders and Customization
  12. 02:13Comparing Two Live Pigeon Purdeys
  13. 03:04Origins Back to Flintlocks
  14. 03:14Distinguishing from Other Guns
  15. 03:23Comparing Live Pigeon Guns to Others
  16. 03:46Crocodile of Perth Box Lock Ejector
  17. 04:06Modern Clay Gun Comparison
  18. 04:37Box Lock Ejecting Churchill
  19. 05:04Competition Circuit Innovations
  20. 05:31Fowling Guns vs. Pigeon Guns
  21. 05:45Parallel Development of Fowling and Pigeon Guns
  22. 06:39Finishing and Engraving Standards
  23. 06:57Golf in Class: Quality and Finish
  24. 07:05Wildfowling Gun Construction
  25. 07:36Home Loading and Durability
  26. 07:54Market Position Today
  27. 08:02Modern Trends and Live Pigeon Guns
  28. 08:18Weight and Finesse
  29. 08:30How to Identify a Live Pigeon Gun
  30. 08:45Checking Records with Makers
  31. 09:16Visual Cues for Identification
  32. 09:34Engraving and Craftsmanship Differences
  33. 09:47Evolution from Flintlocks to Box Locks
  34. 10:06Box Locks as Live Pigeon Guns
  35. 10:12Economic Factors and Box Lock Compromises
  36. 10:37Durability of Box Locks
  37. 11:00Comparison to Modern Competition Guns
  38. 11:22Prize Money and Professional Shooting
  39. 11:33Would You Try Live Pigeon Shooting?
  40. 11:41Difficulty of Live Pigeon Shooting
  41. 11:57Boundary Rope Rules
  42. 12:19Fair Chase Considerations
  43. 12:28Would You Buy a Live Pigeon Gun?
  44. 12:30Live Pigeon Gun vs. Other Guns
  45. 13:01Side-by-Side for Game Shooting
  46. 13:11Aim: Putting Food on the Table
  47. 13:20Shooting Roosting Pigeons
  48. 13:35Cost of Live Pigeon Guns
  49. 13:42Market Value and Condition
  50. 14:14Original Condition vs. Re-barreled
  51. 14:23Affordable Equivalents
  52. 14:38Sleeved Fouler Example
  53. 14:59Market Trends and Lead Shot
  54. 15:07Popularity for Pheasant Shooting
  55. 15:18Transition from Over-and-Under
  56. 15:25High-Performance Steel Shot Impact
  57. 15:43Recoil Management
  58. 16:05Modifying Chokes
  59. 16:13Sacrilege of Modification
  60. 16:35Altering Chokes to Shooting Style
  61. 16:45Impact of Altering Chokes on Value
  62. 17:01Recommending Modifications
  63. 17:15Collector's Guns vs. User Guns
  64. 17:28Personalizing Stock and Chokes

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a live pigeon gun?

A live pigeon gun is a robust shotgun built for extreme strength and large loads, featuring long barrels (30-32 inches), tight chokes, and often a wide file-cut rib. These were designed to ensure pigeons were killed before escaping a boundary in competitive shooting matches, a sport popular until the 1920s.

How do live pigeon guns differ from modern clay shooting guns?

While sharing some design principles, live pigeon guns were typically bespoke, high-end firearms crafted for aristocratic clients who wagered heavily. They were built to a higher standard of finish and durability to handle powerful loads, whereas modern clay guns prioritize ergonomics and performance for sport.

What are the key physical characteristics of a live pigeon gun?

Key features include long barrels (30-32 inches), longer chambers (2.75-3 inches), tight chokes for maximum range and impact, and a wide file-cut rib for an improved sighting plane. They often also featured pistol grips and sometimes triple grip actions for added strength and control.

How can one identify an original live pigeon gun?

Identification involves looking for the characteristic long barrels, tight chokes, and wide ribs. For guns made by renowned London makers, contacting them with the serial number to check original records is the most definitive method to confirm its intended purpose as a live pigeon gun.

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