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< 16ga. Guns ~ 16ga pigeon guns? |
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Posted:
Wed Sep 30, 2020 6:55 pm
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Joined: 22 May 2020
Posts: 273
Location: Ky
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I have 2 16ga Sxs with pigeons engraved on them,both Belgium made around 1920s with tight chokes. Do you guys believe they are actually pigeon guns? Maybe for Youth or women( 14 1/4” thin wrists)? Or just decorated that way like a modern pigeon grade?
They work nice for doves .025 and .030 chokes |
_________________ “Never use an ugly gun to kill a beautiful bird” |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 1:20 am
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Joined: 17 Oct 2019
Posts: 456
Location: New Jersey
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I’m pretty sure it means the highest level of finish. Also, the internal parts would be polished, etc. I know Browning made model 12’s in Pigeon grade and collectors will shank each other to get their hands on a real one. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 4:45 am
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Joined: 22 May 2020
Posts: 273
Location: Ky
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Thanks swampy. I wasn’t sure but do believe you are correct, judging from the consensus( I posted question to many). |
_________________ “Never use an ugly gun to kill a beautiful bird” |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 5:39 am
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Joined: 17 Oct 2019
Posts: 456
Location: New Jersey
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Sorry, I meant Winchester, not Browning. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 7:13 am
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Member
Joined: 27 Jun 2012
Posts: 1115
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They possibly could be live pigeon competition guns if they are a bit heavier and more robust than hunting guns. If they had single triggers and a fatter forend I would definitely think they were live pigeon guns. |
_________________ An elderly gentleman, his faithful dogs, and a 16 ga SXS. All is right with the world. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 7:24 am
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 9:37 am
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Joined: 22 May 2020
Posts: 273
Location: Ky
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Thanks
Also asked at DGJ simultaneously,most believe game guns. 6.25lbs 2 5/8 drop at heel.
Did they actual hunt wild pigeons in early 20th century? I would have used partridge, grouse, woodcock, Huns or something actually hunted for adornment on a high end game gun? |
_________________ “Never use an ugly gun to kill a beautiful bird” |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 11:03 am
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Joined: 17 Oct 2019
Posts: 456
Location: New Jersey
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Live Pigeon Guns normally we’re built with no safety. |
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Posted:
Thu Oct 01, 2020 11:14 am
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Joined: 17 Oct 2019
Posts: 456
Location: New Jersey
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Posted:
Fri Oct 09, 2020 12:57 pm
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Joined: 12 Sep 2010
Posts: 1975
Location: Maine
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I kinda doubt anyone ever made/used 16 ga for live pigeon shoots. A couple reasons. 1. the load was set by rule. IIRC it was 1 1/4 ounces of shot with 3 3/4 or 3 1/2 drams equivalent of powder. 2. The birds were set out/released from the traps at a long range. 3. You had to shoot both barrels, even if you killed the bird on the first shot. (Everyone takes the same beating, so to speak).
Pigeon guns were both heavy - to absorb the recoil - and strong - to take the beating of many heavy loads.
I think RST makes pigeon loads (live bird shoots are legal in their home state of PA) and you can look up what they are loaded at. |
_________________ “A man’s rights rest in three boxes: the ballot box, the jury box, and the cartridge box.”
Frederick Douglass, November 15, 1867, speech in Williamsport, Pa. |
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