doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com Value; pigeon guns v. game guns

Apropos of the very interesting thread on pigeon gins, how does the value of pigeon guns stack up against the value of game guns? Assume that each gun is of equal quality, same configuration (O/U or S/S), and equal current condition. I am here defining "pigeon guns" as guns that are relatively heavy (7 plus pounds), more robust (possibly with sideclips), chambered and proofed for 2-3/4 or 3 inch shells with 1-1/4 oz. of shot, relatively long barrels (30-32 inches)and maybe single triggers, beavertail fore ends and pistol grips. I am here defining "game guns" as relatively light guns (under 7 pounds), chambered and proofed for lighter loads, two triggers, splinter fore ends and straight grips.

I say it would depend on the buyer, as to his intended purpose or desires, but for myself, I would deduct about 10% on a pigeon gun. That's simply because there are more practical hunters or shooters, than avid target shooters, [who usually already know what their next gun will be], and that makes the gun more salable, if I decide to get rid of it.

binko

Pigeon guns have risen in price in teh lats fifteen years. they used to be cheap - then the sporting clays (and live pigeon)shooters got wind of them and they went right up.

Depends on the rarity and extremity. For example, a Purdey live pigeon gun with 32" barrels and all bells and whistles will command a premium over a bog-standard Purdey game gun.

I am not finding price differences, on average, between them; quality for quality, B's & W's equal, and condition for condition.

I would add a premium for a pigeon gun.

Far less pigeon guns to choose from.

When all is equal the rarity will drive prices up.

Then factor in the current use of such guns on clays.

All equals a premium for pigeon guns.

They work good for turkeys too.

i just looked at a perfect candidate: 7.5lbs 30" Krupp Laufstahl barrels 3/4-full combo with flat rib. this is what experts call transition piece with heavier scroll engraving and no barrel weight number (those were made ca. 1912-1913). total production in this configuration was less then 400 pieces. well worth it's $3500 asking price. the barrels were made from same steel as 38cm main barrery of Bismarck/Tirpitz class battleships.
i advise for you to forget that overpirced english stuff. just remember who won the battle of the denmark strait.
fast flying pigeon much like high pheasant requires 30-32gm #6 or #7 load with mv of about 1350f/s.
oh yeh there were couple of birdies in flight engraved just ahead of trigger plate screw. not sure what they were supposed to be but perhaps they were woodpigeons the only pigeons worth shooting at. the usual weapon of european shooter is 12br browning or beretta o/u shotgun.
PS. to read more about this fascinating sport please refer to the woodpigeon the ultimate quarry by paul smith and peter thobald.

One thing about pigeon guns is that for the most part they've got near modern dimensions. Pigeon shooters liked a high stock whereas so many early American hammerless guns are really low. That's part of what drives the price in my mind, that and the nostalgia of old time pigeon shooting of course.

Destry


P.S. Woodpigeon shooting is a lot of fun I will agree. I've been out for them twice in my trips across the water and enjoyed it both time. Never been there on a "big" day but we've had good shooting both times over decoys.

If you're talking to me I can't see what you're saying.....