What is a Live Pigeon Gun?

The Live Pigeon Gun represents one of the most desirable and highest valued of all side by side shotguns.
Simon Reinhold of Holts Auctioneers takes us through the ins and outs of what these guns are all about and where they are from!
Enjoy
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[@bruceyeoward6544]

I have a Boswell live pigeon gun, 12ga BLNE 8lb 6 oz, 3" chambers, 32" barrels, raised file cut rib, F&F, chequered side panels, 1/2 pistol grip, highly figured stock, 15 1/2" to silver pad, 126 Strand, circa 1921. 70% fine scroll. Once owned by a famous Australian live pigeon shooter, he won a Aston Martin Lagonda in the 1930's at Monte Carlo, said to be first one imported to Australia, the gun swings smoothly and stays on line when the second barrel is fired, I have consistently shot ducks at 55m with this gun.

[@douglasbell2448]

Lucky man!

[@simonreinhold_co_uk]

Lovely

[@karlsailor]

I can't get enough of Simon's insight. Well done as always.

[@tgsoutdoors]

We are with you on that

[@the45er]

I had the privilege of knowing Bob Brister who, in his day, was considered one of, if not THE best columbaire pigeon shooter of his day. I used to love to hear his stories about the nuances of this extraordinary shooting game.

[@25skeet50skeet]

I own his 1100 release trigger. His book doesn’t do justice to him.

[@anthonyhamilton-smith8494]

I bought a gun here in Australia from an auction house recently that seemed to meet the criteria for a live pigeon gun, but it is a lowly Webley and Scott BLNE…. It does have heavy 30” barrels, greener style cross bolt, tight chokes, a flat, file cut rib, and a rounded pistol grip stock. After a bit of research, it turned out (according to the W&S 1932 catalogue) that it was originally specified as a pigeon gun based on a model 300. Unfortunately, it’s one of the few Webleys with disk set strikers and has a broken hammer that I need to replace. Currently at the gunsmith’s! I always learn so much from you guys. Thanks again

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

I have a Francotte live pigeon gun side plated boxlock fully engraved with pigeons. Side clips with 2 3/4" chambers 30" berrels. And was manufactured without a safety. Great show. Cheers Ron

[@NickCargillable]

Really interesting chat with Simon, super knowledgeable man. These discussion pieces are decent.

[@geraldswain3259]

Percy Stanbury's gun was built in the style of a live pigeon gun ,and he new where an advantage was to be gained ,As you full well know John having shot it .

[@jorgeortizdemontellano8965]

Dear Johnny, This is what I mostly shoot, life pigeon, I live in Mexico so I think we are one of the privileged few... I just got my new DT11 30" and I'm quite happy, do you think it´s the "proper" gun for this? I would love to hear you're comments on this! PS: If you guys ever want to come to Mexico for this competitions, I will be glad to host you (great fun), I will be traveling to Madrid on late September early October for the Kings cup (might be one of the lasts..) lets see how we do...

[@tgsoutdoors]

😂 not sure a DT measures up to the greatness of some of these guns, but I’m sure it does the work perfectly well. I have always wanted to go to the kings cup

[@philiptraylor2182]

Come on down to Texas, we still have love pigeon shooting

[@wholeNwon]

Interesting discussion but would have liked to have seen lots of close-ups of the various guns, too. Standard steel and tight chokes in a prized original wouldn't seem like a good idea.

[@fullchoke01]

Cashmore made some of the best live pigeon guns, very underrated maker, the nitro is an epic gun

[@ronlafitte6864]

Wonderful discussion on the live pigeon guns and shooting. I was admiring that huge side by side on the wall behind you two. It is at least a 10 gauge, maybe an 8 gauge. I was hoping you might bring it out and tell us all about it!

[@domj345]

Very interesting! Always enjoy watching the channel.

[@paulie120284]

Super cool video. Love all historical points!

[@boarzwid1002]

Use to shoot box birds my favorite shell was the federal 12 ga pidgin load nickel plated shot Perazzi comp1 32 inch extra full and lite full choke,

[@michaelgallon9431]

Loving this channel I wish I had found it years ago as now i'm binging. I know exactly what I have now thanks to the brilliant information given here. Its a live pigeon gun circa 1888 by W R Pape of Newcastle, 10 bore sidelock none ejector, 2 5/8th chambres (obsolete) 32" damascus barrels on a beautifully engraved action with much case hardening remaining all mounted on an amazing piece of amber coloured walnut. Thanks guys, keep up the good work.

[@tgsoutdoors]

That sounds special

[@Huntertom365]

Enjoyed that, well done. One thing I'm curious to know does anyone else find that fibre lead cartridges pattern better and kill further out of old sxs than plastic lead cartridges.?

[@biggerjonnycarterfan9425]

I heard that when Jonny Carter gets drunk nothing happens to him, however the people around him feel intoxicated. This explains the camera shake.

[@mikeproctor3664]

Live pigeon shooting is the Sport of Kings! It looks easy but the pressure is tremendous when you are on the line. You have to be able to shoot 23 or 24 out of 25 to even be in the money.

[@danebrewer10]

Interesting stuff, I think today, the closest modern gun to a live pigeon gun could be the Beretta 486? I have one in 20 bore with the beavertail forend and semi pistol grip, which works really nicely on clays and walked up game👌🏻

[@pomskylifenova7344]

great guns on this one

[@rogersmith8339]

I have seen some lovely muzzle loading live pigeon guns and used a couple.

[@markwierzbicki5307]

As alway great video!

[@frankbarberio8149]

billy perdue american and world champion used a Purdey hammergun alot

[@Lovemypigeons]

There stocked high, the tram line rib tapered is very common today. Why not mention Parker, Winchester 21. You need to be able to stay in the gun for the second shot. A shooter also needs to have a good ground shot also. There is no greater game than Boxbird shooting.

[@r.parker1933]

I am relatively new to shotgun sports and am by nature a traditionalist whose only. So, I am only shooting clays with SxS's right now. I would absolutely LOVE to hear and see more about Simon's gun that he has here. Any chance of learning at least more about the specs on it?

[@hmfrodo]

very interesting video!

[@nickbitten6037]

Very interesting video.

[@Retired-Tom]

Which boat was it filmed on, HMS Bounty?

[@johngregory8576]

2:58 - hence Monte Carlo stock ?

[@dandylion1987]

Guns that shoot out pigeons? You are monsters. I'm telling Chris Packham

[@scottmc9098]

Hahahahahahahaha. Hahahahahahahahahha.

[@douglasbell2448]

Really interesting video thank you both. Is there a steel proofed reasonably priced 8lb boxlock that handles well on the market today, the Aya 56 and Connecticut RBL12 sporter are beyond reach.

[@stevenlord782]

I have a beretta paralello that's about 7.5lb. Pistol grip, beavertail forend & steel proofed. I'd say close to ideal if not wanting to spend silly money.

[@stevenlord782]

Live Pigeon Guns!! Now your talking! 😍

[@chrissywhiskers]

When are we doing a ‘Simon’s dream guns’ video?!

[@boarzwid1002]

Nash Buckinghams Bo Woop super fox would have been a fantastic pidgin gun , but preferred to send many Ducks to the great beyond. It’s on display at the ducks unlimited museum in the USA

[@krillian-csgoandmore4126]

Hey im looking for a gun that works good for both hunting and clay shooting. Any ideas? A gun dealer told me fabarm would be good but idk the brand. I have around 2000 euro to use

[@chrischiampo7647]

😀😇😊 Heavenly Live Pigeon Guns Johnny 😀😇 Did They Also Use Them in The Trenches of WW1 To Shoot Down Carrier Pigeons 😀

[@tgsoutdoors]

Yes, but those guns are painted in khaki

[@D2chukhna]

Please consider using a tripod for the camera

[@robw9986]

If only they allowed live pigeon shooting in New York City. I owe them some payback. Very rude birds.

[@jacobzachary5631]

Still happens in the US… still a Loooot Of money involved

[@matthewclarke5918]

Has the camera man been drinking ? 🤪🤪🤪

[@seanjustice4831]

Wish you showed more of actual guns, and yes there are plenty of box lock live bird guns…

[@johnryan2193]

Great but could you SHOW the guns up close , otherwise it's like two guys talking in a pub .

[@bentleyfatheree1616]

You can win some BIG MONEY here in Texas at a pigeon shoot. If you are invited.

[@mchughcb]

I shot a pigeon with a Miroku once. That makes it my live pigeon gun.

[@MJSherwood]

Isn't it literally called a "trap" because it used to be a box trap full of live pigeons? Classic skeumorphism

[@219garry]

FIRST

[@sigismundauchinleck]

The presenters left out one characteristic that is a sure indicator that the gun was built and used exclusively for box bird shooting.....the lack of a safety.

[@charlesbleile5282]

I was expecting them to mention the lack of a safety also.

[@jaseyb1]

Camera man needs sacking 🥴

[@SuperBeretta1]

Interesting, as always. But a pity that the indescribable barbarity of the 'sport' wasn't mentioned.