Legends | The Perfect Gun For Getting The Most Bang For Your Buck

by
posted on June 20, 2017
a1f-061917-legends.jpg
Michael Ives

Talk about efficiency! The punt gun was an exceptionally large shotgun that was used for shooting large numbers of waterfowl for commercial purposes—a single shot could take down as many as 100 birds. This gun was used in the 1800s and early 1900s when market hunting was popular, and it’s the best example of getting the most return for a single shot.

The sheer weight of the shotguns, up to 200 pounds, necessitated that they be placed in a punt—a flat-bottomed boat—and paddled out to the flock. Punt-gunners typically set out at night to hide their approach.

While the roar of a punt gun was thunderous and deafening, the recoil was equally as forceful—it often pushed the punt backwards by several inches. With punt guns rapidly depleting stocks of waterfowl, most states banned the practice by the late 1800s. The Lacey Act of 1900 outlawed the transport of wild game and market hunting was outlawed in 1918.

One theory suggests punt-gunning led to one of today’s commonly used phrases—“get your ducks in a row.” That’s the formation early-day hunters waited upon before firing off a massive shot

This gun, plus many other historic treasures, can be seen at the NRA National Firearms Museum in Fairfax, Va., located on the first floor of NRA Headquarters.

Latest

48651170742_04f298edc4_k.jpg
48651170742_04f298edc4_k.jpg

More Than Half of State Attorneys General Demand Answers from Biden

The group submitted a formal comment letter addressing the ATF’s proposed rulemaking regarding the “Definition of ‘Engaged in Business’ as a Dealer in Firearms.”

Another Armed Californian Saves His Family

Robberies and burglaries are increasingly occurring in the Golden State.

This is What Empowering Women Really Looks Like

With gun ownership on the rise throughout the nation, women are one huge demographic that has seen noticeable growth in this area. Such is why one NRA firearms instructor built a self-defense training company that caters exclusively to women.

What’s Next for Oregon?

When a circuit court judge imposed a permanent injunction against Oregon’s anti-freedom measure last week, it was just the latest skirmish in a year-long, up-and-down battle against the sweeping, poorly conceived law.

The Armed Citizen® December 4, 2023

True stories of the right to keep and bear arms.

NRA 2023 Year In Review

None of this would be possible without the enduring support of NRA members.



Get the best of America's 1st Freedom delivered to your inbox.