My punt gun

I'm thinking this is a wall gun. They were made all over the world in a bunch of configurations. Your example may have been hand made in China(?) for an export market but I am only guessing because I think I can make out what looks like "xinhu2" on your gun which would actually be Xinhua province. The "no double fire" is a reference to most wall guns which were made to let loose multiple barrels - as in this fine 1680 Saxon example http://www.fototime.com/8220D49EF4162AF/orig.jpg.

Punt guns were usually very large single bore, meant to be mounted in boats or wagons, and loaded with shot, rocks, nuts and bolts, scrap metal - and when touched off, just filled the air with lethality.
 
Punt Gun

Weren't they used by professional duck hunters?
I remember seeing one one a small rowboat in a museum in the Northeast.
 
Not necessarily 'professionals' - but certainly meant for taking large numbers of waterfowl with one (sometimes many barrels at once) round(s). Birds were then sold to markets or as fresh meat or just for content or feathers. The small boat they were used in was called a 'punt' - the guns are still used for hunting in England. There are some interesting photos and information here http://books.google.com/books?id=0QzfxsYBw0sC&pg=PA38&lpg=PA38&dq=maryland+punt+gun&source=bl&ots=bM0YDtsilk&sig=Gm8Y671Vgu566LOuy6Ww0fb2Ny4&hl=en&ei=ZN99SsHkBofcNp2zyeEC&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4#v=onepage&q=maryland%20punt%20gun&f=false - check out the multi barrel piece in the second photo.
 
From what I remember reading, punt guns were a favorite amongst poachers. I think they are still illegal to hunt with nowadays. They typically were anywhere from 4 gauge up to A gauge (2" bore).

Although, considering they are classed as "antique firearms" by the BATF, I bet it would be a rather interesting gun to SBS. :eek:
 
My cousin has a old front stuffer (cap and ball type) punt gun in his garage: about 7-7 1/2 feet long, 4 gauge if I remember right. Got a muzzle about inch and a half wide, darn near big enough to use as a drain pipe.:cool:
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top