GunsAmerica

Quick Look

Punt guns originated in the early 19th century as large shotguns mounted on small boats, designed for hunting waterfowl. Their design emphasizes massive spread and high shot volume for efficiency. Though obsolete for modern hunting, they remain notable as historical firearms and collectors items.

Why It's a Top Choice

Exceptional shot spread and volume
Historically significant waterfowl hunting tool
Unique design unmatched by modern shotguns
Collectors value for antique and museum pieces
Effective for targeting large groups of birds

Key Variants

Punt Gun Mk 1

Early large-bore model favored by commercial waterfowl hunters for maximum payload.

Punt Gun Mk 2

Improved balance and recoil management for use from small punts.

Competitor Comparison Table

Feature	Punt Gun	Springfield Model 1888	Winchester Model 1887
MSRP	N/A (antique)	$1,500 (historical reproduction)	$1,200 (historical reproduction)
Capacity/Size	Single large bore, mounted	Single-shot rifle	Lever-action shotgun
Weight	50+ lbs	9 lbs	7 lbs
Optics-Ready	No	No	No
Trigger Type	Manual large trigger	Single trigger	Lever action
Notable Pro	Unmatched spread and shot volume	Historical precision	Rapid firing capability
Notable Con	Impractical for modern use	Single shot limit	Complex maintenance

Best Use Cases

Historical waterfowl hunting
Collecting antique firearms
Museum exhibition
Outdoor shooting sports history

FAQs

Can I legally own a punt gun?

Ownership varies by jurisdiction; many US states restrict large bore firearms like punt guns due to size and power.

What caliber is a typical punt gun?

Punt guns often have bores exceeding 2 inches, using massive shot loads beyond modern shotgun calibers.

How were punt guns used historically?

Mounted on small boats, punt guns allowed hunters to shoot dozens of waterfowl simultaneously over wide spreads.

PUNT GUN for Sale