174 THE COMPLETE WILDFOWLER 



The selection of a punt-gun should be made after considering 

 whether the numbers of fowl to be followed are large or small. 

 This matter may be clearly understood, but it would be well 

 to remember that, unless one's gun is suitable to circumstances, 

 it is not very likely that pleasant results can be expected. 

 The punt-gun which seems to be of general use at most 

 ordinary fowling-grounds in the British Isles is that of about 

 i^ in. bore, and capable of throwing a charge of lead varying 

 from sixteen to twenty ounces. Where fowl are generally met 

 with in small lots, a gun of i| in. bore, sufficiently strong to 

 take the heaviest loads for this size of gun, will be found to 

 answer well. With a small-bore yet strong gun, the chances 

 are that light charges will be thrown with good effect, and 

 still such a gun can be used with a heavy load. Of course, 

 there is a limit to all charges, though in the case of a small 

 bore the fact lies that a light load can be used, whereas with 

 a large bore this is impracticable if fowl are to be killed clean 

 and deadly. We may all know that every fowling-piece shoots 

 best with its correct load, though in the case of a punt-gun 

 some modification of the charge may be successfully attempted, 

 according to circumstances and conditions. 



Some noted fowlers have argued that it might be beneficial 

 if the shot fired from punt-guns could be formed into an 

 elliptical shape at the point of killing range, if strong shooting 

 could be guaranteed. This would certainly be of advantage 

 for some shots, but not all ; for, with the ordinary circle, 

 better returns can never be hoped for when the birds are 

 placed suitably for a good shot. The elongated shot patch 

 can be obtained by loading with side-spreaders in the shot 

 charge, though, from personal experience, we find thin and 

 weak shooting is the result, and for those who contemplate 

 trying such a fad, we advise them to be content with a round 

 patch. Nothing will ever be better. 



The cost of breech-loading punt-guns is very high, com- 



