Large-bore shotgun gauge used for waterfowl and dangerous game in the 19th century; 8-bore punt guns were common; currently illegal for hunting but produced for industrial use.
Type: Shotgun
Introduced: 1860, United Kingdom
Standardization: Proprietary
Rim type: Rimmed
Primer: Shotgun
Production status: Limited Production
Also known as: 8 bore · 8-bore · 8 gauge shotgun
History: Once popular for waterfowl hunting and dangerous game, the 8 gauge was effectively banned for hunting waterfowl in the United States by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act amendments. Large punt guns in 8 bore were used for commercial market hunting before being outlawed. Today 8 gauge shells are produced for industrial bird deterrence and by specialty loaders for antique gun collectors and film…