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Antique Percussion Shotguns

Like the rifle, the shotgun was forced to evolve as times changed. As percussion rifles became the norm, percussion shotguns didn’t trail far behind.

A percussion shotgun works by placing a small metal cap filled with a shock-sensitive explosive on top of a nipple, then striking it with a hammer. This creates a spark which ignites gunpowder and propels the shot forward. Many blunderbuss weapons and fowling pieces were converted to percussion from matchlock.

Double-barreled shotguns grew in popularity with the advent of percussion caps. They quickly became the standard by which shotguns were built. These shotguns were favored by cavalry units for the same reason that blunderbusses were: it was easier to strike targets from a moving horse. Hunters, ranchers, and farmers preferred the double barrel for its ease of use, power, and ability to kill in a single shot. Percussion weapons are relatively young and many are still in firing condition.


Quick Facts

  • The Confederate cavalry was legendary for their usage of percussion shotguns
  • Percussion caps and modern manufacturing developed the rabbit-ear hammers still found on double-barreled shotguns
  • Colt produced a revolving percussion shotgun known as the model 1855. It offered more than double the firepower of a double barrel but was expensive and brittle

Recommended Items at Auction

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19th c RS Clark Percussion Shotgun
Feb 21, 9:30 AM EST
19th c RS Clark Percussion Shotgun
by Merrill's Auctioneers & Appraisers
Est: $150- $250
$501 Bid
Three Smoothbore Percussion Long Guns
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
Three Smoothbore Percussion Long Guns
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $850- $1,300
$7500 Bids
Three American Muzzleloading Long Guns
Feb 22, 9:00 AM CST
Three American Muzzleloading Long Guns
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $1,200- $1,800
$1,0000 Bids
Colt Model 1855 20 Gauge Percussion Revolving Shotgun
Feb 23, 9:00 AM CST
Colt Model 1855 20 Gauge Percussion Revolving Shotgun
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $3,000- $4,500
$2,5000 Bids
A DOUBLE-BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. C. 1830.
Feb 25, 2:00 PM CET
A DOUBLE-BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. C. 1830.
by Bernaerts Auctioneers
Est: €400- €500
€2400 Bids
Colt Model 1855 20 Gauge Percussion Revolving Shotgun
Feb 21, 9:00 AM CST
Colt Model 1855 20 Gauge Percussion Revolving Shotgun
by Rock Island Auction Company
Est: $5,000- $7,500
$4,5000 Bids
A DOUBLE-BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. C. 1830.
Feb 25, 2:00 PM CET
A DOUBLE-BARREL PERCUSSION SHOTGUN. C. 1830.
by Bernaerts Auctioneers
Est: €400- €500
€2400 Bids
HASLETT, BALTIMORE, ENGLISH IMPORTED DUCK GUN, c1815.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
HASLETT, BALTIMORE, ENGLISH IMPORTED DUCK GUN, c1815.
by Guyette & Deeter
Est: $2,500- $4,500
$1,2500 Bids
LONG KETLAND PERCUSSION FOWLER c1810, Birmingham, England.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
LONG KETLAND PERCUSSION FOWLER c1810, Birmingham, England.
by Guyette & Deeter
Est: $1,200- $1,500
$6000 Bids
VERY UNUSUAL JOHN CAMPBELL OF BALTIMORE MARKED DOUBLE BARREL 8 GAUGE MUZZLELOADER.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
VERY UNUSUAL JOHN CAMPBELL OF BALTIMORE MARKED DOUBLE BARREL 8 GAUGE MUZZLELOADER.
by Guyette & Deeter
Est: $1,000- $1,500
$5000 Bids
INTERESTING MUZZLE LOADING SHOTGUN BY JOSEPH GAFFORD OF BALTIMORE MARYLAND.
Feb 27, 10:00 AM EST
INTERESTING MUZZLE LOADING SHOTGUN BY JOSEPH GAFFORD OF BALTIMORE MARYLAND.
by Guyette & Deeter
Est: $600- $900
$3000 Bids

Sellers Who Sell Antique Percussion Shotguns


Guyette & Deeter

Guyette & Deeter

Rock Island Auction Company

Rock Island Auction Company

Bernaerts Auctioneers

Bernaerts Auctioneers

Holts Auctioneers

Holts Auctioneers