I wouldn't be interested in using a semi auto, but you know those Pennsylvanians.

Large bore shotguns were considered the tools of the market hunter. When they were trying to ban the sale of game they also saw fit to ban the tools of those that did that sort of work. Most sportsman didn't use anything larger than a 12 gauge so encouraging a ban on guns they didn't understand was pretty easy.

There have been several tries at getting the bans lifted by people who were very influential in the wildfowling circles but it never stuck. You'll never see it happen today, the outcry of the democratic bunny huggers would be far too loud.

Destry

Turn your swords into plowshares and your eight bores into skeet guns :rotf:

Strange world we live in. Rather than a ban on a class of antique shotguns a requirement limiting the ounce of shot would accomplish the same thing.

Even with a market hunters load, the way I shoot it wouldn't matter that much to the migratory population.

In those days, factory loaded 8 gauge shells had 1 3/4 ounces of shot in them. You can buy more than that in a 12 gauge shell today. Buckingham wrote about this 60+ years ago but they're still banned. Hell you can buy 12 gauge shells with more shot in them than any vintage factory loaded 4 gauge shell I've ever seen.

DLH

Is the ban by state or is it federal? If federal, who issued the ban??

It's a Federal ban issued by the Federal Government enforced by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

DLH

I live pretty close to that auction, so I went by and looked at it today. I thought it may be my only chance to fondle an 8 gauge.
It was worth the trip for sure. You can't help but smile while you're holding it. Those are some massive barrels. It seemed to balance quite nicely.
How many 8 gauges were made?
Tom Will

So I guess I won't be loooking for an 8 ga. this did get me thinking about the why of it all. Found the prohibition here. It is under the Migratory Birds Convention Act - Regulations

HUNTING METHODS AND EQUIPMENT
15. (1) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) and section 23.1, no person shall hunt a migratory bird
(a) except with a long bow and arrow or with a shotgun not larger than number 10 gauge;

(Note: the subject to's relate to far north residents who can also use a rifle not larger that .22)

I can understand the rationale somewhat, but it does seem the desired result is lost with the introduction of 3 and 3 1/2 inch magnum shot shells. All a bit academic for a pheasant hunter. :):

Oh my gosh, I shouldn't be using the ten at pheasants? My last tame pheasant hunt was quite pleasant with my little Sauer ten.