Another Widgeon lands in Montezuma
 

A short time ago I acquired #159075 the 1st of the 8 Widgeon Duck Club guns. It was assigned to J.N. Young. The PGCA letter I commissioned was the first to be done on this gun. I suspect the gun never left the Visalia, California area for its entire life as it resurfaced not far from there before making its way to me.

The gun is not without concerns. It has literally been “rode hard and put away wet”. The barrels have pitting both inside and out (measured twice and deemed safe). The original wood is lost. The straight grip restock is not of high quality – American walnut lacking drop points and coarse checkering patterns - a beavertail forend was created. The barrel reblue is not pretty. The good news is the metal is in decent condition (pics 1&2) save some blemishes. The screws are mostly unmolested and or salvageable. It’s all there. It’s still a Widgeon Duck Club gun! It is not near the condition of the J.A. Hannah (8th of 8) gun but I am proud to have it.

Moving forward I will have some decisions to make - as I am one to accept (even appreciate) more battle scars than some, I may not do much to it at all. The wood is my primary concern as the LOP is a bit short and it should have a splinter forend. I would really like to find some Parker 1 frame straight grip wood to fit this gun. I know it is unlikely but I will post and ad under “Wanted to buy” and hope to get lucky.

I will hunt the gun at Vanderbilt this fall. I suspect with low pressure Bismuth as it may not be a great idea to run the hotter Kent Matrix through this one. Hopefully I will report back soon with ducks in the pictures. Our season starts in mid October this year. This should prove to be quite useful on early teal, widgeon, and gadwall.

Also – The barrels and forend from #163962 – The J.A. Hannah WDC gun fit on #159075 perfectly. (pic 3)

Nice find and congrats on that one Mark. Given the amount of wear/use you described the metal and screws are in amazing condition. Best of luck with it.

Great find of a historical gun. You might want to consider a restock. That gun warrents the cost, in my opinion.

Mark - Congratulations!

Will you also "Engrave shield J.N.Y." ?

Best of luck finding a stock and forend.





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Thanks Dean -

I hope to get lucky. If not I may restock.

Shield in current stock may be the original but is worn considerably.

I will be working with Brian on this project. We will pursue it to best we can!

I agree the gun deserves it.

Another great duck gun Mark! I let a nice 16 gauge get away from me.......

Very cool find! Can't wait to hear more as the project progresses

Thanks Reggie
I am bringing that 16 to Mikes this weekend! Rest assured that gun will be loved and well taken care of!

Great find. Certainly worth of a "correct" restock by one of our present day masters. How many of the Widgeon Duck Club guns are accounted for?

Dave
I believe this gun makes 5 of the 8 for which PGCA letters have been created.