Clam Guns

M W Sheller · 06-03-2002, 04:58 PM

I been thinking about getting a clam gun. But being a total novice to hunting clams, I need help. What caliber should I use? Scope, or iron sights? Single shot, bolt, lever, pump, or maybe full auto? Where are the vital points of aim?? It seems like anything would be a gut shot. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img] Or should I be thinking "scatter-gun"? What size shot? What style choke? [img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img] Lead, steel, or bismuth????????

Taylor's viewpoint · 06-03-2002, 05:08 PM

I would definetly go with the autoloader, those little buggers can dig pretty fast and you want to give um another load real quick. You might want to keep a can of WD-40 around to clean out the salt and sand.
TV

Joe Schwab · 06-03-2002, 05:29 PM

I'd try to find one made of graphite. They are so much more sensitive!!

At least 5 inch chamber.

Keep it away from the kids though. :smile:

dogfishboy · 06-03-2002, 05:45 PM

MWS, here is a link to an old thread with a lot of good info. Pilar had a good recipe for building you own. I used these after some ******* stole the old clam guns that my grandfater had given me 30 years ago out of my rig in the parking lot at the Tillamook Safeway two years ago. You can go to Fisherman's Marine and look at theirs to get some ideas. Good luck with your project.

Razor clamorama

bigshark · 06-03-2002, 06:03 PM

MW S. It's not the gun that counts when hunting clams. It's the gunner that is all important. You must be ready for the speed at which they will try to escape. For such events you may wish to try a little self preperation. I suggest 4 oz of good gin and 4 olives on 4 cubes of ice. Exellent ammo for a gunner getting ready to use his gun........on clams. :grin:

Pilar · 06-04-2002, 06:59 AM

Ok here's a parts list.
(1) 12' x 4" pvc drain pipe, no holes. It's the thin stuff.
(1) 12' x 1" schedule 80 pvc, for the handles
(6) 1/4-20 x 1-1/2" stainless hex head bolts.
(12) 1/4" flat washers
(6) 1/4-20 nylon insert locking nuts, 'Nylock'
(3) 4" PVC pipe caps
(1) can of PVC cleaner
(1) can of PVC purple primer
(1) can of PVC cement
(1) tube of silicone sealer

Cut the 4" pipe in three 4' sections. Cut the 1" pipe in three 1' sections. Drill and bolt the 1" pipe to the pipe caps. Use a washer on both sides and the nuts go on the inside of the cap. Seal the bolt holes with the silicone sealer inside and out. Drill a 1/4" hole in the cap where your thumb can reach it when you hold the handle. Glue the cap on the end of a 4' section of the 4" pipe.
You can 'sharpen' the business end of the gun with a file but its not really necessary.

Wa la, its a clam gun! No wait, 3 clam guns! These work on sand shrimp too.

You can get the pipe and bolts for $15. Most of you will already have the rest of the stuff just laying around.

Note: the gun must be 4" diameter to be legal.

Oh and it takes 3" high brass, steel shot.

Point-of-Sale Clerk · 06-04-2002, 08:24 AM

For accuracy buy one that has at least a 26 inch- fluted-stainless steel barrel, aluminum pillar bed-block mounting system, graphite- Kevlar free floated beaver-tail forearm stock, two-stage externally adjustable target trigger, and a drop box magazine. :grin:

In case a wounded clam turns and attacks you I would recommend a back-up firearm like a 454 Casull or Magnum Research�s new 45-70 five shot revolver. :grin: :grin:

P.S. never shoot at a mother clam and her cubs. They are too dangerous when protecting their young. :grin: :grin: :grin:

Get Bent · 06-04-2002, 09:04 AM

Clam guns don't kill clams. People kill clams.

Point-of-Sale Clerk · 06-04-2002, 10:16 AM

Get Bent...

LOL :grin:

isn't that the new NRA slogan?

Will Chuck Heston hold up a clam gun and shout "From my cold dead CLAMMY hand!"
:grin: :grin: :grin:

Slow Roll · 06-04-2002, 11:14 PM

Oh, we are a punny bunch here aren't we. :tongue:

You must remember to be safe when out gunning for clams. "Son, just put the gun down and step away from the clams!!" :shocked: Just don't point it at anyone, that's just plain stupid, it goes off and someones gonna have a dang big hickey to explain later. [img]graemlins/stupid.gif[/img]

Keep the safety on and don't take your eye off the clam. Lead them just a bit on the downslope.

Question, what happens if you get a hangfire? I haven't had this happen yet, but hear it can be a dangerous situation to be in. Do you pull the hammer back again and squeeze it off or just drop it and run?

Lets be safe out there people. [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

ok, I'm done, all tapped out of dumbness for the day. [img]graemlins/1zhelp.gif[/img]

Paul B.