Hunter Arms made the first run of 10 Pigeon Grade guns (SNs 37209 to 37218) in May 1893 and in 1894 it cost $150 with AE
"Our Pigeon Gun is an innovation. Appreciating that there is a demand for a very quick shooting gun, we deliver this grade. The straight grip admits the most rapid work possible and supplies a want long felt by many sportsmen. They are specially adapted to stand the tremendous strain of many heavy loads of nitro powder."
The L.C. Smith Pigeon Gun was made in 10, 12, 16, and 20 gauges. Recent research by Dr. Jim Stubbendieck has revealed that total production was 1,395, about 15% more than the 1,214 reported by Col William S. Brophy in L.C. Smith Shotguns (1977). The majority (1,349) were made in 12 gauge. Only four were made in 10 gauge, 22 in 16 gauge, and 20 in 20 gauge. The most common barrel length was 30 inches. Nineteen were made with a second set of barrels.
Of note is the relatively few Pigeon Guns manufactured with 32” barrels. Harvey McMurchy received his 32" Pigeon SN 4524 September 8, 1900. The great Fred Gilbert used a Smith with 30” barrels to win the DuPont World’s Pigeon Shooting Championship in 1895 and the "E. C." Inanimate Target Championship Cup in 1896. Following the 1899 Grand American Handicap at Live Birds he changed to a 30” barrel Parker BH, but toward the end of 1901 received a new Parker DH with 32” barrels. The longer barrels appeared at the traps with increasing frequency thereafter.
Compared to many grades of L.C. Smith shotguns, the Pigeon Gun was never a top-seller. The period of highest production was 1895 to 1898 when 565, or over 40%, of the Pigeon Guns were made.
