Okki, a reader of TFB, discovered a primitive blackpowder shotgun in use by locals at the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca, Peru.

Okki said …

I was on vacation in Peru this month and while visiting the Uros floating islands on Lake Titicaca I noticed one of the local’s firearm. I could see from a distance that it was old, but I couldn’t put my finger on what it actually was. upon permission of the owner I handled the weapon and noticed it was a percussion cap muzzle loader. It was thoroughly rusted and i was surprised the action would actually cycle. The barrel had been cur right in front of the chamber and a new “barrel” had been welded on. The new barrel, I was told, was a piece of pipe that was salvaged of a truck. A small welding bead was used for the front sight. I’m not sure if the stock is original.

As mentioned, the owner still actively uses the weapon to hunt birds. He makes his own bullets and apparently is able to successfully hunt with it. Based on the condition, I would not fire it personally and risk life/limbs, but it is a testament to the resourcefulness of the native people in the high arid desert or Peru.

Can anyone identify the gun? I suspect the action is of local manufacture and very old.