doublegunshop.com - home Forums General Discussion DoubleGun BBS @ doublegunshop.com My Friend , Cyril Adams

Anyone who has any interest in the history of competition pigeon shooting should buy his book on it that was published maybe three-four years ago. The chapter on ammo allowed and used is worth the price of the whole book. He signed mine, and we spoke several times about pigeon guns.

Brister, and now Adams. Texas, and the world, has lost a wealth of shotgunning wisdom in these two men. Thank you, Paul, for making us aware.

RIP, Cyril

What a loss. At one time I shot zz birds with a group at West Side near Katy. Cyril was the spark plug of the group. He was a great mentor and coach. He had been there and done ALL of it.

May God smile on you.

Gutted about this, and sad. A massive influence in double shotgunning. A major influence in the popularization of British guns in the 80s and 90s, particularly those with Damascus barrels and hammerguns, apart from his achievements in the pigeon ring. The guns he made with Ron Solari when Adams owned AG&L were among the finest made in Britain at the time. An innovator and traditionalist all in one. And I second Stan's recommendations on the book "Live Pigeon Trap Shooting: Its History, Appurtenances, Descendants, and How to Do it." I could go on but his legacy speaks for itself.

He will be missed. Sorry for his family. RIP

Thanks for posting, Mel. His legacy will live on and your words describe him w/great accuracy. Glad that he was able to pass as many of us would wish to; peacefully and in his sleep.

I was fortunate to know him over a span of more than fifty years, shoot some birds going pretty far back & helice w/him now & again and sometimes have lunch w/him years ago when he would come up for a shoot or double gun related doings. Always the gentleman and always willing to share insights gained thru much personal experience and never the least forceful about any of it. He had a kind demeanor from the first time we were introduced in the 60's and it never changed. Was able to have some fun conversation w/him last time he came up to shoot a USHA match. Whot, a year ago(?), perhaps a bit more. That was the last time I saw him.

God speed, Cyril; it was a true pleasure knowing you.

I first met Cyril at the Old Dallas Gun Club, on Royal Lane,at my second flyer shoot in February 1976... He was interesting, shot a SxS ( which was not all that unusual back then ,especially at that club as approximately 20% + or - of the field shot one) But, I was taken back by a round button he wore , of the kind used in political campaigns, it Said in bold print "God Shoots A Purdey"

So did some others.. and very well I might add.
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A few years back Cyril was shooting a 34" Parker and I was shooting a Syracuse on a friendly helice match, both w/'self opening' issues from too much wear. I know we both got them repaired by different gunsmiths. He'd mentioned at the time that he had that Parker repaired for that same issue more than once, but if you shot them enough that you expected it to happen. I don't recall the grade or even if it had one or two triggers even tho he offered it to me to shoot, just that the pull was way longer than whot I would have been comfortable shooting. His sleeve length was probably several inches longer than mine. I declined the generous offer.

I corresponded with Cyril several times about various subjects, all involving pigeons, tried to catch his 34" A.G. & L. hammer gun before it got promised to a friend. I was disappointed that the A.G. & L. project didn't go farther to promote hammer guns. Rest in peace, Sir.

Knowing that Cyril's guns were being offered into the market gave me a hint that his condition was probably worsening.....
Over a week I made 3 calls, all unanswered, he was in treatment or resting I assume. Last Sunday afternoon, the 27th, I had an unexplained sense that I really needed to speak with him.

I was at the ranch with my gear loaded for a dove shoot with my stepson, and it was an hour too early to get into the field. I grabbed my phone and gave his cell number a ring. To my delight he picked up on the third ring and in a weak voice greeted me warmly. He said he had indeed seen my calls, and many others, but had been feeling too poorly to converse. He said he was having a "better" day that afternoon. I was going to just wish him well and let him get off and rest, but to my delight he dove into a great conversation. Questions about my dove season, had I seen so and so? did he have any birds etc. The talk went into old times, shoots, hunts together, long passed mutual shooting friends, what gun was I shooting? and oh, did I mind if he gave a friend my cell number. Said he thought I knew more about Italian Best Guns than He did ??? So he hoped I could answer some questions for his customer who was contemplating a purchase in Italy.....

It was a great chat and I begged off with telling him that the doves were starting to fly, he told me to shoot some "High ones for Him"...... I had an odd feeling , almost certainty, that it was going to be the last time I would speak with him....

Thanks for sharing that Mel. A warm tribute and a great last call.