They don't get fired a whole lot.. but it is very pleasing splattering .44 round balls on steel plates, using a gun made in the 1830's or so.
To top bottom
.395 cal tap load
.457 cal tap load
. 44 repeater (same as the Girandoni)
.31 muzzle loader
The little gun on the bottom is pretty unique in its small size. It is a fun one to shoot!
Here I was expecting 20 year old o-rings LoL.
Can these really be filled from a scuba tank?
Here I was expecting 20 year old o-rings LoL.
Can these really be filled from a scuba tank?
Yes, I have adapters made for each one.
The .44 repeater has a new flask (the shiny aluminum one). It's original tank is sealed up as well and holds pressure, but I don't put much into it. The Aluminum tank gets charged to 850/900 PSI for shooting that gun.
Yes, I have adapters made for each one.
These type of guns get mentioned occasionally, but the use part, is left out.
Some pics of the adapters would really take this thread up a notch!
How long do they hold air?
900psi... that sounds a lot less scary than what I had in mind!
900psi in an old iron tank is still enough to blow an arm apart or worse...But, that is the pressure the .44 was designed to operate at. The other guns are less, they are filled to 600psi.
The best thing is that at these pressures, the guns actually shoot very well and will get many shots for what they are. The .31 was getting around 35 before I'd refill it. The new tank on the .44 has 50% of the original tanks volume, but would still shoot 18 times with power. Last time I checked the .44 it was crossing the radar over 600FPS
I have a couple original pumps as well for some old antique airguns.
The guns all hold pressure for a very long time, the globe reservoir gun has held a charge for over a year at one time... they all have new, modern valve stem seals. I'm not positive in the material used, but they are not original leather seals. That is the only thing that is not original on the guns. The valve stems themselves are original too.
I can post up photos of the fill adapters later, and a pump... the fill adapters are nothing special, just a fitting with a nipple to attach the whip to it.
Can you imagine what it took to build a gun in those days?
I can tell you, it takes me a lot longer to ruin a part with a file or hammer, than with the lathe or mill.
@davidenoch
David,
Do you own any vintage airguns? If so, tell us about them please. I agree post of the month.
I once saw a reproduction of Lewis and Clark rifle in Astoris,, Orgen where they have reinactors at the Fort there.
Hi Don,
I don't own any really old vintage airguns. I am more of a plinker than a collector or competitive shooter. I have a couple of older vintage militia style springers. One is a Diana and the other two are unmarked. My oldest PCP is a Air Arms Shamal.
I always drool over Larry Hannusch's vintage airguns at the shows. He has a matched set of Girandoni pistols and a working Girandoni style rifle which he shoots with a different bottle. He also has several ball reservoir rifles.
I wish I had bought one of the old engraved Giffard C02 rifles back when they could be had for $1000. But, that was as out of reach at that time as what ever they go for now. Besides, what would I do with the thing.
Have a great rest of the week,
David Enoch
Besides, what would I do with the thing.
That's exactly what I've thought about OP's examples, every time I see that sort.
6000 pumps later... yeah... I'ma leave that air in the gun then eh?
@davidenoch
Wow David,
You have a Air Arms Shamal. When I first got really into airguns it was considered top of the line. I'm purty sure Nick Jenkinson had some advice on it's development way before the NJR (Nick Jenkinson ?). Can't remember what the "R" stood for, was it rifle? Do you think the Shamal has appreciated? Do you remember what you paid for it?
I have yet to go to a airgun show. But for sure it's on my bucket list. The oldest airgun I own is a no rifling Benjamin pumper. I refinished it when I was 13 years old. Sadly I sold it and I ALWAYS have regretted selling it. I no longer sell anything.
What is your favorite airgun show?
Don Carkhuff
Darien,Il
@davidenoch
My oldest PCP is the Air Arms TM100 the successor to the Shamal. Others in this line were the SM, XM and the top of the line, the NJR
colt1900
Neat old guns. Guess my oldest one is middle aged since its only 108 years old. Here is a link to a post i did on it. Having an older gun that would shoot a 44 round ball would be fun. Really smack that steel. Videos of the guns being shot would be nice.
Hi Don
I used to have a NJR (nick Jenkinson replica) in the mid 1990's. Shot it in a couple world ft matches. Wish I had keep that one. It was S/N 0080 in 22cal. Only a few were made in 22cal. Had the limited edition paperwork with it from air arms. Tom Itterly used to shot a shamal. I think it was the first air arms pcp I got to shoot.
@kyairgunner
Chis,
I remember seeing you at several matches. You always had something new and different from previous events. Western Wayne Club in Michigan hosted World Championships at the time you had the NKR. By the way, Nick put a few pistol barrels on TX200's with success.
I shot the njr up to the 2000 world. Traded Anthony Storey for a zm2002. Never did well that that one. I sure miss going to WWC. Used to camp out during the matches. They even had a outside shower. I'm shooting a 500HFT 12 ftpd now. Nice little gun. Never have to work on it.
Here is an older video of the globe reservoir gun being shot at gumballs on golf tees... it's on the bottom board, just to the left of the plywood
