Military air guns

[Mortimer]

I remember reading an article which stated that a European army adopted an air gun as an infantry weapon in the 18th or 19th century. Does anyone know any details on this?

Also, I'm after information on hunting air guns of the same period; I think I read of several models capable of killing deer.

Any help much appreciated, as I'm trying to convince a friend that I'm not mad!

[Dai.L]

Yes I'm sure you are right. I think the Swiss army used a form of pre charged air gun shooting a large calibre ball. There was if I remember quite a fuss about it. As opposing armies felt it was not "fair" to use them as they were so quiet!
Cheers
Dai.

[Dai.L]

Yes I'm sure you are right. I think the Swiss army used a form of pre charged air gun shooting a large calibre ball. There was if I remember quite a fuss about it. As opposing armies felt it was not "fair" to use them as they were so quiet!
Cheers
Dai.

[fullmetaljacket]

That would be the Girandoni rifle used by the Austrian army in the late 18th century.

You might find this - = link = - useful <img src="http://jsramsbottom.co.uk/bbs/e/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smile" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin:-->

[fullmetaljacket]

You can buy a detailed book about it here:

http://www.bryanandac.com/new_page_5.htm

[Mortimer]

Excellent! Thanks a lot, FMJ.

[Kev.]

Here is an interesting one for you, the Lewis and Clark expedition had an air rifle...

...we showed them many curiosities and the air gun which they were much astonished at.
William Clark, August, 1804

Air Rifle

Expedition Arms

[fullmetaljacket]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Mortimer:
Also, I'm after information on hunting air guns of the same period; I think I read of several models capable of killing deer.
[/quote]

Not antique, but very much the same principles and calibres involved, the wierd and wonderful world of Gary Barnes' creations:

http://www.barnespneumatic.com/index.html

Some models can produce over 600 ft/lb of energy, more than enough for hunting medium game at close range.

[redair]

Vintage airguns (vintageairguns.co.uk) have one for sale, with good pics and a very heavy price.
I'm sure Peter can give you much more info on this particular rifle and antique guns in general.
Look in the "Guns for Sale" part of the above website, which also shows many very interesting airguns, including the Girandoni.

Richard

[fullmetaljacket]

Expencive but in Excellant condition <!--graemlin:-->

[quantumshot]

Not 100% sure but in the 60's the Egyptian Army used to train with an adapted air-rifle.

[fullmetaljacket]

Yes, I think it was called the "Hakim" - IIRC AGW had done an article about it recently.

[redair]

Check back in your family history, as one of the greatest English gunmakers of the 18th and 19th century, bears your handle. I believe he mainly made best quality flintlock and percussion rifles and pistols but also made Ball and Butt reservoir
air rifles and pistols to the same very high standard. These fetch mega dosh and are highly sought after.
You never know, you could be related.
Richard

[Mortimer]

Alas I'm not really a Mortimer, Redair. I take my nickname from Lee Van Cleef's character in "For A Few Dollars More", Colonel Douglas Mortimer.

Thanks for all the info, chaps. <img src="http://jsramsbottom.co.uk/bbs/e/icon_smile.gif" alt="Smile" width="15" height="15"><!--graemlin:-->