Airguns for collecting specimens

[Garvin]

I.J. reminded me of this bit in WHB Smith's encyclopedia when he mentioned using dust shot for collecting specimens of birds, in the shotgun thread yesterday. According to Smith, quoting a zoologist, the Webley Service firing pellets was more efficient than dust shot!

I wonder if this cadmium-plated rifle was the one the scientists used? Having a rust-proof coating would be perfect for the Tropics!

[ashf9999]

I.J. reminded me of this bit in WHB Smith's encyclopedia when he mentioned using dust shot for collecting specimens of birds, in the shotgun thread yesterday. According to Smith, quoting a zoologist, the Webley Service firing pellets was more efficient than dust shot!

I wonder if this cadmium-plated rifle was the one the scientists used? Having a rust-proof coating would be perfect for the Tropics!

Wow. I wonder if this was done at the factory when it was made? I've seen and had various plated Webley's over the years (some aftermarket), but none like that. Fascinating.

[Josie & John]

Henry Kranks recently sold a 2 barrelled Service in a wooden box, which they claimed was associated with this zoologist. No idea what provenance it had but by the sounds of it, there were a number in use. An interesting item, if genuine.

John

[magicesperanto]

Cadmium seems a strange choice of plating, why not nickel?

Anyone have an idea why?

[edbear2]

Cadmium seems a strange choice of plating, why not nickel?

Anyone have an idea why?

Less likely to spook I suppose when out in all that sun

You can get it in other colours such as olive green as well, but it is not as durable as nickle obviously.

I get a fair bit of work cad or zinc passivated, and had mused on the idea myself in the past.

ATB, Ed

[walnutfarmmick]

Less likely to spook I suppose when out in all that sun

You can get it in other colours such as olive green as well, but it is not as durable as nickle obviously.

I get a fair bit of work cad or zinc passivated, and had mused on the idea myself in the past.

ATB, Ed

I liked cadmium for handlebar fittings but thought it had been outlawed like creosote (not suitable for handlebars).

ATVB, Mick

[I. J.]

I.J. reminded me of this bit in WHB Smith's encyclopedia when he mentioned using dust shot for collecting specimens of birds, in the shotgun thread yesterday.

See! I do have my uses.

[DEAN C.]

I liked cadmium for handlebar fittings but thought it had been outlawed like creosote (not suitable for handlebars).

ATVB, Mick

You could use it Mick but the grips would go a bit mushy!!