How Old is the repeating Rifle?

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

A few years back I was listening to Clay Jenkins ( as Thomas Jefferson) on NPR. He was talking about the Lewis and Clark expedition, and mentioned they had a smokeless repeating rifle that used air for power. I had forgotten about that until a friend sent me this video clip yesterday.

Anyone want to build some air powered BMG's??? Sam????

http://www.network54.com/Forum/451309/thread/1296928404/This+is+just+to+cool+not+to+spread+around

 

[Sam Salvati]

How cool, like modern fossil fuels, another technology not really brought to popularity due to the industry. a fascinating gun!

 

[sunshadow]

Napoleon had orders that snipers caught with air rifles be killed on sight. They had the advantage that they had no flash combined with no smoke and minimum report which made them amazing tactical (in the real context not this Mall ninja "make it look like a combat helicopter" context) weapons

-Page

 

[mete]

Just like a compressed air hammer !!

 

[LifeBlade.net]

Napoleon had orders that snipers caught with air rifles be killed on sight. They had the advantage that they had no flash combined with no smoke and minimum report which made them amazing tactical (in the real context not this Mall ninja "make it look like a combat helicopter" context) weapons

-Page

I remember reading that too. Speaks not only to the tactical efficiency, but the fact that officers were the primary target of any sniper worth his salt. Hard to give orders while your gray matter is pouring out a 1/2" hole that mysteriously appeared in your noggin.

Check this out if this kind of thing floats your boat as much as it does mine.

http://www.beemans.net/images/Austrian airguns.htm

Apparently, a partisan Austrian bicycle maker designed a tubular magazine fed, air powered .463" bored musket for use against sentries, drivers, officers, etc.

Makes me want to break out the MIG and get to work!

Taylor

EDITED TO ADD ADDITIONAL LINKS: Curiosity got the best of me and I had to see if anyone contemporary was working in this arena.

http://www.bgmfairguns.com/

http://www.quackenbushairguns.com/

http://www.shinsungrifle.com/html/eng/main.htm

http://www.bigborebob.com/

http://www.bigboreairguns.com/

 

[deker]

This is just far too cool...Thanks Stacy, I needed another unicorn to chase...

-d

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

That's funny. Had they only invented the miniball to use with it. Having a rifled barrel and still shooting balls kinda negates the rifling. Still, very nice weapon.