aiming speargun ?

[falconer]

Hi,

I was just curious as to the methods used to line up
fish with speargun. I was in a pool practicing with my
speargun and using a lawn chair sunk to bottom and
a carpet draped over it I did some experimenting.
By siting right down the shaft with one eye I was
able to get within about a 6" circle from about
5' to 8' away. Is this accuracy good enough to take most fish ?
Also, is there any danger in siting down the shaft this way
with my eyes directly behind the butt of gun ? Thanks in
advance for any comments or suggestion.

Kevin Falconer Fort Myers, FL

[FredT]

Originally posted by falconer
Is there any danger in siting down the shaft this way
with my eyes directly behind the butt of gun ?
Kevin Falconer Fort Myers, FL

YES!

Recoil from a heavily powered gun can drive your reg THROUGH your teeth!

Practice with a two handed hold with the trigger hand elbow locked if you intend to do this. that forces the recoil to rotate you instead of feeding you the gun butt.

Do a bit of search on instictive shooting, both eyes open and head up for wingshooters. This a a good targeting method for short ranges.

FT

[inletsurf]

I agree. I knocked all the glass out of my mask shooting at a gag at 95' fsw that way, cut my face and had to ascend with no mask.

Never never never never put your face behind the butt without your arms completely extended straight, and a good grip on the gun.

Spear One suggests shooting with your other hand holding the butt of the gun both for quick maneuverability and for gun stability. This seems like it would be even safer.

[Grauer]

Recoil from a heavily powered gun can drive your reg THROUGH your teeth!

Tastes like chicken :)

Couple of things since your just starting out.

1 ask lots of questions
2 dive with some experienced slayers
3 get yourself to one of spearone seminars

-- quick advice--
If you shoot a trigger fish, stringem through the mouth not the eyes.
Everytime you shoot a fish check your air, everytime you string your fish check your air.
Get used to shooting freeshaft ( with out a line attached)
Remember to put your arm through your bands after you shoot a fish.
---btw--
Welcome to spearboard! :)

[falconer]

Thanks for the comments, I did have the sense to put my head off
to the side on my first shot not knowing what kind of recoil
to even expect, I was actually expecting more of course I had
only 2 bands armed. I will make sure I lock the trigger arm
next time out. Crushed reg, broken mask, definitely something
to avoid.


Kevin Falconer Fort Myers, FL

[Steel Shootin']

I shoot with my right arm (trigger arm) fully extended and locked at the elbow, left hand on butt of gun, and right eye looking down the down the top of the gun along the shaft. The locking of the arm is not only important for safety, but for accuracy as well. Less whip in the shaft, and it'll fly straighter.

[SharpShooter JR]

what they said. whatever arm is holding the gun keep it fully extended and locked. Dont try and shoot it like a rifle. Not only will the extension of your arm keep recoil down but it will also depending on your wingspan give u an extra 3-4 ft closer to the target. I shoot with arm fully extended and keep both eyes open aiming for the head. since your arm is fully extended there is no point in trying to site in your gun on the target because the guns sites are to far from your face, also with both eyes open you get depth perception and just in case you miss will be able to see where the fish ran off to or your shaft.

[FredT]

Originally posted by falconer
Crushed reg Fort Myers, FL

The problem isn't the crushed reg.

It's the cold water and frigid expanded compressed air flowing over the exposed tooth pulp nerves after your front teeth are broken off!

It takes more than a bit of zen diving to maintain control of your ascent rate in those conditons.

FT

[Marcus]

First time I ever shot a speargun was out of the water, it was cocked when it was handed to me, I was about 14 yrs. old, 48" biller, sighting down the shaft, arms not locked.

Result.... Broken nose. :mad:

[GeauxSaints]

that is exactly what happened to me when my dad first let me shoot his combat .45. He said "Watch me." I said, "I did." He said, "OK, then, go ahead and shoot."

He didn't bother to tell me that I was in for a surprise because I was holding it right up to my face to "site better"...he just said, "Did you see me hold the weapon that close to MY face?" and, "Do I have a broken nose?"

It is funny...some things you only need one lesson for.:D

[f94gator]

I received a pretty gentle correction the first and only time I put my face right behind the butt of the gun. Smacked me in the mask but didn't break it. Guess I lucked out, some of you learned that lesson the hard way!

[greyface]

My 1st shot knocked the reg. out of my mouth, and gave me a fat lip.:rolleyes:

[dive4food]

I'm happy to see some other guys fess up to these little mishaps. Good to see I wasn't the only one that got a fat lip when starting out.

[Faust]

Hey Kevin :

Where ya at in Ft Mysery ? We have a few trips planned over the next few weeks but would be more than happy to have some more company later in the month.We usually run 30-50 miles out with some solid divers and hunters.Drop me a line maybe we can get ya some hands on in your back yard.


Michael

(michael@faustassociates.com)

[falconer]

Michael,

I'm in the San Carlos Park area south of Alico. I'm free most weekends and would be happy to kick in for fuel and
costs. Even just observing at this point and getting comfortable
with the gun would be helpful. I'll send ya an e-mail and if
you have space let me know, thanks.

Kevin