gun?

[alagig]

I am looking to buy my first spear gun but do not know what to get. It seams everyone wants to sell me the biggest damn gun in the whole store. I plan to hunt mainly in the gulf for fish 20lbs and under 3 or 4 times a year. What should I consider when looking at guns for this purpose?

[WreckDiver]

WWW.SLINGINSTEEL.com

[richhermes]

You could get a rhino Classic from the Spearfishing specialties. I would go for a 48" gun. You want the ability to go lineshaft or freeshaft, so keep that in mind.

JBL guns are hard to find shafts for so I would stick with an AB Biller or similar. These shafts are more widely carried.

If you want to get into a gun as cheap as possible and don't mind a used gun, check out Ebay. You can usually find a good deal on a Biller there.

[FredT]

JBL shafts are quite common in northern gulf areas.

If using a JBL be sure to get the XHD trigger assembly. Then gun "upgrades" are easy and cheap by simply changing tube and shaft.


The Competion magnum or 38 special is a good starting gun length. Longer guns give you more range, but in the limited vis and wreck hunting commonly done off Alabama a longer gun can be a liability when first starting out. Both the guns will have sufficient power for 20# fish. Be wary of larger AJs with either gun.

A smaller gun also forces you to learn stalking techniques when chasing grouper and snapper around the wrecks. This will pay off big time when you start hunting the deeper clearer water in a few years

FT

[f94gator]

Biller or SS guns are both quite good. I used a JBL 53" Woody Magnum for years. It worked well, but it's not as good as my SS paulope.

I actually still have it if you're interested - although shipping might kill you on something that long. PM if interested.

[alagig]

I appreciate your help. I thought that 5 1/2 feet of gun would be a slight over kill. I will keep my eye on ebay and the newspapers. Thanks.

[Spearooo]

I say stay as far away from jbl as you can. Get a Rob Allen rail gun in whatever size is most comfortable for you. Get the one with two bands its easier to load and has more power. these guns put others to shame in term of power accuracy and competitie price. Call mike at Florida freedivers he is super nice and will help you pick the right gun