antique airgun

[paaiyan]

That's pretty complex. Unless there were any benefits that I'm not seeing, I think I would have opted for a flintlock over that.

[carter]

thanks jsr. pretty complex. it still amazes me how thy can do that will the tools they had

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

Unless there were any benefits that I'm not seeing, I think I would have opted for a flintlock over that.

The benefits compared to latter day firearms for the Girandoni were tremendous - first of all, there was no lack of power, it had about the same muzzle energy as a modern 45 handgun. It had a 20 round magazine, meaning its rate of fire was far ahead of any muzzle loaded flintlock at the time, and it was not affected by rain or moisture like black power rifles were. Also, it did not belch clouds of white smoke when firing.

The air reservoir was good for 30 shots, and the soldiers carried 3 spare ones, more than enough ammunition for a typical battle at the time.

[paaiyan]

Oh ok, I was thinking it needed to be pumped every few shots. Well, that settles that.

Anyone up for a steaming cup of served? I have extra...

[carter]

what would the pressure be in the reservior? if known.

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

what would the pressure be in the reservior?

In the region of 750-1000 psi

[MrCrowley]

It'd make a nice combustion chamber if you coated it with something not so conductive.

[bluerussetboy]

that is very cool, i had no idea airguns went so far back.

You have no idea....

...

Obviously.

really hard to believe the maturity level of some members(truly worthless posts by benstern and paaiyan to de-value grumpy's post acknowledging his lack of knowledge).
thanks guys, that really ties it all together.

edit: hard to believe carter's post at 23:05 was the last post before i hit submit

[MrCrowley]

Ignore benstern, he has issues.

[carter]

^^ yea he does. 750 to 1000 psi is a lot. i wonder if it could kill? hmmm or ever used in warfare

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

i wonder if it could kill? hmmm or ever used in warfare

A 210 grain lead ball travelling at 500 fps would certainly be lethal if it hit a vital area. They were issued to military troops as their primary weapon.

[rna_duelers]

I remember hearing a story about these Air Muskets,and any soldier found with one after a battle still alive was killed,due to the hate from there Air Muskets that were killing so many so quickly and so easily above the "advanced" Black Powder muskets of the time.

I thought the pressure kept in the chamber was around 600psi, quite amazing that they produced these magnificent devices so long ago with such success.

[Hawkeye]

The execution order was a myth.
I'm not sure why people are wondering if they were powerful enough to kill. They were used primarily for hunting large game. Wild Boar and Red Deer. A large heavy piece of lead doesn't have to be going very fast to kill. Any Copper piston cannon on here has those capabilities, if not the accuracy.

[pizlo]

So did these guns have a fill valve, because it would seem near impossible to exchange those copper balls without a on off valve, (picture doesnt seem to have one).

[jackssmirkingrevenge]

So did these guns have a fill valve, because it would seem near impossible to exchange those copper balls without a on off valve, (picture doesnt seem to have one).

This is how the girandoni pump worked:



The firing valve was integral to the reservoir, meaning it could be screwed off without releasing air, as the valve doubled as a non-return valve for filling - very ingenious.