Spearguns

Q: How long is a speargun when it states e.g 110cm ?
A: When a gun is quoted as a 110, this means the length of the barrel of the speargun would be 110cm. But the total length of a gun like this including the spear would be about 160cm.
Q: How do I load my speargun?
A: Technique is important, the higher we get the gun butt to chest level the better. This style of loading is especially good for when loading longer guns. Start with the handle in your right hand in such a position that the slings are within reach (for right handed people). Then with the left grab the left rubber sling close to the bridle with your wrist side up. Then move the handle up into the chest area, which should stay there. Then with your right hand letting go of the handle & then grabbing the other sling. Then pulling back with both hands with wrists facing up. In some cases where the spear has two notches we can hook into the first and then the next one.
Take care when hooking into the notch making sure the bridle is well seated especially if it's an articulated type. If these let go they can do serious damage to fingers.
In the case of open muzzle guns where the rubber is a single piece and can move from side to side the technique varies slightly from grabbing the left sling to hooking two or three finger over the bridle and then moving the handle into place. This only really works for dyneema or spectra type bridles as articulated are to hard on the fingers.

Author: Ron Bakker
Q: What length gun do I need?
A: In short visibility and target species would be the main influences that would affect deciding maneuverability or range. A short 75cm speargun is very quick to turn and aim. Then a 130cm speargun will have a very good range providing there is enough visibility to see our target.A good all rounder is usually about 110 or 120cm for divers who want to land anything from Snapper to a good size Kingfish. But let say further south where the target species are often smaller and the visibility is frequently 3 to 5m we may find a 90 or 100cm is better suited, as the target is closer. For the likes of Snapper a shorter speargun can be quite good in situations where the diver is snooping over the rock and want to bring the gun forward slowly holding the speargun by the handle at all times. Long spearguns often give the diver away to the prey before there is a chance to take a shot.
This has addressed the length of a speargun but there are other aspects of a speargun to be considered such as muzzle type, bridles, spear thickness & metal type etc.
Author: Ron Bakker
Q: What are the benifits of an open muzzle
A: Most open muzzles have rap around rubber slings which go through the gun below the spear. The result is a clear line of sight

Author: Ron Bakker