Big Bore Air Rifle

[DaveShooter]

I was wondering does any one know whom makes an Air Rifle that was carried on the Lewis an Clark Expedition? It begins with the Letter G and was made for the Royals of Europe at that time in History when they took such a rifle with them not to scare the native Americans off. Thanks for any input.

 

[buickmarti]

Girandoni

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girandoni_air_rifle

 

[shane a gress]

I got to shoot a replica of one a few years ago. It was at a living history weekend south of Mercersburg PA. It was very interesting. I was fortunate to get the opportunity to hold a piece of our history that most don't know about.

 

[Le Loup]

http://beemans.net/lewis-assault-rifle.htm

http://www.vintageairguns.co.uk/girandoni-air-rifle/

Ernie Cowan and Richard Keller, have made just four ultra precise museum copies of this specimen.
http://www.beemans.net/Austrian airguns.htm
Keith.

 

[shane a gress]

I do recall the name of the fellow who brought the rifle to demonstrate that weekend. He did tell us the history of the rifle and the story of how Lewis and Clark took it on the expedition.

 

[Gene L]

The American Rifleman (IIRC) had an article on it several years ago. It took about 1200 strokes to charge it; a two man job.

 

[Britsmoothy]

Think there is a good YouTube video on it!

B.

 

[Boomerang]

The American Rifleman (IIRC) had an article on it several years ago. It took about 1200 strokes to charge it; a two man job.

Wow 1200 strokes! I think I would have a stroke by then.

 

[Gene L]

IIRC, it had a large screw you could screw into a tree to aid pumping.

 

[Zonie]

Speaking of L & C's air rifle, I read that as they were just about to start their venture they gave a demonstration of it for the crowd that had gathered.

The ball (?) ricocheted and hit a woman in the head, knocking her out. They were afraid it killed her but much to their relief, she soon came to.

That put an end to the demonstration.

Needless to say, that air rifle totally amazed the many Indians they demonstrated the gun for. No smoke and rapidly reloaded to make following shots, many Indians thought it was great magic.

 

[Stumpkiller]

As I recall Emperor Napoleon had anyone found with one put to death immediately.