Did the searching, read all the stuff on here and at "the other place", and now I'd like to have your first hand opinion please.

Looking to buy my first gun, but I've been pole spearing for years. Lost to many medium and larger fish on the pole, so it's time for a gun. Here are my very specific requirements. Would greatly appreciate your advice.

I am NOT a free diver, I am scuba all the way. I am not open blue water, I am real tight into the rocks and ledges, pocking my head into the crevices and under the ledges to see what is hanging out and living there.

I'm diving inshore in mostly 40' of water. In fact, this weekend I was south of Sebastian diving on the rock ledges in the 40' stuff, and seeing all kinds of Mangos, Sheepshead, a few mid-size gags, Triggerfish and Grunt. This is the kind of stuff I want to shoot. Not very heroic I know, but it puts food on the table, which my kids love; they are meat eaters for sure.

I'm thinking I need a short gun to be able to manuever under the rocks and ledges, but every now and then I see stuff swimming outside the ledges over the open sand that would require a more long distance shot, like maybe 15'.

Everything I've read so far here and elsewhere tends to prefer longer guns, but I'm thinking long is bad for the in-tight type of hunting I want to do. For example, I'm diving some concrete culverts and I peek in, and there's a grouper. By the time I swing a long gun around and bring it into the culvert, he's gone.

This weekend when I was on the inshore ledges, I would just lie on the bottom, just under the edge of the ledge, and breath real slow, not making any comotions. After a minute or so, the Mangos and the one Gag that was there would swim right up to me, curious as to what I was doing. They would get within 5' of me. If I had a gun, it would have been simple to nail em. But a long gun would have been difficult I think because I would have had to back up actually in order to get aim.

So, now that I've described the type of hunting I'm wanting to do, any suggestions on what gun to buy?

Thanks ya'll in advance. I'm trying to buy something this week, and then I'm back to the ledges to put some meat on the table.

I like my Riffe Comp 2xs, it has 3 bands, its 48'' long, so you have the option of loading it for what you want...you can have 1 band which could be nice for close quarters, you can have 2 bands for overall reef fishing, and you can have 3 for when you're not playing in or around the rocks...just my 2 cents, I'm sure others have their own opinions...I'm just happy overall with my gun, but I"m definitely looking to upgrade it to a Comp 3x. I'd be hurt to part with mine b/c I"ve had some great memories with it, but I really do want to upgrade....so...


If you're interested Its only a year old, I've kept it looking and shooting BRAND NEW...its got a reel on it. The gun brand new is 412.20, and the Riffe reel was 150 dollars, and about 30 dollars for the line. I'll get rid of everything for 400 dollars. I oil it every other week.

the best thing to do is have friend with different types/size guns and try and experiment on each gun and see with ones you like better or worse. i personally shoot a 48" biller and am satisfied with the situations that i have encountered so far. some days it is nicer to have a longer gun for the extended range for those skittish fish thatll stay just out of range. but i know for the 48" gun 10-12 ft is about the max shot you are going to be able to do and effectively penetrating a bigger fish. not saying you cant shoot further than that but the shaft may not be able to go all the way through a fish. also another reason why i like a 48" gun is bc i do the same type of hunting you do, under ledges and the last time i was out i saw a big mango under a ledge and there was another rock maybe 3' infront of the ledge so it made it extremely difficult even for a smaller gun to get the mango and it turned out to be a 12lber. but 48"-54" are nice guns like ab biller, sea hornets, spearfishing specilties, etc are all nice guns thatll do the jobs and like i said use as many different guns as you can.
Randy

48" sea hornet or biller with a freeshaft.

48-52 Spearfishing Specialties Rhino with commercial muzzle

Got a 48" Biller and started to freeshaft. All I can do with the gags is bounce it off their heads. Maybe my skills but I just upgraded (waiting for shipment) to a 54" Spearfishing specialties with a commercial muzzle.:toast:

Just go to a store and look at the guns. How about a gun that shoots a 36 to 48 inch shaft. Try not to buy a JBL, you'll regret it when you try to add a third band and the trigger siezes.

Get yourself a Spearfishing Specialties 48 rig up a single line wrap, upgrade to 5/8ths bands and you'll be set. Anything smaller in that style gun wont be suffient for long and they really lack the needed power for what you'll be doing.

Almost always based on your posts you and your kids will want to venture out to explore some of the deeper stuff and a 48 will suit you there as well, but you'll probably end up with several before long.

Goodluck I'm in Melboure and if your local at all I can help you out with riggings for those guns I have tons of extra mono and such.

48" SS gun will seem big at first but it will last you a much longer time before you want a bigger one!!
Good luck.

Wow! Thanks for all the great response and info guys. That definately helps me narrow down my choices. I'm going to try and choose something in the next few days, so I'll let you know what I end up with.

What are the advantages of free shafting versus tethered. My guess is that without the tether there is less drag on the shaft, so more energy for range and penetration. The disadvantage though as I see it is I have to go after the shaft, which may be difficult if it's buryed deep into a ledge, especially if it's a miss.

Bubblejunkie, I'm fairly local, in the Orlando area. But my favorite fishing/diving area is Sebastian, so I always trailer down to there. Let me get a gun and do a couple practice dives, and then I may come visit you to share more info and checkout your rigs. Always looking for new friends to share the sport. I really like your advice about going with a 48 and upgrading the bands.

Number1, Thanks for the offer. Let me do the shopping and more research and I'll keep you on the list as an option. I really like your advice concerning 3 bands and only loading what I need for the specific situation at hand.

Fishbuster, if that's all a 48 will do, I would definately have to go with up close and personal. Although the gag this weekend was within range for the 48, I have also been in many situations where the Grouper stayed just outside the 15' range, in which case I wouldn't get him. However, I realize I can't have everything in a single gun, and I prefer manueverability and compactness as opposed to long range, so I'll probably just have to pass up the long range shots. I guess in the future, I'll just have to buy a second gun for the long range situations.

So far, from what you guys have told me, I'm leaning towards a 48, commercial muzzle, 3X 5/8" bands, load 1, 2 or 3 depending on situation, and maybe have the option of tethered or freeshaft, depending on situation. I think this will get me going for what I'm diving now, and later I can maybe buy something in the 52"-54" length for the long range stuff. I'll let my son carry one and I the other, then we'll have all the bases covered. Sound like a plan?

Thanks again you guys :toast:. What an awesome forum.

A very good synopsis and thought out plan. Sounds you have it down. Good luck. And tell us about that beer batter.:beer:

Wow! Thanks for all the great response and info guys. That definately helps me narrow down my choices. I'm going to try and choose something in the next few days, so I'll let you know what I end up with.

What are the advantages of free shafting versus tethered. My guess is that without the tether there is less drag on the shaft, so more energy for range and penetration. The disadvantage though as I see it is I have to go after the shaft, which may be difficult if it's buryed deep into a ledge, especially if it's a miss.

Bubblejunkie, I'm fairly local, in the Orlando area. But my favorite fishing/diving area is Sebastian, so I always trailer down to there. Let me get a gun and do a couple practice dives, and then I may come visit you to share more info and checkout your rigs. Always looking for new friends to share the sport. I really like your advice about going with a 48 and upgrading the bands.

Number1, Thanks for the offer. Let me do the shopping and more research and I'll keep you on the list as an option. I really like your advice concerning 3 bands and only loading what I need for the specific situation at hand.

Fishbuster, if that's all a 48 will do, I would definately have to go with up close and personal. Although the gag this weekend was within range for the 48, I have also been in many situations where the Grouper stayed just outside the 15' range, in which case I wouldn't get him. However, I realize I can't have everything in a single gun, and I prefer manueverability and compactness as opposed to long range, so I'll probably just have to pass up the long range shots. I guess in the future, I'll just have to buy a second gun for the long range situations.

So far, from what you guys have told me, I'm leaning towards a 48, commercial muzzle, 3X 5/8" bands, load 1, 2 or 3 depending on situation, and maybe have the option of tethered or freeshaft, depending on situation. I think this will get me going for what I'm diving now, and later I can maybe buy something in the 52"-54" length for the long range stuff. I'll let my son carry one and I the other, then we'll have all the bases covered. Sound like a plan?

Thanks again you guys :toast:. What an awesome forum.

Hey BeerBatterer, no worries, I'm not even sure if I want to sell yet, I've had such amazing memories with it...but as you can see most people have 48'' Guns, they're plain and simple easy to use and give you the options for close quarters and also for all around reef fishing. I'll have to second what Davie said, try to stay away from JBL's...they may be tempting due to their cheap pricetag, but you get what you pay for. I have a few buddies with Rob Allens and they're extremely content with the gun and let me tell you that their guns take a beating, they're pretty solid. Best of luck shopping around and as someone said, try to find someone with a type of gun you'd like so that you can shoot it and get a feel for it.

Good Luck

15 feet is a long shot. A 52" gun would serve you much better if long shots are the norm. Also, you probably wouldn't want or need three bands on an SS gun. I have read that SpearOne doesn't recommend more than two anyway. The Riffe gun that Number1 was talking about uses three 9/16" bands, not 5/8". Power and range are determined by the amount of band stretch you have, not how many bands are on the gun.

I was in the same boat as you and did a lot of research before settling on a JBL Woody Sawed-Off Magnum. Small enough to be maneuverable, big enough to get decent sized fish.

I've since gone up to a 60" Woody, because I've been going after bigger fish lately, but I think the 53" (36" spear) would be perfect for you.

Oh my- JBL have fancied their website since the last time I was there: http://www.jblspearguns.com/spearguns/woody_series.html

(and they have an 'elite' series now?)

Thanks Relapse. I knew it was just a matter of time before someone caught on to the forum name. The name was given to me by my fishing buddies because I historically cook up some serious fried beerbatter fish nuggets. I've even had folks that said they didn't like fish gobble my fish nuggets down.

As far as the recipe goes; ancient chinise secret Daniel son:D

Thanks Relapse. I knew it was just a matter of time before someone caught on to the forum name. The name was given to me by my fishing buddies because I historically cook up some serious fried beerbatter fish nuggets. I've even had folks that said they didn't like fish gobble my fish nuggets down.

As far as the recipe goes; ancient chinise secret Daniel son:D



:lol:

42"-54" Commercial SS, I have a 48" and a 60", you can easily swith from freeshaft to lineshaft on the bottom to suit the conditions.

More questions since I'm narrowing it down now.

Is Sea Hornet and Spearfishing Specialties guns the same gun?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different gun stock materials (i.e. Teak, Mahogany, Rhino or polyurethane coated,etc.)

Where is the best place to buy an SS, I imagine direct from SS but they don't have prices or an order section on their website.

Thanks again ya'll.

More questions since I'm narrowing it down now.

Is Sea Hornet and Spearfishing Specialties guns the same gun?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different gun stock materials (i.e. Teak, Mahogany, Rhino or polyurethane coated,etc.)

Where is the best place to buy an SS, I imagine direct from SS but they don't have prices or an order section on their website.

Thanks again ya'll.

SSis mfg'ed by SS but Sea hornet is mfg'ed in Austrailia, I believe, and distributed by the owner of SS. Someone else can tell you more about the finishes but the rhino seems to be indestructable, as with the truck bed covering.

my spearfishing specialties 60" is teak and my 48" is the rino, I'm usually closer to the bottom when I use the 48", low vis type stuff and rino works well protecting the gun. Put a ad in the members items WTB and see what you come up with. I picked both mine up right hear on spearboard and neither one had ever see water for the price of a used one. If that don't work just google it and find the lowest price from a dealer and pull the trigger. I don't think the sell direct thats why no prices on there website, but thats just my guess.

oops fogot what board I was on:slap: put a ad on both boards unless your ban from the other one :banned2:

this guy seems to be hooking people up on here, give him a try. http://www.spearfishingplanet.com/showthread.php?t=319

Thanks bigdaddy.
I PM'd Jim to see what he can do for me.

Well guys, I told you I would let you know what I decided. After many hours researching, reading, posting, shopping here's my result.

It ends up that I can't afford what I ended up choosing, so I'm going to have to step back a notch for my first gun.

After all the research, my first choice based on my original requirements was the Spearfishing Specialties Commercial Rhino Limited 48 (Mahogany version shown below).

http://www.slinginsteel.com/resources/guns/commercialfirst.jpg

However, the price is a bit more than I can bare right now :(, especially not really having any experience with guns yet.

So, my next choice is the Spearfishing Specialties Rhino Sport Classic 48 (a shorter one shown below).

http://www.slinginsteel.com/resources/guns/rhinosport.jpg

I would have liked to have the commercial muzzle, but since I'm still starting out, I think the Classic will be a great start anyway. Later, after I get some experience and based on what ya'll have said, I'm going to want a longer gun, and I can maybe go commercial then.

I think you all will agree that this is a good choice, and based on what I have read on the forums, Kevin stands behind his product and backs it up all the way with great service. He has a good reputation.

Thanks again for all your help on this thread gang. You all have been extremely helpful and I have learned a ton of knowledge on guns and spearfishing this past week. Hopefully, the info that you guys and I have provided here will help others in the future to make a wise choice based on their specific requirements.

I think I've done a good job doing my homework. Now it's time to buy :yay: and then go kill some fish.:BoomSmilie_anim::fish:

You might want to look at pricing on a Biller LTD. It's a one piece stock similar to the SS commercial, but with built-in line release. Here's one active on ebay: http://cgi.ebay.com/AB-Biller-48-Teak-LTD-Sea-Hornet-Spear-Gun_W0QQitemZ130140896579QQihZ003QQcategoryZ47353Q QcmdZViewItem

Well guys, I told you I would let you know what I decided. After many hours researching, reading, posting, shopping here's my result.

It ends up that I can't afford what I ended up choosing, so I'm going to have to step back a notch for my first gun.

After all the research, my first choice based on my original requirements was the Spearfishing Specialties Commercial Rhino Limited 48 (Mahogany version shown below).

http://www.slinginsteel.com/resources/guns/commercialfirst.jpg

However, the price is a bit more than I can bare right now :(, especially not really having any experience with guns yet.

So, my next choice is the Spearfishing Specialties Rhino Sport Classic 48 (a shorter one shown below).

http://www.slinginsteel.com/resources/guns/rhinosport.jpg

I would have liked to have the commercial muzzle, but since I'm still starting out, I think the Classic will be a great start anyway. Later, after I get some experience and based on what ya'll have said, I'm going to want a longer gun, and I can maybe go commercial then.

I think you all will agree that this is a good choice, and based on what I have read on the forums, Kevin stands behind his product and backs it up all the way with great service. He has a good reputation.

Thanks again for all your help on this thread gang. You all have been extremely helpful and I have learned a ton of knowledge on guns and spearfishing this past week. Hopefully, the info that you guys and I have provided here will help others in the future to make a wise choice based on their specific requirements.

I think I've done a good job doing my homework. Now it's time to buy :yay: and then go kill some fish.:BoomSmilie_anim::fish:

Go get em', batter.:2gunsfiring_v1:

I am a big supporter of Big Pig's Deathsticks, but I think this time I'll agree with the other guys...get the rhino. It was a very hard choice for me between my Deathstick and Kevin's Rhino, but I really wanted the enclosed track since I do mostly long range shooting. It won't be good for you since the shaft may not come all the way out and damage the gun. Get the rhino.

You can always upgrade the classic by putting commercial rigging on it, that gives you a choice on which line rigging you want to use, commercial single loop or the double wrap classic style, you would not have both options on the commercial because line does not attach to trigger mech. Still a good choice IMO.

Hey BigDaddy,

I agree with the rigging, but not sure on the muzzle.
From what I understand, and I'm still learning, the SS Classic cannot be upgraded to the commerical muzzle because the SS folks can't hold the gun stock in the milling jig with the Rhino finish on the stock.

From what I've learned so far, the key to the term "commercial" is the style of the muzzle that is supposed to provide improved accuracy and repeatability.

Is this correct?

In any case however, thanks for the confirmation on my choice being a good choice.

prolly right on the muzzle if it has the rino coating, but I know they do the others because I spoke with Kevin on doing my biller before, he said he could not do any upgrades till the fall. Just give them a call.