I've had this gun for a while and bought it thinking it was a 48" sea hornet. When I got new bands for it this thing is a beast to load and I'm 6'2" 205. So now I'm thinking it might be bigger (maybe 52"). How do you determine the actual gun length? Is it butt to muzzle, or muzzle to trigger, etc? Probably would also be good to know for when I need new shafts.

Use the chart on this link for help:

http://www.slinginsteel.com/specs.html#specs

Speargun sizing is not standard from vendor to vendor, so it does make it confusing.

yeah, definitely still confused

It's actually a 48 special, but I just measured it and it's 52" overall. My shafts are 52" also. Probably should have checkd that before getting bands for a 48". The bands are 20". Definitely why the thing loads like a beast. One the other hand I only need to load one band for almost anything.

20" bands shouldn't be too bad to load on a 48 special if they are 5/8" diameter. On the other hand 3/4" bands would be a real strain to load :)

You can shoot a wide variety of shaft lengths with that gun. I've seen people use spears from 50 to 60 inch overall length on 48 Specials.

It's actually a 48 special, but I just measured it and it's 52" overall. My shafts are 52" also. Probably should have checkd that before getting bands for a 48". The bands are 20". Definitely why the thing loads like a beast. One the other hand I only need to load one band for almost anything.

18-20 inches is prime for a 48. You're just being a sissy. ;)

It's actually a 48 special, but I just measured it and it's 52" overall. My shafts are 52" also. Probably should have checkd that before getting bands for a 48". The bands are 20". Definitely why the thing loads like a beast. One the other hand I only need to load one band for almost anything.

i use 22" on my 52" and 55".

from my gun testing and research, shoot the shortest shaft that will fit into your gun. you'll get maximum initial velocity and improved accuracy.

c-

18-20 inches is prime for a 48. You're just being a sissy. ;)

Yeah, I suck. lol They are 3/4 bands btw. Thanks for the tip chuck, next shafts I get I will see how short I can go. I will say I am very impressed with the accuracy of it so far. I haven't taken any long shots yet, but within 10 ft. it's dead on. Every snapper and hog has gotten a head/gill shot. I think I'll stick with 1 band even if I come across a grouper. I think with the bands I'm shooting I will only need 2 if I shoot at aj or cobia.

Yeah, I suck. lol They are 3/4 bands btw. Thanks for the tip chuck, next shafts I get I will see how short I can go. I will say I am very impressed with the accuracy of it so far. I haven't taken any long shots yet, but within 10 ft. it's dead on. Every snapper and hog has gotten a head/gill shot. I think I'll stick with 1 band even if I come across a grouper. I think with the bands I'm shooting I will only need 2 if I shoot at aj or cobia.

yeah, 3/4" bands are a different story. i'd switch to the spearfishing specialties freeshaft band kit: you get a 24 or 26" yellow band for inshore hogs... and a 22" gray band(strongest 5/8" I've seen yet) for bigger fish and longer shots. And you still only need the single shorter band for anything under 75 lbs....

I just sold a 48 Special to Killintime and it had 20" bands on it. That All I ever shot out of it!!! Grow some coconuts pansey!!!

Seriously though, a little practice at it and it will be easier to load with tighter bands. Its all about the technique, I shoot a 52" now with 22" bands and I can load it rather quickly with a cobination of puching up with my leg and pulling down with my arms in 1 motion.

I tried leg loading it and there's no way. My problem is I don't wear any kind of suit to put padding in and it bruises the hell out of my stomach. Hey chuck wear do you pick up those band kits? Do all of the LDSs around have them?

I tried leg loading it and there's no way. My problem is I don't wear any kind of suit to put padding in and it bruises the hell out of my stomach. Hey chuck wear do you pick up those band kits? Do all of the LDSs around have them?

3/4 bands are brutally tough, and really not worth the effort IMO. 5/8 is all you'll ever need.

And screw these band kits, buy some bulk rubber from Florida Freedivers, get some wishbones at the same time, and learn how to tie a constrictor knot or a clove hitch and bingo, you're done. Since yiou're armed with this new knowledge, you can repair your bands on the boat when they pop.

Listen to Megabeast ^^^^

2 5/8" bands will be enough to put down any fish you will shoot in the Gulf of Mexico. 95% of the time 1 band with a correctly placed freeshaft will knockdown the biggest baddest fish around.