MAN POWERED WEAPONS - FUN 'SURVIVAL' TOOLS

Richard Middleton is a funny man - he's also the writer of "The Practical Guide to Man-Powered Weapons and Ammunition: Experiments with Catapults, Musketballs, Stonebows, Blowpipes, Big Airguns, & Bullet Bows."

Twelve Chapters of well tempered experiments at throwing dangerous projectiles down-range with maximum force by using the stored energy of muscle power via springs, stretched elastic rubber, and compressed air.

WARNING,WARNING (I quote): "As a necessary digression, the removal of cats from gardens is best achieved with a larger, lighter missile having less momentum, - penetration being highly undesirable for certain tasks." - but Richard does go on to detail the standard catapulted use of small prickly pine cones against "a yapping nasty little cur.."

Fascinating stuff for anyone needing to know more about how it can be done. - I'd guess that everyone reading this blog will already know something about long-bows, crossbows, military air rifles, blowpipes - having at least heard of such things, but more likely will have tried making them in the backyard and (so far) survived.

                             MODERN PISTOL CROSSBOW  - LOTS OF FUN, CHEAPLY

The author, living in New Zealand but originally like myself, from UK, emphatically points out that he is NOT writing a 'do it yourself' Manual or instruction book for anyone to follow - as although he has survived to walk-away shaking his head - others might not be as lucky! (Black-eyes and bruises are embarrassing but not always permanent).

However the whole book is most instructive, illuminating, and bloody funny. BUY IT - At $9.88 the Kindle E-Version is great all-round value - but try to keep it away from any young boys in your immediate family unless you are content to share the blame for disrupting your neighbours cats - or indeed, your neighbours!

    'GIRANDONI'- THE BUTT IS THE HAND-PUMPED AIR RESERVOIR -  circa 1750

He tells about the 'GIRANDONI' Austrian Army Air Rifles of 1780 that gave repeat shots without smoke from black-powder, and the power level is in the .45"ACP zone - range out to 150 yards - about 30 shots before power drops-off and needs a replacement (Hand-pumped) air-butt swap. - Yes please, can I have a couple !

                         So, Not a new idea and not to be scoffed-at either, as they work!

- You know something, - Richard Middletons book has inspired me to go down to Gun City and buy

a 'sling-shot', catapult, or "Shanghai" as kiwis call 'em, - fun-in-the-sun, - and to maybe look at the pre-charged air rifles too!
















Note: An excellent technical/historical piece on the Girandoni rifles:www.beemans.net/images/Austrian%20airguns.htm


Enjoy,

Marty K