Calculating gun range

    Obviously there are tons of variables.... Open track/closed track/shaft size/band stretch%/ target fish/type of point and more..... but for sake of argument. Is there a simple equation/table/ or rule of thumb for estimating "effective range"? I know that Riffe does provide a listed range for each gun they make. I don't have any experience with using them, so I don't know how accurate the listed range is..... Anyone?


    If would be useful to have a table to compare these variables to select a configuration that is just what you want. How will a 2x 5/8" band 50" gun compare to a 3x 9/16" band 50" gun? I am sure some


    I suppose I can spend the next 30 years collecting all this data and bring it back to the forum :)

    Dustan Baker

    I think one of the first things to do is determine how range is measured. I used to measure from the tip of the gun, but at some point realized that this is not a constant. Now I measure from my eye to the target. I know at what distance I can see well enough to aim underwater, it's not just a matter of the gun's accuracy. I find that my vision sets a limit that is less than some speargun's purported range.

    Quote from dustyyoungblood

    I suppose I can spend the next 30 years collecting all this data and bring it back to the forum :)


    I have all the data up to 5- 5/8s bands on a 6 ' barrel.....this is easy.:D


    Take the ''advertised range'', divide by the Young's Modulus of Elasticity while adding 10' for a ET and another 5' for any Ti on the gun.:D;)


    If we post this here the Chinese will be building all the gear. ;):D


    Cheers, Don

    "Great mother ocean brought forth all life, it is my eternal home'' Don Berry from Blue Water Hunters.


    Spearfishing Store the freediving and spearfishing equipment specialists.

    Edited once, last by Don Paul ().


    ahhh wait a minute, i need to get a calculator:)


    don't worry about range, instead work on your technic to get as close to the fish as possible.

    steve veros


    in loving memory of paolo

    3.5 times the shaft length is about where the gun will no longer penetrate an average fish. I use this based on a 7.5mm shaft which carries a lot of momentum.


    the band configuaration has to do with how fast the spear will be going and the amount of recoil...that depends on the fish...for shooting a fast skittish fish like a YT snapper, or a bonito, you better have a light shaft that is a laser. to plug a fat grouper sitting in a hole, a stout heavy slow shaft willl fare better.


    i still agree with dan, i estimate from my eye and try to aim as little as possible

    i like to spear fish

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