Lewis & Clark Air Rifle Article

I just spent over an hour reading this and am too tired to continue tonight... Maybe this has been posted here before. In case it hasn't, this is a great read!

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

Mark

[Gene_SC]

Thats a great read Mark, Thanks for sharing with us.. I have the Beeman main page in the Library that has many of his sub links.. Did you find this through the link on our Library?

Gene

[3n00n]

A true mechanical marvel considering there was no delrin or nylotron to be had at any price. It isalso amazing that they were able to get it to function again too.

Gene,

I followed a link from a post on this board to another board. I poked around and found a link there to the Beeman site. Even though I have used the library here, I totally missed the Lewis article on the Beeman website. BTW: The library here is very good. Thank you for taking the time to make it available to us!

I was amazed at the power of that air rifle. The one they test fired was a replica that was meticulously made from the original design. It's .464 cal @ 154gr, and flattens out the lead balls it shoots upon impact. Just incredible when you get into the depths of the research. For an airgun design from 1780 (or there abouts), it just amazes me. Rifled barrel and all. Just the considerations that went into the construction of the air pump for military use are impressive. The designer/builder was truely a master of his trade. Just think that 1500 were manufactured, with support tools and extra air cannisters, all before the aid of modern design and construction techniques...  Just amazing.

Mark

[Gene_SC]

Ya Mark, like J said, it is hard to believe they could even get the power of of it without todays technology and materials. These kind of articles are just amazing as you said to read.. I love it and it make you wonder why we have not gone further into the advancement of air guns..  But wait and see the power J has waiting for all of us who go to the S.C. Shootout. He has many of those types of guns but in a modern fashion. Some of the lead he makes for his Big Bores are as big as your thumb... I know the ones he let me shoot were very powerful and one was pushing over 450 fpe.. My arm and shoulder was sore for a couple days.. hehe

Gene