Cape Buffalo with a BB Gun? | GUNS Magazine Podcast #98 | Presented by Hodgdon

Published on September 17, 2021
Duration: 38:14

This episode of the Guns Magazine Podcast delves into the world of big bore air rifles with Tom McHale, editor of Airgun Wire. The discussion defines big bore airguns as .25 caliber and larger, tracing their history from Lewis and Clark's expedition to modern hunting applications. Key topics include the power and capabilities of modern PCP air rifles, projectile types, and the evolving legal landscape for airgun hunting.

Quick Summary

Big bore air rifles are defined as .25 caliber and larger, offering significantly more power than traditional BB or .177 caliber models. Historically, Lewis and Clark used a Girandoni air rifle for diplomacy. Modern PCP air rifles store compressed air at high pressures and, with regulators, provide consistent velocity for accurate shooting, making them suitable for hunting and pest control.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Guns Magazine Podcast #98
  2. 00:25Sponsor Spotlights: 1791 Gun Leather & Hodgdon Powder
  3. 01:28Topic: Big Bore Air Rifles with Tom McHale
  4. 03:35Defining Big Bore Airguns (.25 Caliber and Up)
  5. 04:44Historical Airguns: Lewis and Clark's Girandoni Rifle
  6. 06:35Modern Airgun Pressures vs. Bicycle Tires
  7. 09:09Evolution of Airguns: From Lewis and Clark to Today
  8. 09:35Airgun Hunting Regulations and State Laws
  9. 10:39Comparing Airgun Projectiles to Muzzleloaders
  10. 11:14Projectiles: Heavy Lead Slugs for Big Bore Airguns
  11. 12:00Recoil and Muzzle Blast of Big Bore Airguns
  12. 12:23Airgun Moderators (Silencers/Suppressors)
  13. 13:32Hunting Applications of Airguns
  14. 14:18Air Rifles That Shoot Arrows
  15. 14:44Testing Arrow Air Rifles: A Cautionary Tale
  16. 15:40PCP Air Rifles Explained
  17. 16:16What is a Pre-Charged Pneumatic (PCP) Air Rifle?
  18. 17:09The Role of Regulators in PCP Air Rifles
  19. 18:21Applications Beyond Target Shooting: Pest Control
  20. 19:39Effectiveness of .25 Caliber for Varmints and 'Lumberjacking'
  21. 20:52Popular Big Bore Airgun Calibers (.25, .30, .45, .50)
  22. 22:08Price Range of Big Bore Air Rifles
  23. 22:32Umarex Gauntlet Series: Mainstreaming PCP Technology
  24. 24:20Air Supply for PCP Rifles: Compressors and Tanks
  25. 25:04Portable Air Compressors for Air Rifles
  26. 26:20Safety Considerations for High-Pressure Air Systems
  27. 27:47Safety Tip: Releasing Pressure from Hoses
  28. 28:36Impact of Temperature on PCP Air Rifle Performance
  29. 30:08Squirrelishing: Hunting Squirrels from a Boat
  30. 31:11Airgun Moderators: Legality and Effectiveness
  31. 33:36Noise Levels of Big Bore Airguns in Neighborhoods
  32. 34:01Local Ordinances and Airgun Shooting
  33. 35:02Conclusion and Future Plans
  34. 36:43Podcast Outro and Sponsor Reminders

Frequently Asked Questions

What defines a big bore air rifle?

A big bore air rifle is generally considered to be .25 caliber or larger. This distinguishes them from smaller airguns like BB guns or .177 caliber models, and indicates a capability for more significant power and projectile size.

How did Lewis and Clark use air rifles?

During their expedition, Lewis and Clark carried a Girandoni air rifle, a large-bore airgun from the late 18th century. It was used to impress native tribes with its repeating capability and power, contributing to peaceful passage through territories.

What are PCP air rifles and how do they work?

PCP stands for Pre-Charged Pneumatic. These air rifles have an onboard air tank that stores compressed air at high pressures (3,000-4,500 PSI). They deliver multiple shots per fill and often feature regulators for consistent velocity and accuracy.

Are airgun moderators legal and effective?

Yes, airgun moderators (often called silencers or suppressors) are legal and can be shipped directly to consumers. They are effective at reducing the sound signature of airguns, making them quieter for backyard use or hunting, though they do not make the gun silent.

What calibers are popular for big bore air rifles?

Popular calibers for big bore air rifles include .25, .30, .45, and increasingly .50 caliber. These larger calibers allow for heavier projectiles and greater energy, suitable for hunting larger game.

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