Lewis & Clark Air Rifle

[fasteddie]

https://warfarehistorynetwork.com/article/lewis-and-clarks-girandoni-air-rifle/

[Farflung]

very cool gun.

[airedale]

This air rifle was really something considering the era it came from, 1000 feet per second is nothing to sneer at even by today's air gun ballistics. The 1500 pump strokes it took to get it charged had to be a killer. I have two Benjamin Marauders that I charge using a hand pump and a good workout is guaranteed pumping them up to full capacity. If for only hunting a hand pump is livable but if doing a lot of target shooting it is a chore for sure. I am looking into getting one of the specialized high pressure airgun pumps, they making charging quick and easy and shooting a lot more enjoyable.

Al

[fasteddie]

I had read a previous article that stated Lewis & Clark didn't take black powder rifles on their journey as they feared the Indians might take them . The Air Rifles were much less of a threat . 

[Farflung]

I was under the impression that they generally had regular muzzleloaders and only had the  one air rifle.