found an old speargun for sale --- need info and help to fix up

[harbour seal]

hello wise spearfolks,

i am a new freediver who has never done any spearing---although i avidly read the spearo forums soaking up the info.

i found an old speargun for sale and wanted to get some info. i am interested in doing some spearing in the future but i am cash poor so will need to source a cheaper way to get outfitted than buying a new gun.


info i was given about the gun:
- Espadon Diver's speargun
- Plastic handle with long black alloy shaft
- Steel spear included, but no tips.
- Handle has a crack where shaft meets handle, but still usable.
- For actual use or maybe display.


my questions:
- is this gun worth buying and fixing up (asking price $20)?

- what do i need to get it into usable condition--what size bands, etc., etc., and anything else (i have never done this before so i would appreciate all the info you can give me_ ?

- what type/size spear would this gun take? i have no idea what i might measure to figure it out....

- what type of spearing might this gun be useful for?

here is a link to a picture of the gun (if the upload doesn't work):
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f394/theRealMacoy/Speargun.jpg


thanks so much for the help.

sean
vancouver, canada

 

[Marwan]

I must say i am surprize dthat 20$ could buy a speargun, so if i were you, i'd take it, it doesnt matter if its not the best gun, but it will definitely give you a feel of spearfishing, you will learn aiming, stalking, how the gun works, and as you continue using and practicing you will sort of develop a feel for your real needs: such as the length you require, the spear thickness etc...
I would advise the following though:
1- Make sure that the barrel is intact and that the crack did not jeopradize the barrel. If the fills up with water it wont be cool.
2 - Since you dont know the size, it would be quite tough for us to give you advice on band size or spear size, the best thing would be to either ask your friend or take it to a local dive shop so that they could help you out. I would start with a basic setup of 16mm (thickness) rubber bands and 6,5 mm (thickness) spear, but you will have to refer to your shop for length
I started out with a gun that looks like that, and i think if you ask around, most people in this forum wil have done the same, it is the one gun that is always remembered as the "first gun" so enjoy it and enjoy spearfishing
Cheers

 

[spaghetti]

Quote: Handle has a crack where shaft meets handle, but still usable.[/[/COLOR

Should watch it closer, but this doesn't sound good. You must be sure that it can endure the pull of the rubbers (I'd say about a 70 kilograms traction) without accidental release, otherwise it's dangerous above all. If it's just a superficial scratch, try it and have fun following Marwan's good advice.l

For anything else, I dont know this model (not italian made), but it looks quite old-fashioned. Don't get me wrong: there are old fashioned guns still catching lots of fish and shooting great, but I'm sure you'll find cheap, new and reliable spearguns on e-bay as a better choice.
B. safe

 

[harbour seal]

marwan and spaghetti,

thanks for the excellent advice.

i am going to have a look at the gun in the next couple of days and let you know how it goes.

if i buy it i will more than likely need some advice on getting it hunting ready.

thanks again to both of you.

sean
vancouver, canada

 

[meza]

Hello

Contact Cochran Undersea Tecnology, they sell parts for the old French Arbalete Champion they might sell parts for your old Espadon Diver's speargun since it is also French and they are

techsupport@divecochran.com