Yea for that Lewis and Clark air rifle. Not the BB gun I grew up with, for sure. But I understand that it took someone pumping all evening to have it ready to demonstrate to the tribes the next day.
Reservoir charging may have been tedious but look at the advantages.
1 no powder to worry about keeping dry or running out of. Ditto flint.
2 no explosive flash in you face with its risk.
3 no smoke cloud to show your location
4 quicker cycle time between shots
5 quiet
I can see the advantages of this weapon for exploration and other uses. The long charging on the air chamber is a big negative for general military use. Likely expense as well at the time.
http://www.amazon.com/Crosman-M4-177-Pne...
A more accurate single shot version:
http://www.amazon.com/Gamo-Whisper-Silen...
And more like the caliber Lewis and Clark used:
http://www.amazon.com/Benjamin-BPBD3S-Bu...
Reservoir charging may have been tedious but look at the advantages.
1 no powder to worry about keeping dry or running out of. Ditto flint.
2 no explosive flash in you face with its risk.
3 no smoke cloud to show your location
4 quicker cycle time between shots
5 quiet
I can see the advantages of this weapon for exploration and other uses. The long charging on the air chamber is a big negative for general military use. Likely expense as well at the time.