What kind of spear gun is this?

[DMahnken2]

My friend just bought a used speargun. Actually its more of a sling. I'm trying to gather info on how to use it. There is a plastic handle with a hole through it in which the pole/spear slides. Attached to the handle is the band with a plastic"cap" that fits over the back end of the pole/spear. It looks like you slide the handle forward on the pole/spear therefore stretching the band. When you release your grip on the pole/spear, it shoots forward leaving you with just the handle, attached band, and cap. My question is this (and I hope I'm not just being retarded): How do you "cock" the spear and hold it while you aim, since there is no "trigger or catch " to hold it cocked? The band is strong enough to make it impossible to hold it cocked with one hand.
Any help is appreciated,
David

 

[DA Aquamaster]

It sounds like what used to be called (and probably still is called) a Hawaiian sling.

I made one when I was a kid using a lenght of bamboo for the handle. With a lighter band the spear can be held "cocked" with the thumb and forefinger but is very much a short range proposition with the band basically just punching the spear through the fish from point blank range.

With a heavier band, it is very much a two handed affair but is still pretty short ranged, although you can use a fairly long spear relative to other speargun types of similar power.

 

[ReefGuy]

Yup, sounds like an Hawaiian sling. If you try it out, be sure to look up your local laws. I think that they're illegal in Florida.