Unraveling the Web of the Airgun

by Larry Weishuhn

We had just finished a fabulous meal of wild pork and were kicking back a bit before heading out for late afternoon hog hunt.

“Care to shoot my Seneca Dragon Claw?” queried Luke Clayton. “It shoots an arrow, actually called a bolt, just like when shooting a crossbow.  Think you might find it interesting.  I remember you once told me you would consider shooting an arrow if it came out of a gun barrel.” Continued Luke with a smile.  “Know you like your Rugers shooting Hornady ammo. But maybe you could try to shoot a hog with a Dragon Claw.  Would be different, especially for you….”  Now I smiled.

At the time, we were on Luke’s and our mutual friend, Jeff Rice’s place, Buck & Bass Ranch in northeast Texas. I was actually there to hunt hogs, catch a fish and record a podcast for my “DSC’s Untamed Heritage” as well as be filmed for several segments of “A Sportsman’s Life” a weekly YouTube series Jeff and Luke started a year ago.  During one of our hunts Jeff and Luke suggested I become a regular on their series, doing hunting, shooting, wildlife management tips, and occasionally assist in an episode.  I was honored, and have indeed joined my two friends in their endeavor.

My first shot from the Seneca Dragon Claw centered the bullseye at 20 yards, passed through two bow targets and ended up ten feet beyond the target.  I was impressed to say the least.

In the following days Luke put me in touch with Val Gamerman with Pyramyd Air.  A few days later I had my own Dragon Claw along with several air bolts and a compressor to make certain I had sufficient “air power” to shoot and hunt with the .50 caliber air gun that shoots both bullets and bolts.  Because of the uniqueness of the gun, I decided to only shoot and hunt with air bolts.  While the Dragon Claw is not legal to use during the archery season in Texas, it is legal to use during the regular rifle season. (To learn the various rules and regulations regarding hunting with air guns in your State please go to www.pyramydair.com) 

I charged the Dragon Claw with air well into the “green portion” of the gauge, located on the underside of the gun’s forend.  For the first shot, I decided to use field tip air bolt. Shooting a broadhead-tipped bolt could come later. From a solid rest, I pulled the trigger.  My first shot hit the target an inch to the right of dead center.  I made an appropriate adjustment and loaded a second bolt, twisting it as I pushed it into the barrel.  My second shot cut the “X” in the center.  I was “primed” and ready!